RRH - Housing Services Specialist (Sacramento)

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada•Sacramento, CA

3d•$29 - $29

About The Position

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 500 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night. OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada. PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting a full-time Housing Services Specialist for the Rapid Re-Housing program in Sacramento, CA. This program is designed to move individuals and families quickly out of homelessness and shelters through case management and housing location services as well as short-term financial assistance with rent, utilities, or deposits. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. Responsibilities POSITION SUMMARY: Under general supervision, this position will assist applicants in meeting the housing eligibility requirements and will establish information related to housing opportunities and solutions for clients facing homeless challenges. The Housing Services Specialist will provide information regarding appropriate and available housing options for clients to review. This position will assist clients with rental applications and provide transportation to housing opportunities as needed. The Housing Services Specialist will accompany clients at meetings with potential landlords to promote successful interviews and housing approval. OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

Requirements

This person must have a working knowledge of property management, fair housing law, real estate transactions, eviction notices, credit statements, and legal responsibilities of renters.
A bachelor’s or A.A. in business management is preferred or a combination of education and experience.
This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide mediation for clients without ethnic or social prejudices.
It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to low income, homelessness, minorities, and persons with disabilities; must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning.
Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours and have the willingness to function as a team member.
It requires CPR and First Aid training within (90) days of employment and recertification as necessary and T.B. testing annually.
Valid California driver license and ability to meet organizations insurance carrier guidelines required.
Must have reliable transportation that you will use for work with mileage reimbursed.
Teamwork skills
Strong computer skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Lift and move up to 25 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Climb stairs as needed
Kneel occasionally

Responsibilities

Responsible for performing housing search, mediation, and client placement to achieve the established objectives of the department.
Assist prospective applicants for housing placement and housing stabilization.
Assess applicants and assist them in meeting eligibility requirements and assist applicants in completing program applications.
Facilitate move-in procedure in a timely fashion.
Complete Habitability Standards Certifications on all participants.
Develop and maintain a current list of low-income housing resources for client referrals.
Investigate housing properties and interview property managers to determine housing feasibilities.
Serve as a program housing resource to provide alternative housing or program options as needed.
Maintain records and any statistical data for all services rendered.
Provide other documentation as required by funding source and/or VOA.
Attend VOA and other outside training.
Attend internal meetings to share and discuss housing opportunities
Perform other related duties as assigned by Program Manager.
Responsible for training and development.
Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to ensure quality work outcomes.
Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
Maintain an above average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel.
Responsible for self-development.
Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.