DV Housing Assessment Specialist (GOW Region)
9 days ago
Buffalo
Job Description Position Summary: The Assessment Specialist plays a vital role in helping survivors of domestic violence and their families find safety and stability through housing. Serving as a key connection point in the Coordinated Entry system, this position ensures that individuals experiencing homelessness are assessed with care, referred to the right resources, and prioritized for housing opportunities in the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming (GOW) region. The role blends compassionate, survivor-centered support with strong collaboration across service providers, accurate documentation, and compliance with federal Housing and Urban Development guidelines—ultimately making housing access more equitable and responsive to those most in need. Major Responsibilities/Activities: • Assess clients to ensure that they meet requirements for enrollment in domestic violence-specific housing services and referral to coordinated entry, including verification of domestic violence history and verification of Category 1 or 4 Homelessness, as defined by HUD;, • Complete required housing and domestic violence assessment tools with qualified clients;, • Provide emergency safety planning and referrals for clients to community services and resources to meet identified urgent needs, as needed;, • Manage and maintain the Domestic Violence Coordinated Entry list for Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming Counties (GOW Region), • Maintain communication with agencies in the COC for the purpose of referral completion and follow-up;, • Work closely with DV agencies in the GOW region to provide education regarding the coordinated entry process and to best coordinate services. This includes conducting assessments out of locations such as the YWCA of Genesee County and any other relevant locations in the GOW region., • Conduct community outreach to further educate regarding services available to survivors of domestic violence. Including but not limited to, tabling events, community presentations, relationship building with local businesses and organizations, etc:, • Provide short term domestic violence counseling to survivors focused on education regarding domestic violence, to discuss options and resources, and safety planning., • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files, statistics, case notes, and summary reports as required, including reports for funding sources as needed;, • Attend Haven House staff meetings, HAWNY meetings, DV collaboration meetings, trainings, and regularly scheduled supervision;, • Participate in program audits and site visits, as needed;, • Provide occasional coverage in the shelter, if needed;, • Engage in staff development to ensure continued professional growth;, • Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions;, • Promote the empowerment of individuals as defined by the social work profession and domestic violence services best practices, adhering to the principles of non-violence and independent decision making;, • Participate and contribute to program quality improvement process;, • Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or equivalent education and experience;, • Professional housing services experience preferred;, • Professional domestic violence experience preferred;, • Familiarity with the GOW region preferred;, • Bi-lingual skills (Spanish-English) preferred;, • Travel to community locations in the GOW region for work purposes, including client meetings, will be required; CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment. • Employer Paid Life Insurance, • Medical, Two Plan Options, • Dental, Two Plan Options, • Vision Insurance, • Wellness Program and Incentives, • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions, • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), • Dependent Care FSA, • Employee Referral Bonus, • Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.