The Department of Mental Health, Central Mass Area is seeking an experienced Housing Specialist for their Area Office in Worcester. The Area Housing Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing Department activities and initiatives related to the planning, development, and management of housing for DMH clients. Performance of these responsibilities include the development and facilitation of effective external partnerships and relationships with State and Federal agencies, local communities, public housing authorities, and private for-profit and non-profit housing agencies.

Develops and implements plans for obtaining housing and housing services, including fuel assistance and weatherization services, public and private partnerships and housing for the handicapped and/or the elderly, in accordance with governing laws, rules and regulations.Reviews and analyzes data concerning housing programs, including applications for funding, housing management agreements, leases, proposals for construction, etc., in order to determine compliance with established criteria, laws, rules and regulations, to make appropriate recommendations, and to participate in the evaluation of agencies administering such programs.Provides technical assistance to local housing and other officials and agency staff in order to provide information and advice concerning housing programs and services; to explain and ensure compliance with agency rules, regulations and policies; and to provide information on related programs in other agencies.Provides training and technical assistance regarding subsidies, housing search activities, fair housing, and housing development to DMH and provider staff and clients; provides training and information regarding mental illness and DMH services to housing authorities and managers.Primarily responsible for tracking all Rental Assistance Subsidy Program [RASP] vouchers for the Area. Assists Sites and Provider Agencies in creating and maintaining RASP vouchers. Communicates the availability of other subsidized housing opportunities available to folks presently served by DMH, such as Facilities Consolidation Supported units, Masshousing Set Aside units, and HUD 811 funded projects statewide.Confers with local, state and federal officials, public and private organizations, community groups and professional specialists in order to exchange information, resolve problems and coordinate efforts in such areas as proper housing design, energy conservation and the availability of related social services.Compiles housing data including availability, type and condition and community characteristics for use in implementing or developing agency programs and to make appropriate recommendations.Formulate procedures and guidelines for the implementation of housing programs and services and determine methods of monitoring program performance.Explain and resolve problems regarding performance of administering agencies by suggesting methods to improve the operation of the agencies.Evaluate the performance of programs and program participants in order to recommend and implement program changes.Provide technical assistance to local agencies funding sources and methods of obtaining funding for projects, including various methods of underwriting housing projects.Assists provider agencies in accessing housing resources such as CHAMP, MRVP, and Section 8, and local CoC funded programs.Review, revise and recommend approval/disapproval of budgets and expenditures of administrating agencies and administering agencies' contracts for service, based on program regulations and guidelines.Performs related duties such as attending meetings, maintain records and files relative to housing programs and development projects; and preparing reports.

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge and experience with housing laws, Fair Housing, and Reasonable AccommodationsSolid verbal, writing and public speaking skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates must be able to read, write and otherwise communicate in English.Proficiency using Microsoft Office, specifically ExcelGiven the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency is preferred. ASL preferred.

DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines,
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete theReasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 800-510-4122, Option #4.

The Department of Mental Health, Central Mass Area is seeking an experienced Housing Specialist for their Area Office in Worcester. The Area Housing Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing Department activities and initiatives related to the planning, development, and management of housing for DMH clients. Performance of these responsibilities include the development and facilitation of effective external partnerships and relationships with State and Federal agencies, local communities, public housing authorities, and private for-profit and non-profit housing agencies.

Develops and implements plans for obtaining housing and housing services, including fuel assistance and weatherization services, public and private partnerships and housing for the handicapped and/or the elderly, in accordance with governing laws, rules and regulations.Reviews and analyzes data concerning housing programs, including applications for funding, housing management agreements, leases, proposals for construction, etc., in order to determine compliance with established criteria, laws, rules and regulations, to make appropriate recommendations, and to participate in the evaluation of agencies administering such programs.Provides technical assistance to local housing and other officials and agency staff in order to provide information and advice concerning housing programs and services; to explain and ensure compliance with agency rules, regulations and policies; and to provide information on related programs in other agencies.Provides training and technical assistance regarding subsidies, housing search activities, fair housing, and housing development to DMH and provider staff and clients; provides training and information regarding mental illness and DMH services to housing authorities and managers.Primarily responsible for tracking all Rental Assistance Subsidy Program [RASP] vouchers for the Area. Assists Sites and Provider Agencies in creating and maintaining RASP vouchers. Communicates the availability of other subsidized housing opportunities available to folks presently served by DMH, such as Facilities Consolidation Supported units, Masshousing Set Aside units, and HUD 811 funded projects statewide.Confers with local, state and federal officials, public and private organizations, community groups and professional specialists in order to exchange information, resolve problems and coordinate efforts in such areas as proper housing design, energy conservation and the availability of related social services.Compiles housing data including availability, type and condition and community characteristics for use in implementing or developing agency programs and to make appropriate recommendations.Formulate procedures and guidelines for the implementation of housing programs and services and determine methods of monitoring program performance.Explain and resolve problems regarding performance of administering agencies by suggesting methods to improve the operation of the agencies.Evaluate the performance of programs and program participants in order to recommend and implement program changes.Provide technical assistance to local agencies funding sources and methods of obtaining funding for projects, including various methods of underwriting housing projects.Assists provider agencies in accessing housing resources such as CHAMP, MRVP, and Section 8, and local CoC funded programs.Review, revise and recommend approval/disapproval of budgets and expenditures of administrating agencies and administering agencies' contracts for service, based on program regulations and guidelines.Performs related duties such as attending meetings, maintain records and files relative to housing programs and development projects; and preparing reports.

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge and experience with housing laws, Fair Housing, and Reasonable AccommodationsSolid verbal, writing and public speaking skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates must be able to read, write and otherwise communicate in English.Proficiency using Microsoft Office, specifically ExcelGiven the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency is preferred. ASL preferred.

DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines,
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete theReasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 800-510-4122, Option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time of equivalent part-time, professional experience in the government program management, administration and/or development of real estate, property and/or public housing.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Master's degree or higher with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of three (3) years of the required experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time of equivalent part-time, professional experience in the government program management, administration and/or development of real estate, property and/or public housing.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Master's degree or higher with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of three (3) years of the required experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.