Housing Program Specialist
SYMBA CENTER·Victorville, California
SYMBA CENTER·Victorville, California
The Housing Program Specialist provides direct services and case management to homeless and housing-insecure individuals to facilitate short-term and long-term housing placement. This includes overseeing shared housing operations, developing individualized treatment plans, and ensuring compliance with programmatic standards.
Conduct housing assessments and determine student eligibility for various housing interventions (Emergency Shelter, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, College Rental Subsidy). Guide clients through intake, move-in, and program participation processes. Educate students on lease agreements, rights/responsibilities, and housing rules. Assist students transitioning into permanent housing models (e.g., trailers, apartments). Develop treatment plans with each student based on individual assessed needs, goals and strengths. Provide In-Home or Independent Living Supportive Services, including but not limited to: Clean and safe environment support Meal preparation assistance General supervision Community integration and conflict resolution Skill development for independence Monitor and document progress toward life goals to ensure effective case practice and student success. Support students in accessing services such as healthcare, mental health, employment, and low-income housing. Oversee shared housing facilities used for temporary student placement. Implement structured intake and move-in procedures, including facility tours and execution of agreements (Case Management service expectations, informed consents, House Rules, Housing Rights & Responsibilities, Shared Living agreements). Develop and Maintain Emergency Operations Plans for each housing site, including evacuation and disaster protocols. Ensure facility safety by assisting in securing property enhancements like: Security systems, surveillance cameras Smoke/CO2 detectors Fire extinguishers and other hazard controls Maintain open, responsive communication with students and wrapround team to ensure a supportive living environment. Participate in weekly multi-agency meetings to review admissions, student progress, and program updates. Provide the stakeholders with: Emergency Operations Plans House rules Monthly reports summarizing program status, participant data, use of funds, and successes Prepare Exit Solutions Plans for students ready to transition to independent living or other supportive housing models. Assist the client(s) in creating a Sustainability Plan to continue services post-contract. Maintain detailed records, reports, and documentation to meet funding requirements. Respond to material community concerns and notify the stakeholder within one business day of serious complaints. Immediately report critical incidents involving students to the stakeholder. Negotiate leases and shared living agreements directly with property owners on behalf of students (the stakeholder is not a party to lease agreements). Implement rapid removal and alternate placement procedures for students who violate housing rules. Prior to contract termination, coordinate with the stakeholder to allow property access for inventory of stakeholder-owned equipment/furnishings. Must possess a reliable means of transportation and be willing to use a personal vehicle for work-related travel, with mileage reimbursement provided in accordance with organizational policy. QualificationsEducation & Experience: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Behavioral Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). 3+ years of experience in case management OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Social Work, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Behavioral Sciences. Demonstrated experience with transitional age youth, shared housing, or school-linked services. Familiarity with Coordinated Entry System (CES), housing-first principles, and trauma-informed care. Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license. Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred. Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred. Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment. Must successfully pass a background check. Knowledge & Skills: Housing Systems & Resources Strong understanding of housing interventions (e.g., Emergency Shelter, Rapid Re-Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing). Familiarity with San Bernardino County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) and local housing landscape. Knowledge of tenant rights, fair housing laws, lease agreements, and housing-first principles. Youth Development & Education Systems Understanding of transitional-age youth (TAY) needs, particularly for students experiencing homelessness. Experience working with school stakeholders and educational partners to support youth enrollment and stability. Add components for individuals and / or families with complex needs in community systems for sustainable housing solutions. Case Management Best Practices Knowledge of psychosocial assessments, goal setting, life planning, and client-centered service delivery. Experience implementing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based approaches. Compliance & Documentation Familiarity with data tracking systems such as HMIS, documentation standards for public contracts, and confidentiality rules (e.g., HIPAA). Understanding of reporting requirements for public agencies, including monthly reporting, incident tracking, and funding documentation. Crisis Management & Safety Ability to navigate housing facility safety needs, including equipment like smoke detectors, security cameras, and emergency exits. Knowledge of individual safety planning, including risk assessment and protective strategies for vulnerable youth in shared or independent housing settings. Familiarity with emergency response protocols, incident reporting, and de-escalation techniques. Ability to develop and implement Emergency Operations Plans for residential facilities, including fire drills, evacuation plans, and disaster procedures. Interpersonal & Communication Ability to build rapport with youth and communicate clearly with stakeholder partners, landlords, and interdisciplinary teams. Skilled in de-escalation, empathy, and engaging high-needs clients respectfully and effectively. Organizational & Time Management Strong ability to manage multiple caseloads, housing sites, student needs, and reporting requirements simultaneously. Able to prioritize urgent needs (e.g., placement, incident response) while maintaining long-term program goals. Problem-Solving & Flexibility Creative, solution-oriented thinking for housing placement challenges and student barriers. Comfortable adapting to evolving needs and supporting clients in crisis. Technical & Reporting Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, HMIS, and case management software. Skilled in writing clear, timely reports, tracking outcomes, and ensuring accurate program data. Field & Facility Oversight Comfortable working in homes, shelters, and field settings. Ability to inspect, coordinate, and maintain safe and supportive shared living environments. Professional Requirements: Uphold all of SYMBA’s core values. Adhere to dress code standards; maintain a neat and clean appearance with appropriate personal hygiene and grooming. Ensure confidentiality at all times and comply with HIPAA regulations; never inappropriately access or discuss client information. Arrive at work on time and as scheduled; complete tasks within designated time frames. Wear identification while on campus. Attend all required training sessions and meetings. Accurately clock in and out for all shifts. Represent the organization positively and professionally within the community. Comply with all organizational policies related to ethical business practices. Additional Requirements: This position requires active participation in program development as a key component of our mission. Employees will collaborate with team members to design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet the needs of our clients and the community. This includes conducting research, gathering feedback, and contributing innovative ideas to enhance our offerings. A commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to program enhancement are essential for success in this role. Customer Service, Attitude, & Language Skills: Deliver compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive care to all clients. Foster a welcoming and supportive environment through a professional and friendly demeanor. Communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure client understanding. Ensure clients fully understand their treatment plans. Address client concerns with empathy and attentiveness. Adapt communication styles to accommodate diverse cultural and linguistic needs. Respect cultural differences during interactions with clients. Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrating patience and resilience in stressful situations. Collaborate effectively with clients and peers. Practice active listening to ensure clients feel heard and their needs addressed. Use bilingual or multilingual skills to assist non-English-speaking clients as needed. Safeguard client confidentiality and privacy with professionalism and integrity. Confidential Information & HIPAA: As a healthcare organization, Symba Center is bound by stringent confidentiality laws, including HIPAA. All employees are required to adhere to both HIPAA regulations and Symba Center’s specific HIPAA compliance policies. Environment & Working Conditions: This role is primarily based in an office setting but requires frequent travel to perform errands, visit other locations, and attend meetings and events within the community and across various cities. In the office, the employee will work in a standard professional environment with adequate lighting, seating, and ventilation, typically involving extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. Outside of the office, the employee may encounter diverse settings, including off-site locations, event venues, and partner organizations. The role demands flexibility, as the employee will regularly travel by car and occasionally work outside typical office hours to fulfill responsibilities at various locations.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Leaves of Absence 12 Paid Holidays
Requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field, along with 3+ years of case management experience. Candidates must possess a valid CA driver's license and be proficient in trauma-informed care and housing-first principles.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.