Housing Support Mentor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Why Volunteers of America?
VOAC recognizes the unique needs of the older adult who needs a wheelchair ramp to stay at home safely, and the preschooler whose family needs additional resources. VOAC supports veteran's efforts to exit homelessness as well as provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence. Wherever VOAC goes, it combines relationship-building, volunteers and quality services to lift and support our neighbor's efforts to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.
**The Housing Case Manager provides direct services and housing support to individuals residing in the Lakewood Navigation Center, a 103-bed congregate shelter serving both men and women. This role applies best practices including Housing Focused, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis De-escalation, and Critical Time Intervention
Key responsibilities include:
• Service Delivery: Conduct needs-based assessments, determine program eligibility, and provide individualized case management to support shelter stability and housing goals.
• Housing Support: Assist participants in securing and maintaining housing, including determining rental amounts, recruiting, and mediating with landlords, and connecting guests to income and public benefits.
• Community Engagement: Participate in outreach, collaborate with service providers and multidisciplinary teams, and attend relevant meetings and training.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain thorough records in multiple databases as required by funders and the organization. Ensure staff and participants have access to community referrals.
• Program Development: May develop specialized services based on participant needs and is expected to apply current best practices in service delivery.
Professional Standards: Use a personal vehicle for fieldwork, maintain consistent attendance, and uphold the Social Work Code of Ethics. Approximately 90% of participants are expected to engage in case management services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Participant Engagement: Conduct needs-based assessments, facilitate intakes and housing orientations, and ensure consistent engagement in case management services.
• Housing Support: Assist participants in securing and maintaining housing, including collecting required documentation, completing rental applications, interpreting leases, and educating tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Service Coordination: Collaborate with community providers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver tailored support services. Coordinate emergency housing and relocation as needed.
• Program Implementation: Develop and monitor quality housing-focused services that promote stability and support participants with substantial barriers to housing.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records in Service Point and HMIS, including eligibility, demographics, chronic homelessness, and disability documentation. Ensure timely data entry and reporting per grant requirements.
• Community Engagement: Participate in outreach efforts and maintain relationships with external agencies. Administer Coordinated Entry Standard Assessments and ensure participant enrollment in ONEHOME.
• Professional Standards: Attend training, meetings, and workshops. Provide mentorship and training on best practices. Maintain confidentiality and uphold the Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Safety & Crisis Response: Promote physical and emotional safety within the facility. Address guest conflicts, de-escalate crises, and engage emergency personnel when necessary.
• Performs job responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.
Performs all other duties as assigned
Anticipated Outcomes
• Ensure the occupancy rate at shelters remains at 90% or higher.
• Ensures that 30% of all households who exit, do so into a stable or permanent housing solution, and that 50% of these households engage in rehousing services.
• Facilities always remain "tour ready" including all safety concerns addressed within 48 hours.
• Ensure all other outcomes are met as required by the funding source and Volunteers of America Colorado.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
• Must be able to drive between programs and community meetings.
• May be required to cover shifts at residential programs.
• Ability to quickly and safely go up and down stairs regularly throughout the shift to complete perimeter checks, and quick/effective responses in cases of an emergency.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. a few times per day.
• The employee may be exposed to severe weather conditions and other health related conditions consistent with shelters
• Must be able to auditorily and visually supervise the milieu.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
• Full time 40 hours per week Tuesday through Saturday- 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
8000 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80203
Pay Range: $24.50-25.50 /hourly
Benefit eligibility is based on job type/status
Vacation Time
Separate Sick Time
Paid Holidays
Floating Holidays
Personal Days
Volunteer/Wellness Day
Tuition Assistance
Pension Plan
403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match
Health, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance
Life Insurance
Accident Insurance
Employee Assistance/Work-Life Balance Program
Employee Discount Program
LifeLock with Norton
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Volunteers of America is an EEO Employer
POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED
VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT OFFERED FOR THIS ROLE
Veterans Strongly Encouraged to Apply
Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Employee will perform job according to applied laws. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform this role, please contact HR@VOAColorado.org to begin the Interactive Process.
Requirements
Competencies
• Models core culture attributes of VOAC that include "AIRS" (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).
• Models and VOACO's three critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
• Utilization of various databases including Homeless Management Information System and Service Point.
• Ensures equitable and inclusive services.
• Ensure that resident(s) has an active voice in programming.
Minimum Qualifications of Position
• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or a closely related field or related experience.
• At minimum, one full year of working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Good organizational and planning skills; works well as part of a team.
• Colorado driver's license and state-mandated automobile insurance. Reliable and accessible vehicle to transport guests.
• Complete program credentialing process, including criminal and civil background checks within 30 days of hire and training required by funders and organization.
Preferred Qualifications of Position
• Familiarity with current housing market information, housing trends, and available resources.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental health concerns.
• Crisis intervention skills.
Knowledge and Skills
• Expert written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of competency working with Microsoft Office suite and cloud-based applications.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Experience working independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
Salary Description
24.50-25.50