Housing Specialist

Abode one of the largest and effective nonprofits working to end homelessness in the Bay Area is seeking a Housing Specialist for our program in Santa Cruz County. * This is a Hybrid position with a standard Monday-Friday 9am-5pm shift. (HYBRID: 1st month of hire will be full time in office then it will be 3 days on site and 2 days remote)

About the role:The Housing Specialist is responsible for locating housing units working closely with landlords collaborating with service providers and providing general housing support to ensure that homeless individuals and/or families can secure and maintain housing.

The People and Culture:You will be surrounded by some of the most talented supportive smart and kind leaders and teams - people you can be proud to work with Abode Services regularly recognizes employees efforts seeks employees input and cares for employees as people with lives outside of work. We believe that we make better decisions and provide quality services when our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate. People of color make up nearly 70% of our workforce and we strive to recruit and retain employees from all backgrounds.

Our Benefits & Perks:

• $28.85 - $31.74 per hour DOE
• 100% paid health vision and dental options
• 19 PTO days & 12 Holidays per year
• Voluntary benefits: FSA EAP Commuter Checks Life Insurance Legal and more
• 3% retirement match/contribution
• Professional Development Trainings and Opportunities Leadership Academy Programs and All Staff Events
• Dynamic mission-driven culture and supportive leadership. We support you in supporting others

How You Make an Impact:

• Provide housing placement and assistance for participants focusing on the households needs and goals.
• Housing search and placement of appropriate units for potential participants.â
• Network with landlords renters associations property management businesses and county wide permanent housing providers.
• Assist with the approval of all leases and help execute Housing Assistance Payment contracts with landlords.
• Prepare and ensure the accurate distribution ofâsubsidy payments to landlords as needed.
• Provide move-in support for program teams including perform or arrange for Housing Quality Inspections (HQIs) prior to move-inânegotiate lease start date review /approval of lease terms coordinate housewarming furniture move get documentation from landlord for check request prepare move in documentation upload housing documentation to Welcome Mat housing database.
• Provide notices of contract renewals and rental adjustments.â
• Participate as a member of the service team by attending case conference meetings assisting service staff in evaluation of participants housing readiness reducing housing barriers and status of unit availability.
• Maintain contact with participants monitor progress report and refer to team members as necessary after housing is secured.
• Provide aid and expertise to landlords or service staff for conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Ensure that all regulatory agreements contracts and fair housing laws are met as they relate to housing.
• Attending staff meetings and other agency functions as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

How You Meet Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• 1 year of experience working in the housing field social services or sales/customer service experience and knowledge of the local housing markets and geography.
• Use of personal vehicle and proof of valid California Drivers License and current auto insurance along with a clean DMV record is required.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent verbal & written communication organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with teams.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of applicable federal state and local laws.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs systems and platforms.
• Ability to learn and use required mobile devices and business-related applications.
• Outstanding communication skills and high degree of emotional intelligence cultural humility with a proven track record to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.

Notice:This description is to be used as a guide only. It does not constitute a contract commitment or promise of any kind. Abode Services reserves the right to change add delete upgrade or downgrade the position as dictated by business necessity at any time with or without notice.

Notice:Abode Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Required Experience:

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