Housing Specialist

MASTER ST VINCENT DE PAUL OF BALTIM•Baltimore, MD

2d•$25 - $29

About The Position

The Housing Specialist is responsible for preventing homelessness and reducing shelter utilization by engaging individuals and families at the point of crisis, identifying safe and sustainable housing options through problem-solving, mediation, and resource connection. The Housing Specialist works with both the Intake & Discharge Specialist and Case Managers to assess housing needs of families within the Hannah More, Sarah’s Hope, and Eastside emergency shelters. The Housing Specialist assists families with housing searches in both Baltimore City and County, collaborating with households to identify units, schedule visits and inspections, and breaking down barriers to housing placement to ensure a quick transition to permanent housing. The Housing Specialist is also responsible for coordinating all aspects of transition from homelessness to permanent housing, enabling long term housing stability for families through advocacy, mediation, problem solving, and interceding for clients with landlords. This position coordinates all aspects of a client’s transition from homelessness to permanent housing, promoting long-term housing stability through advocacy, mediation, and problem-solving. The role also ensures accurate and timely documentation consistent with all agency, federal, state, and local standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field, 8 years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree, required.
2 years of experience in working in a housing environment with preference for working with the materially poor.
Current HQS Certification or ability to pass HQS certification within 6 months of hire.
Experience working with low-income housing including knowledge of HUD’s requirement for safe occupancy.
Must possess a valid Maryland driver’s license, have reliable access to a personal vehicle, and be willing to work in a mobile capacity throughout the community.
Able to inspect potential housing prior to move-in.
Knowledge of and respect for confidentiality.
The ability to relate in a courteous, comfortable, non-judgmental manner with persons from all ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.
Willing and able to work in a high-energy environment, to be organized, and to prioritize the needs of participants and workload.
Desire and ability to work as a member of a team.
Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.

Responsibilities

Housing Location and Landlord Coordination
Assists clients in locating housing that meets HUD occupancy standards based on family size.
Ensures each landlord agrees to program standards and signs a Rental Assistance Agreement.
Ensures clients have an active role in housing selection, with no more than three units presented within proposed target areas aligned with community and personal support networks.
Ensures each unit is inspected and approved in accordance with HUD specifications.
Ensures each property has a valid Lead Certificate and is registered as a rental property with the Baltimore City Housing Authority or the Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with landlords and property owners to expand available housing options.
Client Education and Support
Applies knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients about their tenant rights and responsibilities.
Ensures that families understand their rights and reside in safe, well-maintained rental properties.
Provides short-term assistance to remove barriers to housing, which may include transportation, utility payments, or conflict resolution.
Collaboration and Communication
Collaboratively works with case managers to ensure all housing-related information is communicated effectively.
Attends team meetings, case reviews, and community coordination calls for all three shelters to strengthen diversion efforts across the system.
Assessment and Diversion
Conducts rapid exit assessments to determine safety, housing history, and available support networks.
Facilitates problem-solving and mediation conversations to explore safe housing alternatives (e.g., family, friends, landlords).
Data and Compliance
Collects and reports program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting, Salesforce entries, and funders’ required data.
Recruits and develops new landlords in the community.
Resolves housing issues, supporting efforts of tenant in maintaining permanent housing and intercedes in Landlord/Tenant Disputes as necessary and appropriate.
Assesses housing barriers for families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
Maintains a complete working file providing activity documentation and copies of all corresponding paperwork.
Maintains active knowledge of HUD housing requirements and housing quality standards.
Inspects housing units prior to move-in.
Adheres to confidentiality standards.
Performs other duties as assigned, within the scope of the position.