Community Housing Specialist - PSH Program

Caritas of Austin • Austin, TX

6d • $45,490 - $49,490

About The Position

The Community Housing Specialist will oversee and coordinate housing outreach efforts for the Supportive Housing Program, collaborates with program staff, clients, and property managers to identify, secure, and maintain housing placements. The CHS is an integral part of the supportive housing team, ensuring that clients no longer experience homelessness and have the necessary supports to maintain housing stability. The CHS increases access to both private and public rental properties throughout Austin/Travis County.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in business, social science, or human services.
• At least one year experience working in property management, apartment/housing location, housing clients with significant barriers, and/or real estate.
• Experience with internet, MS Office, and databases required.
• Knowledge and skills in identifying affordable permanent housing units.
• Knowledge of housing market trends within Travis County.
• Proficiency in organizational and record keeping skills.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health disorders, and/or substance use
• HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) experience preferred.
• Experience with non-profits preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish relationships with property managers to assist in locating appropriate housing for individuals who may have multiple barriers to obtaining permanent housing.
• Maintain property manager relationships and develop/maintain database on properties and property manager contacts.
• Develop outreach materials and agreements with property managers that will provide rental units to help homeless or previously homeless individuals access and maintain permanent housing.
• Develop/coordinate training events for property managers and program staff.
• Develop & implement internal referral process.
• Coordinate housing placement efforts with referring PSH Case Manager.
• Meet with program participants to complete Housing Location intake.
• Meet, as needed, with participants to assist with housing search and applications.
• Perform and document unit move-in and annual inspections per Habitability Standards.
• Maintain statistics and provide reports on a recurring basis.
• Ensure units and services are in compliance with funder and federal regulations.
• Participate in departmental meetings related to community housing.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Document all activities and services provided to clients.
• Provide quality customer service to property management and other stakeholders.
• Transport clients to properties during the housing search as needed.

Benefits

• Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance for employees.
• 14 Paid Holidays per year.
• 20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Discounted Rates on Gold’s Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
• Mileage Reimbursement.
• Monthly Phone Stipend.
• Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from Downtown Location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level