Housing Specialist- Project Reach

Salary: $25.75 per hour

Catholic Charities of Baltimore Community Housing is seeking a Housing Specialist to coordinate and manage leasing services for clients in rental housings and works to ensure safe stable and quality housing. This role supports residents by delivering services in a manner consistent with the organizations values policies and procedures while promoting housing stability and positive landlord and community relationships.

Community Housing is a combination of multiple Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs which includes Project REACH Project Fresh Start Project Promise Holden Hall and Hosanna House which compassionately houses over 100 individuals living in communities throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. It offers residents who have experienced unstable housing with a disability affordable long-term housing with supports. Their lives are improved by offering case management and supportive services with the goal that every person can realize his/her full potential. The Work 9am-5schedule is 9am -5pm on call when needed.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and regulations including maintaining required documentation and supporting successful completion of annual HUD audits and compliance with requirements for other privately funded programs.
• Coordinates housing leased to or on behalf of clients; including negotiating leases with landlords establishing occupancy agreements with residents and maintains ongoing relationships with property owners and managers.
• Ensures all rental properties meet applicable health safety and habitability standards including identifying deficiencies and coordinating corrective actions with landlords or service providers.
• Reinforces occupancy policies and procedures including initiating appropriate action related to non-payment of rent in accordance with program guidelines.
• Conducts property and unit inspections in collaboration with clients Case Managers at designated intervals and documents inspection findings follow-up actions and any identified concerns.
• Schedules and conducts initial turnover and annual inspections in coordination with city county and/or state housing inspection agencies and ensures timely completion of required corrective actions.
• Monitors property upkeep including snow and trash removal landscaping and routine maintenance and repairs and coordinates with vendors or property owners to address issues promptly.
• Supports the maintenance of safe premises by collaborating with contracted security providers and the local law enforcement when necessary to address safety concerns.
• Maintains accurate records collects and enters data and submits timely reports and statistical information to the supervisor.
• Meets regularly with supervisor to review lease agreements maintenance concerns compliance requirements and resident-related issues and to provide updates on housing operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree in Human Services Social Work or related field.
• Two (2) years of related experience in housing services social work or working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience working with HUD-funded programs ensuring adherence to federal housing guidelines and reporting standards preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills maintaining a courteous professional demeanor while interacting patiently and effectively with staff clients visitors property owners and managers.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions.
• Displays excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Demonstrates accountability by working independently requiring minimal direction or supervision.
• Requires proficiency in using computer systems and software to perform job function including but not limited to basic Windows PC web browsing (i.e. Chrome Internet Explorer etc.) and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications such as Word Excel PowerPoint Teams and OneDrive is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• No remote or hybrid work availability based on core and essential functions of the position.
• Flexibility may be required to work beyond standard hours including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be accessible and responsive by phone during scheduled work hours and return calls promptly.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or transitioning between different work sites which may involve walking standing or traveling to various locations as required by the role.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions which may include lifting carrying pushing pulling or repositioning items as necessary to perform job duties.
• Engaging in communication with others to exchange information which may involve speaking listening writing or using electronic communication methods to ensure clear and effective understanding. This includes both verbal and non-verbal interactions with colleagues clients or external parties.
• Repetitive motions involving the wrists hands and/or fingers including tasks such as typing data entry or handling small objects. These repetitive activities may occur throughout the workday and require attention to ergonomics to ensure comfort and minimize strain.
• Assessing the accuracy neatness and completeness of assigned work to ensure it meets quality standards and adheres to established guidelines.
• Hearing and vision abilities with or without correction sufficient to drive safely and effectively observe and communicate with others.
• Driving a personal vehicle is required for this position. Driver must be at least 21 years of age with a minimum of 2 years of driving experience and a valid drivers license issued by the state of residence. There can be no state issued restrictions on the licenses that would impede drivers ability to operate the vehicle as required by the Agency and there must not be more than three (3) points on their driving record.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet the ever-changing needs of our employees including but not limited to:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Vacation/sick/holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Tuition Advancement
• Paid Parental Leave

Join Catholic Charities of Baltimore where you will be an important member of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety empowerment healing and self-care and that believes that every person has infinite worth and promise.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer

Required Experience:

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