Allison Chambers
St Paul,MN
Summary
Highly motivated social services professional with a demonstrated ability to serve clients and stakeholders with empathy and expertise in the fields of state and public programs navigation and subsidized housing. I am passionate about advocating for individuals and empowering them to meet their goals and maintain independence and stability. In my current role, I work at the State level to administer programs for Minnesota Veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeless Programs Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
St. Paul, MN
01.2024 - Current
- Processes Homeless Veteran Registry applications
- Leads trainings to stakeholders and agency partners pertaining to the Homeless Veteran Registry and Stable Housing Initiatives programs
- Supports Senior Homeless Programs Coordinators with program administration and Homeless Veteran Registry meeting facilitation
- Tracks and analyzes data regarding Veteran homelessness in Minnesota
- Created snapshot reading materials for partners and the public pertaining to Stable Housing Initiatives programs
- Created policies and procedures for Stable Housing Initiatives programs
- Presented at 2025 MSSA Conference
Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
St. Paul Public Housing Agency
St. Paul, MN
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Determined continuing eligibility for the Section 8 program by conducting annual, interim, and moving recertifications for a caseload of over 400 participants
- Determined rental amount calculations and voucher sizes for participants based on income, disability status, and household size
- Generated and distributed Housing Assistance Payment contracts to landlords and tenants
- Formed and maintained positive professional relationships with Section 8 landlords and program participants
- Processed voucher terminations in accordance with HUD regulations
Clinical Writer
Tactile Medical
Minneapolis, Minnesota
04.2021 - 12.2022
- Corresponded with product specialists to maximize the chance that patients will obtain insurance coverage of their medically necessary device
- Drafted statement of necessity and reviews medical records to ensure patient meets payer criteria
- Managed completing deadlines to ensure patients receive their device as swiftly as possible
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Utilized Filemaker to document patient information efficiently
- Consistently exceeded monthly metrics
- Member of the Social Responsibility Committee
Tenant Navigator
Guild Services
St. Paul, MN
05.2020 - 04.2021
- Assisted clients living with severe and persistent mental illness who have experienced chronic homelessness maintain housing.
- · Practiced motivational interviewing to help clients establish and work towards goals.
- · Coordinated with case management, landlords, and other service providers to ensure clients were maintaining services and maximizing resources available to them.
- · Searched for subsidized housing when needed, advocated for clients by ensuring they understand their housing benefits and leases, communicated promptly with service providers on their behalf.
- · Provided clear and concise weekly reports to management regarding progress and client updates
Benefits and Options Specialist
Metropolitan Area Agency On Aging
Arden Hills, Minnesota
08.2017 - 12.2019
- ·Provided consumers with nonbiased information and counseling regarding Medicare and supplemental/secondary health plan options.
- Utilized excellent communication skills to convey complex housing, insurance, and public benefit resources to seniors through phone-based assistance.
- Advocated for and assisted consumers with problem solving relating to public and private insurance benefits and assistance programs.
- · Provided long-term options counseling for individuals moving into assisted living facilities. This included discussing other housing options, in-home care, and financial assistance options.
- Determined eligibility for public assistance based on clients' income and assets and assisted with application completion and submission.
- Utilized basic mathematics to calculate individualized insurance plan comparisons, including premiums and estimated out of pocket costs
- ·Attended Minnesota Elder Justice Center meetings at Mitchell Hamline for policy and community-based updates.
- · Member of the Wellness Committee. Helped to foster healthy habits for staff by creating and administering fun challenges and incentives, which contributed to a healthy lifestyle and positive and robust work culture.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Religion, & Women's And Gender Studies
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN2017
Skills
- Advocacy
- Customer Service
- Program Administration
- Public Speaking
- Public Programs Navigation
- Interpersonal Skills and Communication
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office
Volunteer Experience
Big Brother Big Sister. St. Paul, MN. August 2019-present.
- Mentors and serves as a role model to a “little sister.” This program provides low-income children with supportive and committed one-to-one mentors. Volunteering consists of meeting between 2-4 times per month for excursions that meet the needs and interest of the mentee.
Story Circle. Northfield, MN. September 2013-2017.
- President (starting May 2014) of volunteer organization at St. Olaf College which allows students to develop one-on-one relationships with residents in the local retirement and nursing facilities. Expanded membership in the club. Coordinated with the activities director at Northfield Retirement Community to plan the transportation schedule and train new members.
Stepping Stones. Shanghai, China. March-May 2013.
- English instructor. Co-taught, planned lessons for fourth grade Chinese migrant students learning English.
Timeline
Homeless Programs Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2024 - Current
Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
St. Paul Public Housing Agency
12.2022 - 12.2023
Clinical Writer
Tactile Medical
04.2021 - 12.2022
Tenant Navigator
Guild Services
05.2020 - 04.2021
Benefits and Options Specialist
Metropolitan Area Agency On Aging
08.2017 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Religion, & Women's And Gender Studies
St Olaf College