Transition Coordinator Housing – Behavioral Health – Columbus, GA (R6)

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

This position works out of our Region 6 Field Office, Columbus, GA. 

Job Description

Job Title:

Transition Coordinator Housing – Behavioral Health – Columbus, GA (R6) 

Pay Grade: K

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Regional Services Administrator, the Transition Coordinator is responsible for supporting Individuals and providers by assuring individuals have initial and ongoing access to recommended services; providers are implementing service models within established guidelines; and actively facilitating individual access to recommended services. The Transition Coordinator shall identify and create housing opportunities for individuals and be responsible for efficient regional housing utilization and oversight of DBHDD housing resources.

Housing Coordinator Responsibilities:

The Transition Coordinator is responsible for administering the Georgia Housing Voucher Program and the Bridge Funding Program and acting as DBHDD representative in community activities designed to expand housing opportunities for DBHDD covered individuals. The summary of these duties acts as the face of DBHDD in the local communities, partnering with and maintaining effective working relationships with Local, State and Federal officials, community leaders and the public. Facilitates the seamless and successful execution of program goals and initiatives in the local communities; ensures all stakeholders are informed and solicits program support and sponsorship from diverse groups within the community. Serves as a liaison between the local community, support staff, and affiliated agencies to ensure the execution of program goals, objectives, and client success.

Specific duties include:

- Oversee the Supportive Housing Contracts.

- Data management, collection, analysis and interpretation on all matters related to supportive housing.

- Evaluating and signing off on applications for state funded rental assistance programs. 

- Interpreting the program description to solve the housing barriers facing those with SPMI needing housing.

- Evaluating documentation for compliance to program requirements and resolving discrepancies.

- Conducting field reviews of housing placements and resolving housing deficiencies with property owners.

- Investigating and resolving housing complaints by DBHDD placed individuals and property owners.

- Conducting field Housing Quality Standard reviews and training provider network on those standards.

- Representing DBHDD in community forums concerning chronic homelessness and disabilities (e.g., Continuums of Care, homeless counts, prison/jail reform and transition planning)

- Representing DBHDD in outreach efforts to private property owners and other community-based opportunities in an effort to expand housing options for DBHDD clients.

- Provide consistent training to providers on “Housing First” principals and DBHDD housing options as new provider staff come online.

- Represent DBHDD in “In Reach” coordination in institutional settings (hospital, jail, prison) to ensure a “soft” hand off to community-based resources including housing options.

- Identify support service resources that housing providers can rely on in their effort to housing DBHDD individuals.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years’ experience performing work related to area of assignment OR Master’s degree in a related field and two years’ experience performing work related to area of assignment OR one year at the lower level or position equivalent.

Position Qualifications

- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, SharePoint, word, PowerPoint)

- Excellent oral and written communication skills

- Ability to multitask a high volume of detailed work

- Ability to travel an estimated 50% within the region 6 Territory (In office an estimated 3-5 days per week)

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum qualifications above and:

- Master’s degree in a related field and 4 years in related experience

- Understanding of recovery principles - Knowledge of HUD

- Program, DCA - Program, and ACT, ICM, CST, CM Services a plus

- Knowledge of housing principals and programs is a plus, e.g., “Housing First” principals, federal rental assistance programs, homeless housing programs, and Housing Quality Standards.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

- Drug Screening

- TB Evaluation

- Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or email. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.