Housing Specialist

At Horizon House, we believe stable housing is the foundation for recovery, wellness, and independence. We are seeking a compassionate, resourceful, and motivated Housing Specialist to join our Intensive Care Case Management (ICCM) team in Philadelphia. 

In this rewarding role, you will help individuals experiencing behavioral health, substance use, and housing challenges secure safe, affordable housing while developing the skills and supports needed to maintain long-term stability. You will serve as an advocate, problem-solver, and trusted partner, empowering participants to achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life. If you're passionate about housing advocacy, community engagement, and making a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you. 

Why Join Horizon House? 

• Make a direct impact on reducing housing instability and homelessness 

• Help individuals build sustainable, independent lives in the community 

• Work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary behavioral health team 

• Develop expertise in housing navigation, behavioral health, and community resource coordination 

• Enjoy opportunities for career advancement and professional growth 

• Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to recovery, empowerment, and community inclusion 

Position Overview 

As a Housing Specialist, you will assist participants in locating, securing, and maintaining safe and affordable housing while addressing the personal, social, and behavioral health factors that impact successful community living. Through intensive case management, advocacy, and housing support services, you will help participants overcome barriers and achieve long-term housing stability. This position combines housing coordination, case management, participant advocacy, community outreach, and recovery-oriented support within a dynamic team environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Housing Navigation & Stability 

• Assist participants in identifying, applying for, securing, and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable housing. 

• Research and identify housing opportunities that align with participant needs, preferences, and financial resources. 

• Support apartment searches, roommate matching, landlord negotiations, lease education, and move-in planning. 

• Assist participants with obtaining household necessities, furnishings, utilities, and other resources needed for successful independent living. 

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive directory of housing and community resources. 

Case Management & Participant Support 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify participant strengths, needs, goals, and barriers to housing stability. 

• Collaborate with participants to develop individualized recovery and housing plans. 

• Monitor participant progress and adjust support strategies as needed. 

• Support activities of daily living (ADLs), including budgeting, household management, appointment coordination, and routine development. 

• Help participants build self-sufficiency skills that promote long-term independence. 

Advocacy & Community Collaboration 

• Serve as a liaison between participants, landlords, property managers, housing authorities, healthcare providers, and community agencies. 

• Advocate for participant rights, housing access, and continuity of care. 

• Coordinate referrals and connections to behavioral health, healthcare, employment, financial, and social service resources. 

• Support participants during major life transitions, including hospital discharges, housing moves, and benefit changes. 

Group Facilitation & Recovery Support 

• Facilitate educational groups focused on housing readiness, independent living skills, financial literacy, and community integration. 

• Encourage participants to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation process. 

• Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented approaches that build confidence and self-efficacy. 

Team Collaboration & Documentation 

• Participate in daily team meetings, treatment planning, case consultations, and coordinated service delivery. 

• Integrate housing goals into individualized treatment and recovery plans. 

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the electronic health record (EHR). 

• Ensure all services meet agency, funding source, and regulatory requirements. 

Qualifications Required 

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Services, Healthcare, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field. • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in mental health, substance use, behavioral health, housing services, or related human services settings.

• Strong communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills. 

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. 

• Knowledge of behavioral health systems, community resources, and housing-related supports. 

• Ability to work independently while thriving in a team-oriented environment. 

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. 

Preferred 

• Experience with housing navigation, homelessness services, or supportive housing programs. 

• Familiarity with behavioral health case management and recovery-oriented services. 

• Experience working with individuals facing co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. 

• Knowledge of electronic health record systems and community resource coordination. 

What Makes You Successful 

You are: 

• Passionate about helping individuals achieve housing stability and independence 

• A skilled advocate who can navigate complex systems and community resources 

• Empathetic, relationship-focused, and participant-centered 

• Comfortable working in the community and managing multiple priorities 

• Committed to recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices 

Comprehensive Benefits Package 

Horizon House offers competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package, including: 

• Medical and dental insurance 

• Nine paid holidays annually 

• Generous paid time off 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Retirement savings plan 

• Voluntary tax-sheltered annuity 

• Transit benefit program 

• Professional development opportunities 

• Career advancement pathways 

• Employee-focused and mission-driven work environment 

Work Environment 

This position includes extensive community-based work and may require: 

• Local travel throughout the Philadelphia area 

• Transporting participants as needed 

• Crisis intervention and emergency response support 

• Participation in 24-hour on-call coverage rotations 

• Physical activities including lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, reaching, and assisting participants 

• Reporting to work during emergencies, including inclement weather 

Create Lasting Change Through Housing 

Housing is more than a place to live. It's the foundation for recovery, health, employment, and independence. As a Housing Specialist, you'll help individuals overcome barriers, secure opportunities, and build brighter futures. Join Horizon House and be part of a team that transforms lives through housing, support, and hope. 

Horizon House, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace where employees and participants are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.