Housing Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary: Provides landlord outreach and permanent housing assistance to short-term and transitional housing clients who have been victims of domestic violence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversee all activities that relate to identification and provision of housing;
2. Provide ready to rent coaching to ensure that survivors are aware of their rights and responsibilities with respect to housing;
3. Conduct outreach to realtors, landlords, housing developers and other housing providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities;
4. Aide by the Housing First Model and provide Survivor-Driven, Trauma Informed Mobile Advocacy, Flexible Financial Assistance, and Supportive Services;
5. Accompany survivors to housing appointments, act as a liaison with landlords, and assist with negotiating leases. Provide mobile advocacy focused on safety and supporting survivors to rebuild their lives;
6. Build a strong inventory of available housing options for participants;
7. Integrate program services as part of the regional coordinated community approach to homelessness, given that victims of crime have increased risk and unique needs;
8. Ensure secure housing is identified by conducting a safety plan in connection to a housing stability plan to ensure stability and safety; review/adjust monthly as needed;
9. Conduct pre-screenings and intakes for prospective program participants, collect all necessary documents;
10. Work with survivors to identify housing that meets their needs and to help navigate access to housing, or appropriate supportive service programs;
11. Negotiate with landlords to sell the program and convince landlords to accept tenants they may normally screen out, to negotiate lease agreements, resolve issues relating to current housing (i.e. rental arrears or damage to property) to prevent evictions;
12. Liaison with the San Diego Housing San Diego Housing Commissions Landlord Incentive Program and San Diego Countys Department of Housing and Community Development to provide housing location services and identify appropriate and affordable housing options. Track participant utilization of these programs;
13. Create and maintain positive working relationships with suitable Property Managers and Landlords for long term coordination of permanent housing services for participants;
14. Create and implement a landlord recruitment and retention plan;
15. Implement domestic violence focused policies and procedures; including referral, intake and assessment policies.
16. Network with other agencies, coalitions, and participate in local community meetings including the Regional CoC;
17. Conduct community engagement and education through presentations and individual meetings;
18. Complete all required training to include DV Counselor training (40 hours) and 24 hours of pre and in-service training on topics such as Trauma Informed Care, Cultural Competency, Motivational Interviewing and Positive Youth Development, Client Confidentiality/HIPPA, etc.; and
19. Participate in system data collection; complete necessary paper work and forms. Track program data, and complete reports accordingly.
20. Support and train interns assigned to the DV RRH Program.
21. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in property management, housing management, and/or real estate, including negotiation and advocacy. Skills: Demonstrated ability to be culturally sensitive and respect diversity. Ability to provide support, structure, empathy, sound judgement and insight into human behavior and family relations. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to take direction. Exceptional problem-solving skills. Highly organized, detail-oriented, strong time management skills and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to provide creative solutions. Previous employment or volunteer work in human services, community agencies or other related non-profit or social change organizations a plus. Good oral and written communication and computer skills are required. Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaker preferred. Other Requirements: Must be a Certified DV Counselor (completed 40-hour DV Counselor training pursuant to Evidence Code 1037.1) or willing to complete such training within 3 months of hire. Must pass a criminal background check. Must have a valid California drivers license, a safe driving record, automobile insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

Physical Demands:

• Reading and typing on a computer frequently.
• Sitting for long periods of time at required meetings or in supervision.
• Daily traveling in car to meet with clients and attend agency and community meetings.

Work Environment:

• Office space may be shared with frequent telephone and visitor contacts
• The noise level fluctuates from quiet to noisy.
• Frequent travel to meet with clients and landlords.

Home Start, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel because of gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.