ReStart - Housing Specialist

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.•Reno, NV

About The Position

The Housing Specialist works under general supervision in the ReStart Family Stabilization Program in Reno, Nevada. The role assists program participants in finding and applying for housing, establishes information about housing opportunities, and supports housing placement and stabilization. The position provides services in a compassionate, professional, cost-effective manner consistent with program objectives and organizational standards. The program provides clinical and non-clinical services to reduce homelessness and increase self-sufficiency for eligible individuals and families, including mental health services, case management, outreach, and housing services. The Housing Specialist collaborates with clients, landlords, external providers, case managers, and supervisors; maintains documentation and confidentiality; and contributes to staff training, program development, and a safe work environment.

Requirements

Two years of knowledge of issues and challenges affecting low-income people, people experiencing homelessness, minorities, and people with disabilities; a combination of knowledge and education will be considered.
Ability to use a range of interventions with clients who have varying needs and levels of functioning.
Working knowledge of property management, fair housing law, real estate transactions, eviction notices, credit statements, and renters’ legal responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide mediation without ethnic or social prejudice.
Flexibility to work both in the office and in the community, and willingness to function as a team member.
Strong computer skills.
CPR and First Aid training within 90 days of employment, with recertification as necessary, and annual T.B. testing.
Valid Nevada license to operate VOA vehicles.
Teamwork, oral and written communication, organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills, and ability to assist other people.
Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds; stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently; climb stairs as needed; drive between locations; and kneel occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.

Responsibilities

Perform daily work to accomplish department objectives and uphold an environment free from ethnic or social prejudice and judgment.
Complete incident reports as required and report policy infractions to the appropriate manager or director.
Communicate professionally with participants, external service providers, landlords, and coworkers; respond to client questions and concerns and provide a supportive environment.
Follow ethical guidelines and confidentiality laws, and communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions.
Conduct housing searches, landlord mediation, and client placement to support rapid housing placement.
Assist clients with housing placement, stabilization, and housing applications.
Prepare housing packets for approval, allowing 14 days until the move-in date, and facilitate move-in procedures in a timely manner.
Obtain a copy of the signed lease on the day it is signed.
Complete initial and annual NSPIRE HCV/PBV inspections on all units, notify landlords of deficiencies and needed repairs, and maintain inspection records.
Develop and maintain a current list of low-income housing resources for client referrals.
Investigate housing properties and interview property managers to assess housing feasibility and promote ReStart housing programs.
Provide information about alternative housing or program options as needed and advocate on behalf of clients.
Maintain open communication with assigned case managers and supervisors, discuss difficult clients with the supervisor, and link clients to agency and community services.
Enter client data in the Clarity HMIS database; maintain DAP-format case notes, service records, statistical data, and other documentation required by VOA or funding sources.
Assist with department orientation and training for new employees, identify ongoing training needs, and report those needs to management.
Contribute information and support to the development of quality program operations.
Maintain working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to support a safe environment for clients and personnel.
Continually develop technical and interpersonal skills; attend staff meetings and assigned training and complete required certifications, including CPR and First Aid, and NSPIRE training.
Perform other duties as assigned.