SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST - HOUSING SUPPORT SERVICES

Overview

FLSA: NON-EXEMPT This position exists to help individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability secure and sustain safe, stable housing through intensive, person-centered housing navigation and tenancy support services. The Social Service Specialist works directly with participants to reduce barriers to housing, identify and secure appropriate units, and provide ongoing support to maintain housing stability.

This role delivers services consistent with the 1915(i) Medicaid Housing Support Services benefit, including housing transition and housing sustaining services. Responsibilities include completing assessments, developing person-centered housing plans, delivering billable services aligned with Medicaid definitions, and maintaining compliant, timely documentation.

The position provides hands-on housing navigation, case management, and coordination for individuals who may also experience mental health concerns, substance use challenges, or barriers related to daily living skills. Success in this role is measured by tangible housing outcomes, including placement into housing, reduced returns to homelessness, and sustained tenancy.

This role is highly collaborative, requiring coordination across La Crosse County Human Services, landlords, property managers, community providers, and homelessness response system partners.

There is a strong preference for candidates who bring lived experience to the role.

Essential Leadership Functions
Act with Integrity and Build Trust

Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions.
Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints.
Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives.

Drive for Results

Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes.
Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results.
Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring.

Develop Talent and Effective Teams

Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth.
Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential.
Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team.

Lead with Vision and Strategy

Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals.
Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives.
Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully.

Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking

Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives.
Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment.
Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others.

Build and Maintain Effective Relationships

Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization.
Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking.
Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service

Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community.
Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes.
Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization.

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations.
Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks.
Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others.

Essential Job Functions

Housing Navigation & Placement

Conducts comprehensive intakes and housing-focused assessments to identify barriers to obtaining housing.

Develops and implements person-centered housing plans with clear, measurable housing goals.

Actively supports participants in locating, applying for, and securing housing, including:

Conducting housing searches aligned with participant needs, preferences, and affordability
Assisting with housing applications, documentation, and eligibility requirements
Coordinating transportation and logistics for housing viewings

Engages and builds relationships with landlords and property managers to identify housing opportunities and advocate for participants.

Problem solves barriers such as poor credit, eviction history, legal issues, or lack of documentation to improve housing access.

Delivers Housing Transition Services as defined under 1915(i), including:

Supporting participants in preparing for tenancy
Assisting with lease understanding and tenant rights/responsibilities
Coordinating move-in logistics and essential resources

Housing Stabilization & Retention

Provides ongoing Housing Sustaining Services to support long-term tenancy, including:

Teaching and reinforcing tenancy skills (communication with landlords, paying rent, maintaining unit)
Early identification and intervention in potential lease violations or conflicts
Mediating disputes between tenants and landlords when appropriate
Proactively prevents eviction and returns to homelessness through problem-solving, resource coordination, and crisis response.

Supportive Case Management

Provides individualized support related to recovery, wellness, and independent living, including:

Budgeting and financial management
Transportation planning
Connection to medical, mental health, and substance use services
Rebuilding natural supports and community connections
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated and holistic care.

Participant Engagement & Empowerment

Builds trusting, respectful relationships that promote engagement and housing success.

Promotes self-determination and participant choice in all aspects of housing and service planning.

Applies trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices in all interactions.

Inspires hope and reinforces progress toward stability and independence.

System Coordination & Community Collaboration

Actively participates in the homelessness response system, including Pathways Conferencing and coordinated entry processes.

Coordinates with internal departments and external providers to streamline access to housing and services.

Contributes to system improvement efforts aimed at achieving functional zero homelessness.

Documentation & Compliance

Completes accurate, timely, and compliant documentation aligned with 1915(i) Medicaid service definitions, and La Crosse County standards including:

Service notes that clearly reflect billable activities and housing-related outcomes
Person-centered service plans and updates
Progress toward housing goals and stability indicators
Maintain compliance with all Medicaid, county, and program requirements.
Protect confidentiality and adhere to La Crosse County Standards of Conduct (Administrative Code 3.08).

Related Job Duties

Maintains ongoing training to stay current with policies, regulations, and best practices in housing and Medicaid services.

Provides courteous, respectful service to the public and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues and community partners.

Physical demands: This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for periods of time for documentation and administrative tasks, as well as the ability to frequently travel throughout the community and navigate a variety of housing environments. The role involves occasional lifting or moving of items up to 20 pounds and frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walking during home visits and housing-related activities. Clear and effective communication in person, by phone, and through technology is essential, along with the ability to observe living environments for safety or tenancy concerns. Employees may encounter strong odors, allergens, pets, or varying levels of cleanliness and must maintain professional composure when supporting individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress or crisis.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong ability to navigate rental markets, housing systems, and subsidy programs.
Skill in landlord engagement, negotiation, and housing advocacy.
Ability to identify and resolve tenancy issues, including conflict mediation and eviction prevention.
Knowledge of 1915(i) Medicaid services, or ability to quickly learn service definitions and documentation standards.
Experience with person-centered planning and trauma-informed care.
Strong problem-solving skills, especially related to housing barriers.
Ability to coordinate across complex systems (housing, healthcare, social services).
Familiarity with local housing, homelessness, and recovery-oriented resources.
Knowledge of functional zero homelessness and the Pathways Home plan.
Strong organizational, documentation, and computer skills.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements
High school diploma or GED required.
Associate’s degree in human services or related field, or Peer Support Specialist certification, preferred.
Preferred experience in housing navigation, homelessness outreach, or supportive housing services.
At least one year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, mental health conditions, and/or substance use challenges preferred.
Strong preference for candidates with lived experience relevant to the population served.
Demonstrated ability to manage detailed documentation and follow-through.
Must be patient, adaptable, and able to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in dynamic environments.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with ability to travel throughout city and rural areas and occasionally transport clients.
Work schedule is typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with flexibility for evenings or weekends as needed.