Housing Program Assistant Jobs in Bellingham, WA

If you are looking for employment with a purpose where you can help improve the daily lives of the members of your community, then consider a career with Pioneer Human Services!

We are currently looking for a Supportive Housing Specialist with a passion for human services. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with an organization focused on a transformative path towards social change, creating pathways for rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption.

Who we are - Our Mission
We empower justice-involved individuals to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

For over 60 years, we have proudly serviced our clients with professionalism and empathy. We are a nationally recognized non-profit with 35+ locations across Washington state that provided a chance for change to over 9,500 individuals in 2024.

At Pioneer, our employees are important. That's why we offer a Total Rewards package that includes compensation and benefits to support employees' health, security, and balance.

Eligible after 30 days of full-time employment (minimum of 30 hours/week):

• Medical
• Flexible spending
• Dental
• Vision

Additional coverage after 60 days:

• Life
• AD&D
• Disability

Other benefits:

• Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending
• Tuition assistance (100% for bachelor's, 50% for graduate programs)
• Retirement plan (3.5% annual compensation contribution, plus 3.5% match for 6% individual contribution)
• Employee recognition programs
• Public transportation discount
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Join Pioneer and be part of a team that values and invests in you.

What you'll do

• Provide coaching, education, support, and skill-building related to individualized housing stability and community integration goals.
• Deliver services using SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices that support the fidelity model for Supportive Housing.
• Operate from a peer-informed, person-centered lens that honors participant choice, voice, and self-determination in all housing decisions.
• Ensure services are strengths-based and trauma-informed, supporting dignity, respect, and empowerment through validation of lived experience.
• Screen individuals for eligibility (e.g., disability, homelessness, income). Complete Housing Needs Assessments.
• Support participants with developing, negotiating, and maintaining leases and housing assistance documents.
• Assist with move-in coordination, ensuring participants have required supplies and resources.
• Provide guidance on independent living skills such as budgeting, organization, time management, and community resource navigation, with attention to building skills that foster stability, mutual respect, and healthy connections within buildings, neighborhoods, and communities.
• Demonstrate and model hope, conveying optimism that stable housing and community integration are achievable.
• Educate and support participants with benefits applications, housing applications, SSI/DSHS documentation, food and transportation resources (e.g., food banks, ORCA/Hopelink), and other referrals.
• Maintain frequent communication with participants through home visits, office visits, phone calls, and outreach for those disengaged from services.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with landlords, addressing issues proactively and supporting both participants and property owners in maintaining stable housing.
• Ensure each participant has a signed agreement and supportive service plan. Participate in goal planning, providing updates on progress and recommendations for discharge when appropriate.
• Engage participants as equal partners in their housing journey, reducing power imbalances and promoting shared decision-making.
• Updates and maintain data collection and reporting systems.
• Document outcomes as they relate to SAMHSA Supportive Housing fidelity and program guidelines and utilize golden thread and medical necessity standards for encounter submissions
• Maintain accurate data systems, records, and reports in compliance with state, federal, and organizational requirements.
• Complete all clinical documentation and paperwork "as soon as practicable' after a service is provided, no later than 24-48 hours
• Develop and maintain an active landlord outreach and engagement tracker to support housing access and build community connections
• Understand and apply principles of public housing practices, landlord/tenant rights, housing policies and regulations, and quality standards for safe, decent housing.
• Complete rental assistance applications and submit eligibility documentation to housing organizations, subsidy programs, and other assistance providers.
• Verify continued eligibility and residential status; promptly report changes to internal UM/Admin and internal/external housing assistance programs
• Meet productivity standards as determined by program leadership.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams to prepare individuals for community placement and ensure wraparound support.
• Act as a liaison between Pioneer Human Services and community housing programs, including but not limited to Coordinated Entry providers and local housing authorities
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with landlords, housing authorities, behavioral health providers, and community agencies to expand housing options access to care
• Provide education to community partners about Supportive Housing practices and participant rights.
• Interpret and explain housing policies, rules, and regulations as needed.
• Write clear, professional, concise reports and correspondence.
• Promote and model teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect with coworkers, participants, and community partners.
• Engage with participants and community partners using a person-centered, strengths-based approach that reduces stigma and power imbalances.
• Work with QA to ensure program is meeting Medicaid and/or SAMHSA Fidelity standards.
• Monitor housing service delivery for adherence to person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices.
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards in all aspects of service delivery.
• Ensure all required credentials are in good standing and up to date with WA Department of Health
• Attend staff meetings and actively participate in planning, coordination, and delivery of quality services.
• Attend required trainings as assigned by department leadership and participate as a collaborative team member.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings.
• Obtain CPR & First Aid certification within 90 days of hire (or as soon as possible) and maintain throughout employment.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities as budget allows, with a goal of at least two trainings or conferences per year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring

(Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, and Experience)

• AA degree in any related field (Human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.)
• 2 years' experience working with individuals who experience behavioral health challenges
• Must obtain and maintain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential (Must apply within 7 days of employment.
• Possess or be able to pursue/obtain Certified Peer Counselor Credential through WA DOH under 18.19 RCW. within 30 days of employment
• May occasionally need to transport clients to appointments. Must have valid driver's license, ability to meet the requirements of a Company Approved Driver including minimum personal vehicle insurance if driving a personal vehicle on Company business and acceptable driving record.

Preferably you'll bring

• BA/BS Degree in any related field (Human services, business administration, social work, public health, criminal justice, etc.)

• Experience with state substance use residential treatment facility services.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultures.

EEO

Pioneer human services is an equal opportunity employer of minorities/women/individuals with disabilities/protected veterans and does not unlawfully discriminate under federal, state, or local laws.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. EEOC is the Law/EEO Policy Statement

Pioneer Human Services is a Drug-Free Company

Pioneer Human Services is a drug free company. This position has been deemed safety sensitive under RCW 49.44.240(3) and is subject to both pre-employment drug testing and drug testing during employment, to include testing for marijuana.