Housing Specialist - Family Shelter Services

BILL WILSON CENTER•Sunnyvale, CA

10d•$25 - $28

About The Position

Under the supervision and direction of the Shelter Manager of the Family Shelter Services, the Housing Specialist will support families in developing housing plans to prepare them to transition into permanent housing from the Family Shelter. The Housing Specialist will work with families to align their finances, housing search and eventual transition into permanent housing.

Requirements

(B.A.) in Social Work, Sociology, experience in Real Estate, Property Management or related field plus 2+ years of relevant case management experience and/or training; or 5+ years on field experience/lived experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills: Ability to understand and interpret a variety of documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence. Strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage with diverse individuals and groups.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification required (or complete within 30 days of hire).
Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business.
Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations.
TB test required.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and address a variety of real-world situations where limited standardization may exist. Ability to understand and interpret instructions provided in multiple formats, including written, verbal, visual (such as diagrams), or scheduled forms. Flexibility in learning and communication methods is welcomed and supported.
Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, individuals should have familiarity with internet software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Comfort with internet research is a plus. Training and support will be provided as needed to ensure success in these areas.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience working with homeless clients and in a shelter setting.
Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese) are highly valued and strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments to understand each family's housing needs, including income level, desired location, and any accessibility requirements.
Collaborate with families to develop individualized housing plans that identify suitable housing options and overcome potential barriers.
Research and identify appropriate affordable housing options in the community, considering factors like rental market availability, family size, and budget.
Connect families with relevant resources like rental assistance programs, security deposit assistance, or fair housing agencies.
Assist families with the application process for rental units, including completing forms and gathering required documents.
Equip families with the skills and knowledge necessary to present themselves competitively to landlords, such as budgeting, resume writing, and references.
Advocate for families during landlord interactions and negotiations, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity.
Accompany families on housing tours and provide guidance in selecting a suitable home.
Assist families with budgeting for moving costs and securing any necessary furniture or appliances.
Connect families with ongoing support services to help them maintain stable housing, such as employment resources, financial literacy programs, or childcare assistance.
Conduct follow-up checks to ensure families are adjusting well to their new homes and address any challenges they might face.
Track and analyze data related to housing placements, including application success rates and time spent in shelter.
Prepare reports on housing program performance and identify areas for improvement.
Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives.
Collaborate with case managers, social workers, and other shelter staff to ensure a holistic approach to supporting families.
Communicate effectively with families, respecting their privacy and maintaining confidentiality.
Build relationships with landlords and property managers to increase access to suitable housing options.
Stay up-to-date on local housing regulations, rental assistance programs, and community resources.
Attend training opportunities on housing search strategies, fair housing laws, and best practices in case management.
May assist with shelter operations tasks related to housing applications or resource distribution.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.