SUMMER OSTRANDER
Seattle,WA
Summary
Compassionate and driven professional with a dedication to supporting individuals in need of housing assistance. Skilled at building strong relationships with clients, landlords, and community partners to navigate complex housing systems and secure stable living conditions. Demonstrates exceptional patience, empathy, and persuasive communication to advocate for clients' needs and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Utilizes extensive knowledge of housing policies and resources to provide tailored, client-centered solutions that promote long-term stability and well-being, while meeting clients where they are at. Known for meeting the clients where they are at to build good relationships with clients to make them feel safe and heard.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Stabilization Specialist
Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC)
12.2024 - Current
- Assist clients in transitioning from homelessness to permanent supportive housing, ensuring long-term stability through intensive case management.
- Develop and maintain individualized housing plans addressing barriers such as mental illness, substance use, legal issues, and income instability.
- Coordinate with landlords, property managers, and internal housing teams to resolve tenancy issues and prevent evictions.
- Connect clients to mental health services, substance use treatment, healthcare, and entitlement programs (e.g., SSI, SNAP, Medicaid).
- Advocate for clients within legal and medical systems, assisting with documentation, appointments, and appeals.
- Use Motivational Interviewing and de-escalation techniques to build trust and encourage voluntary engagement in services.
- Maintain accurate documentation in HMIS and DESC databases to ensure compliance and track outcomes.
Housing and Employment Case Manager
Consistent Care
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Address obstacles in participants' job search efforts with tailored, solution-focused support.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss client progress and formulate care plans.
- Specialize in supporting clients involved in FCS (Foundational Community Supports) and GOSH (Grounds for Supportive Housing) programs.
- Identify funding sources for rental assistance and other supportive services.
- Advise clients on lease agreements, landlord-tenant disputes, and housing rights.
- Deliver crisis intervention for individuals at risk of eviction or homelessness due to financial hardship.
- Facilitate connections between employers and participants, advocating for sustainable job placement.
Housing Case Manager
Kitsap Community Services
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Maintained detailed case files and reports for ongoing client services.
- Interviewed and assessed applicants for public assistance and housing support.
- Provided referrals and direct assistance to help clients obtain needed services.
- Informed landlords about tenants' legal rights and responsibilities.
- Conducted outreach to raise community awareness of available housing programs.
- Built strong partnerships with landlords to expand affordable housing options.
- Participated in professional development activities and training related to case management.
WIC Nutrition Counselor
Kitsap Community Services
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Maintained comprehensive records in compliance with WIC program standards.
- Conducted eligibility reviews and ensured program compliance.
- Delivered culturally responsive nutrition education tailored to individual client needs.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills in client interactions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Western Washington University
04.2025
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Olympic College
04.2023
Completed Coursework Toward SUDP Certification -
Olympic College
Skills
- SUDP Training
- Eligibility Determination
- Housing Laws and Resources
- Property Management
- Case Documentation
- Client Advocacy
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Supportive Counseling
- Behavioral Support
- Experience with FCS and GOSH Programs
- Expert problem solving
- Emergency response
- Continuous improvement
- Compliance monitoring
Timeline
Housing Stabilization Specialist
Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC)
12.2024 - Current
Housing and Employment Case Manager
Consistent Care
10.2023 - 11.2024
Housing Case Manager
Kitsap Community Services
09.2021 - 08.2023
WIC Nutrition Counselor
Kitsap Community Services
09.2020 - 09.2021
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Olympic College
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Western Washington University
Completed Coursework Toward SUDP Certification -
Olympic College
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