Careers

Make a meaningful difference where it matters most.

At Elm & Oak Health, we're committed to supporting vulnerable communities through compassionate, person-centered care. We are currently seeking a Housing Specialist to join our team in the Chemung and Steuben area, with a dedicated focus on individuals experiencing homelessness.

For over 50 years, Elm & Oak Health, a not-for-profit health care services organization, has been focused on improving the health status of individuals and families who are recipients of government sponsored health insurance. Elm & Oak is the largest Care Management Agencies serving 28 counties and over 3000 members with an outstanding reputation for excellence throughout our service area!

We’ve earned that reputation by providing quality care management focused on compassion, empowerment, and teamwork. Our award-winning work culture is built on these same principles! When you join our team, you can expect to reap the intrinsic rewards of serving others while enjoying flexible work arrangements, competitive pay, superior benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture!

Candidate must be willing to travel throughout Chemung & Steuben County on a regular basis.

Grade 206: This is a full time position, working from home, but does require significant travel throughout Chemung & Steuben County. 
The minimum and maximum annual salary that Elm & Oak believes in good faith to be accurate for this position at the time of this posting are $39,123 - $47,817. In addition to your salary, Elm & Oak offers a comprehensive benefits package (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements) and non-monetary perks. The company is fully committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local pay equity laws.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Specialist assists eligible unhoused individuals by connecting them with housing opportunities, conducting intake, building individualized care plans, monitoring housing needs, and providing ongoing supportive services in coordination with the individual’s other providers. All services are recovery-focused, trauma-responsive, and person-centered. The Housing Specialist will co-manage an assigned Housing First caseload of approximately 20 participants across two counties, with caseload distribution based on program needs.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/FUNCTIONS

% of Time	Essential Function
40%	Intake *Manages the full intake process for prospective program participants, including: *Identify and assist applicants in gathering required documentation for housing applications, including income verification to determine stipend eligibility *Guide individuals through the lease application, signing process, and tenant rights and responsibilities *Support move-in planning and execution *Conduct initial assessment of each individual’s support needs; develop a corresponding care plan in partnership with the participant *Communicate intake findings and care plan to the individual’s Care Manager and relevant service providers.
30%	Coordination and Management of Care *Provides ongoing care management and service coordination to support housing stability, including: *Maintain an active case file for each participating resident; enter case notes into documentation platform as services are provided *Conduct regular re-assessments (including home inspections) to evaluate care plan success and adjust supports as needed *Assess and support activities of daily living (ADL) as indicated in the care plan *Serve as liaison between the resident and landlord, caregivers, service providers, family, and staff; assist the individual in establishing informal support networks *Assist residents in accessing wrap-around services, including SSI, SSD, DSS/Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8, and other benefits that support independence *Research and obtain best-value services to maximize individualized supports for residents *Become familiar with lease provisions and property rules; report violations to the management agent as necessary *Operate within all applicable Elm & Oak Health and OMH policies and procedures *Maintain active partnership with property management agencies; discuss program coordination with Elm & Oak supervision regularly
30%	Advocacy *Advocates for participant rights and expanded access to housing and community resources including: *Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and community service providers *Create and maintain resource lists for consumer and community assistance; connect participants to appropriate services *Empower participants to set and pursue their own goals for independence and long-term housing stability, supporting the right to self-determination, informed risk-taking, and personal choice *Apply principles of trauma-informed care and person-centered planning in all interactions *Collaborate with community stakeholders to address unmet participant needs

Total must equal 100% - essential functions should be completed at least 10% of the time

 

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

*Performs other duties as assigned.
*Attend and participate in team meetings and supervisory sessions.

 

POSITION LIMITATIONS

*Cannot perform any tasks which are governed by license or registration (i.e. cannot answer questions or make recommendations RE diagnosis, medications or treatment).
*Cannot transport active Elm & Oak Health members at any time.
*Cannot perform hands on care.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

*Bachelor’s degree in social work, gerontology, human services, or a related social science field, plus 2-5 years of experience as a service coordinator or case manager; OR Associate’s degree in human services or social work, plus 8 years of applicable experience; OR A documented combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.
*Knowledge of community resources available in Chemung and Steuben counties.
*Comprehensive knowledge of OMH programs and guidelines.
*Valid, unrestricted NYS driver’s license required; this position requires regular travel throughout Steuben and Chemung Counties to conduct home visits and other community-based appointments. Candidate must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.
*This is a field-based position, combining remote/home-office work with regular community-based service delivery, including home visits. Candidates must be comfortable working independently in varied settings (client homes, community locations, and remote/home office) and able to adapt their schedule to meet client and program needs.
*Experience networking and building rapport with unhoused individuals and those with mental health diagnoses, preferably in a service-arrangement capacity.
*Demonstrates ability to respect individual/family diversity and maintain confidentiality.
*Demonstrates ability to work as a team member.
*Knowledge of and ability to work collaboratively with providers and county/community health and human services.
*Ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills both oral and written as well as strong interpersonal skills.
*Proven ability to work independently and to manage time appropriately.
*Strong organizational skills.
*Computer literate.  Must be able to pass computer documentation competency testing for all software platforms used within the program. 
*Passion, integrity, and a mission-driven, self-directed work ethic.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

*Experience in the independent living and/or disability movement.
*Strong report writing, marketing, and public relations skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and cultures.
*Proven record of strong professional judgment and independent accountability.

 

PHI MINIMUM NECESSARY USE: This staff position PHI access will be determined based on Minimum Necessary standards. The Minimum Necessary Grid can be found on the Human Resources and Compliance Web pages.

 

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. Additional responsibilities, tasks and duties may be assigned as necessary.

Elm & Oak Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer