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5 th Annual Housing Institute June 11 - 12, 2012

Learn about the history and importance of the Housing Specialist position in mental health recovery. Discover the duties and responsibilities of a Housing Specialist, including assisting consumers in locating and obtaining safe and affordable housing. Gain insights on maintaining housing, participating as a mental health team member, and developing housing resources in the community.

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5 th Annual Housing Institute June 11 - 12, 2012

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  1. 5th Annual Housing InstituteJune 11 - 12, 2012

  2. Role, Duties and Responsibilities of the Housing Specialist Maria Funk, Ph.D., District Chief Los Angeles County – Department of Mental Health Countywide Housing, Employment and Education Resource Development mfunk@dmh.lacounty.gov (213) 251-6582

  3. History of Housing Specialist Position • Lessons learned from the AB 2034 and FSP Programs • Housing Services are an essential treatment component • Safe affordable housing is key to recovery

  4. SAMHSA Announces New Definition of Recovery • A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. • Four major dimensions that support a life in Recovery: • Health • Home: A stable and safe place to live • Purpose • Community

  5. Role of theHousing Specialist • Countywide Housing Specialists • Receives Referrals from DMH Clinics in the Service Area • Housing Coordinators for Agency • Receives Referrals from Agency Case Managers • Treatment Team Member Specializing in Housing • Full Service Partnerships

  6. Role of theHousing Specialist General Categories of Duties: • Assists consumers with locating and obtaining housing • Assists consumers with maintaining housing • Participates as mental health team member • Develops housing resources in the community

  7. Assists Consumers with Locating and Obtaining Housing • Conducts Housing Assessment • Housing History • Financial Situation • Transportation • Criminal Convictions • Independent Living Supports/Assistance Needed

  8. Assists Consumers with Locating and Obtaining Housing (cont.) • Works with Consumer to Develop Housing Plan • Short Term vs. Long Term Goals • Identifies Funding Sources and Resources • Identification of Barriers • Assists in resolving legal history barriers (e.g. warrants, expungement)

  9. Assists Consumers with Locating and Obtaining Housing (cont.) • Gathers required documents such as identification, social security card, bank statements • Accompanies/transports the consumer to all necessary related appointments as requested • Educates consumers about available housing resources and assistance in the community • Determines and certifies eligibility for federal, state and locally funded housing programs by verifying income, assets and other financial data

  10. Assists Consumers with Locating and Obtaining Housing (cont.) • Assists with compiling and assessing eligibility information in compliance with housing regulations • Provides referrals to appropriate housing resources • Assists with completion of applications for rental subsidies such as Homeless Section 8 and Shelter Plus Care or the Housing Assistance Program • Assists with preparing for interviews with Housing Authority, managers and property owners (e.g. mock interviews)

  11. Assists Consumers with Locating and Obtaining Housing (cont.) • Assists in the housing search process • Educates individuals about tenant rights and responsibilities • Advocates and negotiates for clients with poor credit and poor housing histories (i.e. evictions or lack of housing tenancy) • Assists with move in

  12. Assists Consumers with Maintaining Housing • Ensures consumer is connected to on-going mental health supports • Advocates for clients with landlords • Averts possible evictions by addressing any concerns by the property owners and managers • Liaison between landlord and consumer and mental health team

  13. Participates as Mental Health Team Member • Provides information, training and technical assistance to team members regarding the housing resources in the community • Accepts housing assistance referrals from team • Works with team to obtain information for housing applications such as documentation of disability

  14. Participates as Mental Health Team Member • Informs team of consumer progress in meeting housing goals • Informs team of any observed or landlord/manager reported difficulties consumer is experiencing in the housing including: • the need for additional supports • crisis intervention • medication evaluation

  15. Develops Resources in the Community • Conducts outreach to property owners and managers to: • Develop potential housing resources • Provide education about mental illness to reduce any associated stigma • Increase the availability of housing opportunities in the fair market

  16. Develops Resources in the Community • Researches housing resources and develops community specific housing resource directory • Liaison to Countywide Housing, Employment and Education Resource Development (CHEERD) • Represents agency/program at Service Area and countywide housing related meetings

  17. Housing Specialist Presenters • Gillian Hibbert, San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc. • Curley Holden, Exodus Recovery • Carol Phillips, Department of Mental Health, Service Area 4 Administration

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