Housing Specialist

Volunteers of America Colorado•Durango, CO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist coordinates and oversees the implementation of the VOCA Housing for Crime Victims Special Project and DVP TANF Flex Funds project, and provides mobile advocacy to crime victims transitioning to or maintaining independent housing. Participants are low-income adults experiencing homelessness due to domestic or family violence, sexual assault, or stalking, who may also have mental health or chemical dependency issues. The housing project aims to help survivors access and retain safe, long-term housing and provide tailored supportive services. This mobile position operates at the Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter in Durango, Colorado, and requires daily short-distance travel to meet with clients. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The position pays $22.00–$23.00 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in human services or a related area.
Two years of human service experience.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and the Windows environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to use a personal automobile, a valid Colorado driver’s license, and state-mandated automobile insurance.
Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health.
Demonstrates or is willing to learn about poverty, human service government programs, VOA services, homelessness, aging, veterans, at-risk youth, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Demonstrates compassion, servant leadership, open communication, and the organization’s stated culture attributes and virtues.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with the relevant population and with housing and homelessness issues.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for housing assistance for crime victims and community partners.
Understand and implement the Housing for Crime Victims Special Project and DVP TANF Flex Funds projects according to VOCA, DVP, and VOA standards and grant agreements.
Assess housing needs and available resources with people seeking assistance.
Provide trauma-informed care and mobile supportive services to crime victims.
Refer participants who need short-term rental assistance and additional housing case management to Housing Solutions for the Southwest and provide collaborative case management when appropriate.
Coordinate VOCA funding for needs that support long-term housing stability.
Coordinate lease-up, landlord negotiations, and contracts with partner agencies.
Research affordable and supportive housing options and develop relationships with landlords, brokers, housing programs, and community providers.
Triage and assess information and referral inquiries to ensure effective advocacy and financial support.
Conduct intake interviews, complete required documentation, and determine program eligibility or appropriateness.
Attend weekly staff meetings and required in-service training, and meet periodically with the Program Manager.
Provide supervision and training to new employees and volunteers as assigned; collaborate with and train advocates on housing and mobile advocacy as needed.
Give educational presentations and attend professional and community meetings as requested, including representing the organization on housing issues and educating the community about policy affecting crime victims' access to affordable housing.
Maintain case notes and complete financial assistance documentation, billing, and other required paperwork.
Work in a culturally appropriate manner consistent with VOA's mission and philosophy and the Social Work Code of Ethics.
Incorporate guest voice into program evaluation and improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.