Mather Community Campus, Singles Program - Housing Specialist

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.•Mather, CA

8h•$25 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA-NCNN) is seeking a full-time Housing Specialist for the Singles Program at the Mather Community Campus. This role is crucial in assisting residents in obtaining and maintaining housing, involving supportive interaction with participants and team members, assessing participant needs, and ensuring the safety and integrity of all residents. The position operates in a cost-effective and service-oriented manner, adhering to established organizational standards and providing services without prejudice. The Housing Specialist will develop contracts for fee payments, liaise with landlords, prepare clients for housing searches, develop permanent housing resources, and maintain a list of available housing. They will also coordinate with other VOA programs and Case Managers, track housing data, conduct groups on housing-related topics, prepare monthly reports, and develop financial plans with clients for apartment leases. Regular visits to clients in scattered-site locations are required to assist with apartment care and monitor financial situations. The role also involves monitoring fee payments and developing plans for payment issues, in consultation with the Case Manager. Additionally, the position requires continuous learning and skill enhancement, attendance at staff meetings and training, and maintaining knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards.

Requirements

Two years of successful experience in the delivery of human services or any combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the knowledge and ability to complete the duties outlined above.
Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills
Computer Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Ability to de-escalate situations and assist residents and staff in emergency situations
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Valid California driver's license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required.
Must pass all required background clearances in accordance with agency, County, State, and federal standards.
CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment.
Completion and maintenance of all required training and health clearances.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred.
Working knowledge of credit and legal responsibilities of renters as well as familiarity with low-income housing resources is preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary as well as knowledge of problems unique to emancipated foster youth, persons with disabilities, substance abuse and adolescent parents.
Must have the willingness to function as a team member with the ability to make skillful independent decisions.

Responsibilities

Develop contracts with each resident for payment of fees, both in VOA’s apartment building and scattered-site locations.
Liaison with landlords to facilitate successful transition and to problem-solve placement issues.
Contact and orient developers/landlords to increase permanent housing options.
Prepare all clients for their housing search.
Develop permanent housing resources throughout the community.
Maintain a resource list of available housing.
Coordinate with Housing Specialists from other VOA programs (i.e. Residence to ensure all permanent housing resources are available to clients.
Coordinate with Case Managers to assist students in mitigating negative credit histories.
Maintain follow-up housing data on graduates.
Develop and conduct groups regarding issues related to securing and maintaining permanent housing.
Prepare monthly report by the 5th of every month outlining accomplishments in a statistical format.
Develop with each client, their financial plan to take over the master leases on their apartments.
Visit weekly with clients in scattered-site locations to assist them in caring for their apartments and to remain aware of any financial changes or challenges that would prevent clients from meeting their rental/lease obligations.
Monitor fee payments and develop plans with residents, consult with the Case Manager, plan for fee waivers, late fee payments, back-rent payment plans.
Perform other related duties as assigned by Program Manager.
Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
Attend staff meetings and assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.
Attend all training and collaborative meetings necessary for development of housing resources.
Serve as part of the development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
Maintain an above average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure safe work environment for clients and all personnel.