Housing Specialist

FORKIDS INC•Chesapeake, VA

27d•$22 - $26

About The Position

The Housing Specialist uses a housing first approach to reduce the length of time families are homeless. Works with families residing in emergency shelter, or in other homeless or at-risk situations to assess barriers, identify appropriate long-term housing solutions and facilitate placement. Assures that data collected from clients is thoroughly and accurately reported in a timely manner according to established standards and deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in social work, human services, or associated field preferred. Minimum of two years of experience in human services and/or homeless shelter, leasing, property management, or other relevant work experience is preferred but not required.
Considerable knowledge of social, economic and health problems as they related to homeless families.
Ability to be objective and calm in a stressful environment.
Knowledge of community and social agencies and resources.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to work with a diverse population.
Ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the use of personal computers and standard office software.
Ability to accurately track and report data.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers and with representatives of other agencies and programs.
Ability to work outside of regular business hours as necessary.
Valid driver's license with no more than three minor driving violations and/or accidents combined within the last three years, and no major moving violations in the past five years.

Responsibilities

Complete Housing Assessments as per agency policy, developing housing stabilization plans to address identified housing barriers and needs and begin to identify an appropriate housing placement.
Use a housing first approach to rapidly re-house families to address or eliminate barriers to maintaining and sustaining housing
Develop and cultivate relationships with local property management agencies to seek housing for clients and to encourage property managers to modify tenant selection criteria to accommodate clients facing homelessness.
Assist clients in identifying financial concerns primarily pertaining to utility and rental barrier debt that could cause possible housing placement barriers.
Assist clients in developing realistic housing expectations, ensuring that the cost of identified housing is within clients means to maintain after graduating from the program and that it is reasonable and within local fair market rent.
Encourage and assist clients by training and coaching activities in housing/tenant relations and other relevant topics.
Coordinate transportation services and/or transport families to meet housing stability goals.
Monitor status of waiting lists for subsidized housing and inform all relevant case managers of opportunities available to clients.
Provide ongoing mediation between landlords and clients as needed. Support staff with housing related matters pertaining to RRH clients.
When applicable, identify housing units that fall within grant guidelines, including communicating with landlords, facilitating execution of leases and following up regarding any tenant/landlord concerns.
Complete Housing Habitability, Housing Quality Standards and Lead-Based Paint Inspections to ensure identified housing is safe and adequate. Engage in direct communication with clients regarding housing inspections and safe housing standards.
As needed, coordinate with other shelter or housing providers to facilitate housing placement following community referrals.
Participate in internal landlord recruitment and retention initiatives.
Participate in regular housing priority meetings to assist with leveraging of available units.
Other duties as assigned
Provide service to internal and external customers according to standards as outlined in ForKids Customer CARE Manual.
Use agency resources (financial and non-financial) prudently.
Acknowledge and follow financial policies of the agency.
Accurately complete all required data reporting in accordance with established guidelines.
Participate in all scheduled data collection trainings.
Participate in development and fundraising activities as needed and requested (ex: meeting with donors, providing tours, attending fundraising events).
Regularly engage, support and collaborate with volunteers to provide a meaningful experience.