Housing Specialist

Renaissance Social Services•Chicago, IL

2d•$45,000 - $50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Renaissance Social Services, Inc. (Renaissance) is a leader in Chicago’s response to homelessness. Renaissance prevents and ends homelessness for vulnerable Chicagoans, providing a range of proven solutions including prevention, outreach, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, behavioral health care, and clinical case management. The Housing Specialist ensures the successful coordination and execution of the agency’s scattered-site supportive housing programs and serves as a vital link between all participants, management companies, and support services staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Minimum 3 years of experience in property/asset management field.
Knowledge of homelessness and housing issues.
Knowledge of Chicago Landlord/Tenant Ordinance.
Knowledge of Affordable Housing Practices (Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care).
Comfortable working with diverse groups of people including individuals experiencing homelessness and LGBTQQIAP2S+ communities.
Excellent oral and written communication; exceptional organizational skills.
Proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel, and data management systems.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance.
Must pass applicable background tests.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Intake to provide housing location services to new participants.
Collaborate with case managers regarding housing relocations.
Introduce participants to units and turn over keys.
Coordinate unit turnover services.
Conduct unit inspections, including annual, environmental, move-in, and move-out.
Write and send notices to residents including, but not limited to, notices about inspections and non-compliance issues.
Work with tenants to process rent recertification and set up payment plans.
Maintain and update tenant files including updated leases, unit inspections, rent reasonableness forms, rent calculations, and memos.
Assist with monthly reports, lease generation, and rent requests.
Collect, enter, and validate data.
Work with landlords and case management staff to resolve tenant issues.
Cultivate new landlord relationships and maintain existing relationships with landlords and management companies.
Provide instructions to participants regarding tenant rights and responsibilities.
Provide ongoing housing counseling services to clients.
Provide clients exiting the program with assistance in securing appropriate community housing.
Assist with key management: key sign-out and distribution.
Participate in all relevant meetings.
Represent Renaissance with external entities and internal staff.
Complete reporting requirements as needed and requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.