Housing Specialist (Housing Cordinator)

First Place for Youth•Oakland, CA

2d•$31 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

First Place For Youth is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. They believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Their comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Requirements

2 years’ experience with Real estate or Property Management experience desired
A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers.
Knowledge of housing availability in San Francisco and surrounding counties preferred.
Relationships with landlords & apartments highly desired.
Previous experience partnering with Housing Authority with section 8 voucher or equivalent experience a plus.
Knowledge of current housing laws, fair market rents and rent reasonableness standards
Driving is a requirement of the job - must have possession of current CA driver’s license, access to a vehicle and personal automobile insurance.
Ability to drive to multiple locations throughout the day in and around the bay area for housing search
Proven ability to develop authentic, supportive relationships with youth and young adults.
Computer Skills-- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems.
Strong Communication Skills– Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates a capacity to secure and manage housing in a supportive housing program.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain inventory of landlords and property managers who have expressed interest in participating in the RRH Program.
Engage landlords and property managers to build and sustain relationships - network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses, and county wide housing providers.
Guide and educate TAY on how to search for, secure and maintain permanent affordable housing, including tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
Provide assistance to TAY with completing housing forms, applications and obtaining required verifications to determine qualifications for housing.
May conduct housing workshops and presentations to participants, staff, and community partners.
Conduct landlord recruitment and establish relationships with landlords, property owners, and property management companies.
Engage with local landlord organizations and housing associations to educate them on housing subsidy opportunities to increase visibility and awareness.
Conduct comprehensive housing searches to identify units that meet participant needs.
Negotiate lease on behalf of the participant.
Coordinate viewings and partner with TAY Case Managers to ensure that all paperwork gets completed timely.
Support with setting up utilities, securing deposits, and credit check fees.
Support with moving costs and some furniture dependent upon funding.
Utilize Fair Market Rate to determine acceptable rents and ensure rent reasonableness standards.
Educate participants on tenancy requirements including rent portion expectations.
Document efforts and activities in relevant electronic systems (AppFolio, Apricot, or other systems assigned) promptly.
Maintain accurate electronic and physical files on all client and property/landlord relationships.
Track changes in tenant portions of rent and subsidy amount.
Ensure that participants are aware of their portion of rent and they know when and how to make payment directly to the landlord.
Coordinate closely with First Place for Youth’s Housing Department leadership and finance to ensure that landlord rents are accurate and issued timely.
Regularly collaborate with TAY Case Managers to ensure that participants are consistently paying their rent on time, cultivate healthy relationships with neighbors, and resolve tenancy issues.
Immediately respond to lease violations or other complaints, with the goal of finding resolutions that do not jeopardize housing stability.
Coordinate solutions with landlord prior to eviction proceedings.
Ensure landlords fulfill their legal obligations including conducting repairs, issuing proper notices and supporting participants’ rights to Fair Housing.
Provide First Place for Youth point of contact to ensure rapid response to participant challenges and needs that may arise.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

15 days of vacation time in the first year
12 days of sick time
2 floating holidays
15 paid holidays
Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
Principal dental and vision coverage
Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid sabbatical