Housing Acquisition Specialist - Porchlight : Job Details

Housing Acquisition Specialist Reports to Safe Haven Manager About Us: Porchlight, Inc. is a dedicated nonprofit organization working to reduce homelessness in Dane County, WI. We offer essential support services, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and more. Essential Responsibilities/Duties

• Welcome every guest with empathy and respect, creating a safe, judgment-free space from the moment they walk through the door.
• Assess individual needs-mental health, housing, substance use, and more-to connect guests to the services and care they deserve.
• Guide and empower guests through orientation, helping them understand the resources available and the shelter's supportive environment.
• Be a calm presence in moments of crisis, identifying urgent situations and connecting individuals with stabilization services quickly and compassionately.
• Support day-to-day essentials-from meals and hygiene to clothing and transportation-ensuring every person's dignity is upheld.
• Build trust and relationships, offering daily encouragement, emotional support, and a trauma-informed approach to de-escalation.
• Keep the shelter running smoothly by maintaining safety protocols, handling mail and phone calls, and reporting facility needs.
• Contribute to a culture of care, completing logs and incident reports, sharing key observations, and collaborating with your team.
• Promote growth and independence by encouraging guests to participate in case management, set goals, and create paths toward stability.
• Educate and connect guests to mental health and addiction resources, supporting them through treatment, recovery, and beyond.
• Bridge the gap to long-term solutions by assisting with housing, benefits, and employment applications.
• Partner with local service providers, using tools like HMIS to ensure a coordinated and person-centered approach.
• Act quickly and responsibly in situations involving suicide risk, safety concerns, or legal matters-your alertness can save lives.
• Track services, progress, and outcomes to help shape stronger programs and better support for future guests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Social Work or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Respect for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams.
• HMIS experience preferred.
• Must pass background checks.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.