Housing Specialist

Volunteers of America Los Angeles•Lancaster, CA

28d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist I identifies suitable housing options for program participants and their families and helps participants achieve sustainable, healthy independent living. As part of the program services team, the specialist participates in client assessment, service planning, engagement, and service delivery, and supports case management, outreach, and community engagement as directed. Services must be provided on-site, and employees are required to report on-site each day they are actively employed. The role involves working with people facing homelessness, mental illness, substance use, recent incarceration, and other challenges.

Requirements

Pass fingerprint clearance and a background check, including criminal history, personal references, and employment and education verifications.
Meet funder approval requirements.
Provide current TB screening and immunization records within five days of hire.
Provide a copy of a current professional license, if applicable.
Obtain current BLS certification within 15 days of hire.
Complete all required trainings within 30 days of hire.
Ability to work under possible emotional stress and manage conflicts with difficult, uncooperative, or potentially aggressive clients.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience (four years).
One year of experience working with veterans, people in recovery, and/or individuals experiencing homelessness.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.
Experience with HMIS (homeless database).

Responsibilities

Identify and locate suitable housing options for homeless program participants, including referral to VOALA shelters when appropriate.
Create and maintain a housing database linking tenants to apartments.
Communicate with landlords, explain the program and participants’ needs, and work one-on-one with landlords on behalf of clients.
Conduct habitability and lead-based paint inspections of housing options as needed.
Develop support systems to address clients’ housing needs and help them achieve and retain permanent housing.
Coordinate and facilitate move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as needed.
Facilitate use of community resources to assist tenants and landlords when problems could lead to eviction.
Provide information and referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement as part of the case management team.
Assist case managers with comprehensive screenings and assessments covering functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan.
Coordinate follow-up services with the case management team and meet regularly with the team to stay current on client needs.
Participate in community engagement and outreach efforts.
Complete other duties as assigned or required.