Housing Specialist - TH-RRH

BILL WILSON CENTER•Santa Clara, CA

6d•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist connects program youth to stable housing and vital community resources. Reporting to the Program Manager, the role balances landlord relations, including oversight of rental payments, with empowering clients to manage their own financial obligations. Working alongside direct service staff, the Housing Specialist helps participants secure and retain housing through independence and effective resource navigation. The position is based at Lafayette YAFS in Santa Clara, California, and combines community-based and office-based work in shared office space located in a shelter. The employee works independently as well as on a team and transports clients to view housing listings as needed. The role requires travel for agency meetings, trainings, and accounting or financial needs.

Requirements

Knowledge of housing availability in Santa Clara County.
Experience working with a culturally diverse population.
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the Santa Clara County homeless youth community and LGBTQ community.
Knowledge of fair housing and tenant-related laws.
Efficiency and strong organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; integrity; respect for confidentiality; and ability to work with diverse populations, including people with various disabilities.
Ability to analyze and prioritize complex situations, policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, and exercise sound judgment.
Regular attendance and punctuality.
Ability to comprehend and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, email management, internet navigation, and operating system navigation.
Valid California driver's license, access to a personal vehicle usable for company business, and current personal automobile insurance.
Ability to travel for agency meetings, trainings, and accounting or financial needs.
Fingerprinting/background check and TB test required; fingerprinting/background checks may be required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships with landlords, apartments, or other housing providers.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Identify and recruit landlords and property management companies willing to work with subsidized programs.
Conduct initial and annual Housing Quality Standards inspections to confirm units meet HUD safety and health requirements.
Review leases for program compliance and negotiate rental rates to meet Rent Reasonableness criteria.
Submit timely rent requests to the Manager and Accounting team.
Help participants identify housing options suited to their needs, budgets, and geographic preferences.
Serve as the primary landlord contact, addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and explaining the benefits of the housing program.
Intervene in tenant-landlord disputes to help prevent evictions and maintain community partnerships.
Determine initial and ongoing rental subsidy amounts with the Program Manager, based on participant income and program formulas.
Ensure property owners submit required documentation, including W-9s and HAP agreements, before client move-in.
Maintain accurate participant housing files, including HQS reports, Lead-Based Paint disclosures, and Rent Reasonableness certifications.
Meet weekly with Case Managers to coordinate housing searches with participant needs.
Help participants develop housing-readiness skills, including understanding lease terms, tenant rights, and utility budgeting.
Complete case notes in AWARDS and HMIS promptly.
Attend agency and program meetings and required training sessions.
Communicate effectively, work well with coworkers and management, and act professionally under pressure.
Transport clients to view listings and accompany them to housing opportunities as needed.
Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives.
Participate in agency safety initiatives and promptly report safety issues to management.
Perform additional duties as assigned.