Program Specialist
Holyoke, MA

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving and equitable region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Every day, our team helps people facing real challenges—with housing, jobs, personal finances, and other cornerstones of daily stability—to find real solutions. And we help communities and systems to grow in positive, strategic ways. We know that the right help at the right time can make all the difference; Way Finders provides transformative help to tens of thousands of people each year. Always with respect, always with compassion.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time Program Specialist. The Program Specialist will maximize the self-sufficiency of chronically homeless young adults who are pregnant or parenting, and for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

The candidate will work onsite no fewer than 3 days per week.  Living within commutable distance to Holyoke, MA, is a requirement, as is the ability to participate in scheduled on-call duties.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct ongoing assessments of clients’ housing needs, with proactive consideration of all barriers that affect stabilization; develop, implement, and review service plans that address identified needs/barriers and maximize self-sufficiency
• Coordinate support services; initiate referrals; provide safety planning, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling; advocate as appropriate and necessary; collaborate closely with legal aid on behalf of program(s) participants to ensure a successful path to meeting goals
• Conduct home visits as assigned for designated program(s) to monitor family progress in meeting goals and to assess ongoing safety
• Complete unit turnovers as assigned, to include cleaning, ordering and disposing of furniture, and unit set-up with household supplies; assist with bi-weekly donation pick-ups, inventorying, storage, and distribution
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely data and case files
• Develop and maintain partnerships with internal and external service providers to ensure comprehensive and seamless service delivery; collect and share information on available stabilization services and resources
• Develop and facilitate workshops and group activities for program participants; coordinate and participate in regional outreach events
• Inform and assist the manager in the mediation of issues between clients and owners/landlords
• Transport clients to appointments as appropriate and necessary
• Assist with processing of vendor payments as needed
• Provide on-call services as scheduled

Hiring Requirements/Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration or human/social services; commensurate experience may be a substitute for a degree
• 3 years’ experience in domestic violence services, housing, or social services case management; related experience may be substituted
• Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Office applications, and comfort learning new technologies
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, with the capacity to communicate, train, and mentor effectively with diverse individuals and constituents, and in group/classroom-type settings
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred but not required
• CORI

Benefits include:  Generous paid time-off | 12+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage between $19.62 and $23.55 per hour depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  CORI/MVR.

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.