Housing Locator

Nation’s Finest•Santa Cruz, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Locator serves as a key point of contact for homeless and at-risk veterans seeking permanent housing. The Housing Locator (HL) is responsible for locating housing units, working closely with landlords, collaborating with service providers, and providing overall housing support to veterans entering the program.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in human services, social work, psychology, or related field.
At least two years’ experience working with an at-risk population.
2+ years working in the housing field with a strong knowledge of the local housing market and geography.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local fair housing laws highly desirable.
Minimum of two years’ experience working in a similar field. (Housing placement, property management, social services, etc.)
Clean driving record and access to a safe, reliable vehicle.
Must have current vehicle insurance, valid driver’s license, and must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time using personal vehicle.
Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required.
Ability to solve practical problems.
Ability to interpret and apply common sense from a variety of instructions furnished in written or verbal form.
Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual a plus
Veteran status desirable but not required

Responsibilities

Provide housing placement and assistance for participants who are enrolled in NF’s programs, while focusing on the needs, goals, and choices of the veterans being served.
Develop and maintain an inventory of appropriate units for potential clients.
Network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses, and countywide permanent housing providers to create a large list of available housing for clients in need.
Assist in the negotiation of rents and deposits.
Assist veterans with submission of rental applications and credit checks.
Perform or arrange for Pre-Housing Quality Inspections prior to move-in to ensure that the unit is habitable.
Responsible for updating, learning, and training other staff members on internal certification policies related to this role (landlord/tenant education).
Reads leases, reviews tenant/rights and responsibilities literature and training materials, and discusses “what-if” scenarios with clients to increase their understanding of housing stability.
Meet with veterans to complete housing assessments and to discuss housing search parameters as needed.
Coordinate property viewings with landlords and participants.
Maintain contact with participants and monitor progress as needed.
Provide assistance to landlords or property management staff for conflict resolution and problem solving.
Assist the Lead Case Manager with the collection and analysis of data related to housing searches and placement including rent costs, deposit costs, moving costs, etc.
Ensure that all regulatory agreements, contracts, and fair housing laws are met as they relate to housing.
Other duties as assigned.