Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

About Cultivate Initiatives:

We are a group of people who work alongside those on the margins to empower individuals and communities through an inclusive range of initiatives and support. We build communities from the inside out through community engagement and action workforce development housing & homemaking and supportive sheltering.

Compensation/Benefits:

• Full-time non-exempt position at a rate of $23-26.00 hourly

• 100% employer-paid premiums for medical vision and dental insurance.
• Eleven paid holidays vacation and sick time.
• 401k with 3% employer match

Accountability:

Accountable to the Housing & Homemaking Program Manager

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Meet with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support and create a case plan that fits the neighbors needs.
• Assist clients in locating suitable housing options and support throughout the process including but not limited to navigating housing barriers applications appeals and more.
• Advocate for clients with other service providers to address any barriers to housing.
• Conducting assessments and providing feedback to the client and other staff. Coordinate and communicate with other agencies and organizations throughout the area as needed when it comes to the needs of neighbors.
• Research affordable housing leads and build positive relationships with property managers and other housing providers.
• Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations.
• Conducts self within appropriate and expected professional boundaries and policies.
• Maintains confidentiality and earns others trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Ensure prompt case notes documentation and data quality within HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems) and other organizational data and case management systems.
• Represent Cultivate Initiatives to partners the Joint Office of Homeless Services and the broader community.
• Attend all assigned trainings events and community outreach activities unless otherwise approved.
• May provide support to Homemaking Specialists by performing homemaking duties and responsibilities.
• May participate in special projects and activities requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Active listening skills/commitment to fully understanding the clients point of view.
• Ability to communicate difficult and complex issues to clients who possess a range of listening and processing challenges.
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental non-reactionary and non-defensive communication style during challenging discussions.
• Exceptional personal skills in working with a diverse community and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees and residents.
• Applying critical thinking skills to make sound judgments in developing and time-sensitive situations.
• Ability to responsibly prioritize competing tasks and follow through on time.
• Capacity to follow meticulous record-keeping/reporting protocols.
• Solid technology experience familiar with MS Word Excel Google Drive

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience working with HMIS and/or Apricot.
• At least two years of relevant experience in providing services to low-income individuals.
• Knowledge of community resources social services and benefits administered by the county.
  

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed indoors.
• Ability to work in environments with varying noise levels from quiet offices to louder industrial settings.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Work requires the ability to perform repetitive movements of the wrist hands or fingers due to continuous use of computer keyboards and other office equipment.
• Attend all scheduled shifts Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Must be able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or religious exemption.
• Must be able to provide proof of Drivers License & safely operate a motor vehicle.

How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume electronically through our website.

The position is open until filled. Applications received by June 20 2025 will receive priority consideration. If a suitable candidate is found during that screening later applications will not be considered. We look forward to speaking with you!

CI is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work environment for employees and neighbors. As part of our hiring process we conduct criminal history checks for the top candidates of all recruitments and driving history checks for candidates of positions that require operating company vehicles. CI also conducts routine drug tests.

CI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CI values a diverse inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals race color sex gender identity gender expression religion age national origin or ancestry citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition marital status domestic partner status sexual orientation genetic information military or veteran status vaccination status or any other basis protected by federal state or local laws. If you require accommodation to apply please contact Emily Hutsell at the following number or email.

Questions: or

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority