Housing Specialist I

Vincentian CARES•Tampa, FL

13h•$0 - $19

About The Position

The Housing Specialist I provides direct services to help eligible clients locate affordable, safe, and sanitary housing, with a focus on supporting veterans and families through the Rapid Re-Housing program. The role develops relationships with property owners and housing managers, maintains information on available housing, and coordinates the rental process and housing inspections. The specialist also connects clients with services, addresses housing concerns, maintains required records, and represents the agency in community settings. The position requires a commitment to serving all people with respect, compassion, and cooperation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field; comparable training, education, or experience may be substituted if approved by the Chief Executive Officer before hire.
At least 2 years of experience serving homeless or at-risk families and/or individuals in crisis.
Ability to speak, write, and understand English.
Basic computer skills and ability to use current software.
Knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, office practices and procedures, and general math related to percentages, allocations, and discounts.
Strong oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Sensitivity to and respect for cultural diversity, and ability to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, deliver results, work under deadlines, multitask, and set appropriate limits.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and establish effective relationships with staff, supervisors, outside organizations, and service providers.
Commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems and to helping people gain skills and confidence.
Ability to maintain a helping role and intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
Mission-driven attitude, integrity, passion, adherence to high ethical standards, and alignment with the agency’s mission and values.
Openness to feedback and willingness to learn new skills to improve job performance.
Ability to participate in the Agency Performance Quality Improvement program and the accreditation/reaccreditation process.
Successfully pass law enforcement background screening, including a Level 2 screening through the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Valid Florida driver’s license if driving an agency or personal vehicle for company business.
Reliable transportation.
Flexible work schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

Identify and engage landlords through varied methods to develop affordable housing stock for the Rapid Re-Housing program.
Help eligible families locate and rent suitable housing, prepare financing arrangements, and monitor owner and tenant compliance with standards.
Maintain links between the agency, landlords, and clients.
Develop and update a database or listing of available housing for clients.
Coordinate and/or conduct housing inspections.
Refer applicants to agencies and departments to address housing issues.
Investigate tenant and owner complaints and conduct follow-up visits.
Refer clients for assistance when their needs cannot be met directly.
Maintain required client, legal, administrative, and statistical records, including use of HMIS.
Collect all necessary documentation for client files.
Collaborate and network with other agencies and represent the agency at community functions, including public speaking and presentations as directed by the Program Manager.
Comply with applicable training requirements and company safety, personnel, and operational policies and procedures.
Follow the work schedule to support effective agency program operations.
Contribute positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary to fulfill the agency mission.
Serve all people with respect and compassion and cooperate with internal and external stakeholders.