Housing Specialist

SUMMARY
The Housing Specialist is an integral member of the Housing Services Team and works collaboratively with the Director of Housing Services Rapid Rehousing Program Manager Residential Services Lead Case Manager Case Managers local service providers and Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (TCHC) to rapidly move individuals and families out of homelessness into safe and stable permanent housing. Collaborate with the DHS and RRH-PM to coordinate and request Rapid Rehousing referrals in accordance with monthly placement projections. Collaborate with individuals and families in housing search and placement activities including selecting units in close proximity of school and work to the greatest extent possible mitigating potential transportation and or employment barriers.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Determine Rapid Rehousing eligibility and admissions and complete trauma-informed Intakes in adherence to Program Policy and Housing First principles. Ensure accuracy and completeness of all documents. Promote long-term housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness. Support landlord engagement and retention best practices focused on identifying barriers that prevent individuals and families from obtaining permanent housing. Implement solutions directed at increasing landlord participation in the rapid rehousing rental assistance program.
Track and regularly update Rapid Rehousing referrals utilizing internal tracking mechanisms which include but are not limited to program participant demographics date Coordinated Entry System (CES) referral received date of admission and date lease signed.
Build a diversified inventory of permanent and transitional housing units in the rental market throughout Tarrant County suitable to the unique needs of individuals and families served. Track and regularly update an active directory of available housing units including eligibility criteria unit size rent amount and other pertinent information.
Provide individuals and families a variety of property options while determining needs living standards and economic viability for prospective families. Assist individuals and families with gathering necessary information for completing lease applications. Attend all necessary meetings between individuals and families and potential or current property management. If an individual/family is not approved for a lease based on criminal history credit history or rental/tenant history mitigate and resolve the issue as quickly possible.
Establish and maintain consistent verbal and written communication channels between all involved parties (i.e. individual/family landlord referral source and collaborating).
Act as a liaison between individuals and families and property managers/landlords as needed. Negotiate leases on behalf of individuals and families in collaboration with the RRH-PM and DHS.
Complete a Housing Quality Standard Inspection and lead based paint (LBP) assessment in accordance with Agency policy and procedure and HUD regulations. Schedule and coordinate move-in; complete all necessary housing documents; and attend lease signing within 30 days from the date of admission.
Prior to or at move-in identify each individual/familys need for household items such as furniture cleaning supplies food etc. Coordinate purchase and delivery of household items with the LCCM and individual/family.
Orient individuals and families to Rapid Rehousing Program requirements as indicated in lease agreements and Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP).
Develop and facilitate trainings for individuals/families and staff including tenant rights and responsibilities housing discrimination finding and securing rental housing and communication with landlords.
Regularly attend and actively contribute in monthly Coordinated Entry System (CES) Case Conferencing meetings in Arlington and Fort Worth; notify the CES Designee of bed availability at least monthly and when program capacity changes. Work in good faith with TCHC to house individuals and families referred to CTL from the Coordinated Entry List. Coordinate with Development to offer incentives to participating landlords and remediate landlord tenant issues.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelors degree in social work Psychology Sociology or related field; a Masters degree is preferred. Two years of experience working with vulnerable/at risk populations. The ability to work with and recognize the special needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and knowledge of a wide range of community resources.


KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES
Advanced creative strategic and analytical thinking skills and experience in marketing sales and community organizing. High thorough attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects under demanding deadlines with a proactive approach. Knowledge of neighborhoods housing/building codes and safety standards for rental housing.
Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to effectively articulate CTLs mission vision and message. Clear articulate communication skills are vital as are interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills. Demonstrate cultural competency through the ability to understand communicate with and effectively interact with people of various cultural backgrounds.
Flexibility self-motivation excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with all levels of management employees/peers and families work proactively and independently with minimum supervision and maximum accountability.
Case management and case coordination skills. Knowledge of housing resources and community programs and how to access them; mainstream benefits programs and eligibility requirements; basic landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities and tenancy skills and or supports.
Ability to learn and use any other software programs needed in the operations of CTL programs including but not limited to the CTL ETO HMIS ETO and multiline phone systems.
Valid drivers license and willingness to travel in the community.

Center for Transforming Lives partners with single mothers and their children so they can thrive. Founded in 1907 Center for Transforming Lives is one of Tarrant Countys biggest family safety nets working to disrupt cycles of poverty and homelessness among the most vulnerable in our community. The non-profit meets the needs of 3000 women and children annually through a comprehensive and evidence-based two-generation and trauma-informed model. Thanks to housing support early childhood education economic mobility services and counseling services that work across generations parents and children establish security and well-being as a family. Led by CEO Carol Klocek since 2009 the $20 million non-profit opened its new Riverside Campus headquarters in May.

Center for Transforming Lives is the only homeless services provider in Tarrant County and one of seven early childhood education centers to achieve National Accreditation recognized for the highest standards of care in the nation.