ReStart - Housing Specialist

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

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist works under general supervision in VOA Northern California & Northern Nevada’s ReStart Family Stabilization Program in Reno, Nevada. The role helps program participants locate and apply for housing, identifies housing opportunities, and provides placement and stabilization support. The position is responsible for delivering compassionate, professional, cost-effective services in line with program objectives and organizational standards. ReStart provides clinical and non-clinical services intended to reduce homelessness and increase self-sufficiency for eligible individuals and families. Services include mental health support, case management, outreach to the homeless community, and housing services. The Housing Specialist also maintains housing resource information and documentation, coordinates with clients, landlords, service providers, and colleagues, and supports quality operations through staff orientation, training, and ongoing professional development.

Requirements

Two years of knowledge of issues and challenges unique to low-income populations, people experiencing homelessness, minorities, and people with disabilities; a combination of education and knowledge may 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.
Ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions.
Ability to provide client 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.
Annual T.B. testing.
Valid Nevada license to operate VOA vehicles.
Teamwork skills.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to assist other people.
Organizational skills.
Analytical and decision-making ability.
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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform housing searches, landlord mediation, and client placement to support rapid placement into housing.
Assist clients with housing placement and stabilization, including completing housing applications and preparing housing packets for approval.
Facilitate move-in procedures in a timely manner and obtain a copy of the signed lease on the day it is signed.
Complete initial and annual NSPIRE HCV/PBV inspections for all units, notify landlords of deficiencies and needed repairs, and maintain inspection records.
Develop and maintain an up-to-date list of low-income housing resources for client referrals.
Investigate housing properties and interview property managers to assess housing feasibility and promote the ReStart housing programs.
Provide alternative housing or program options as needed and advocate on behalf of clients.
Maintain and update Rent Reasonableness information for all properties annually or when changes occur.
Communicate with participants, external service providers, landlords, coworkers, case managers, and supervisors in a professional manner; respond to client questions and concerns.
Provide clients with a supportive environment and link them to agency and community services.
Maintain client confidentiality and comply with ethical guidelines and confidentiality laws.
Enter client data in the Clarity HMIS database and maintain DAP-format case notes, service records, statistical data, and other required documentation.
Complete incident reports as required and report policy infractions to the appropriate manager or director.
Discuss difficult clients with the supervisor and maintain open, direct communication with the assigned case manager and supervisor.
Perform daily work to meet department objectives and other duties as assigned.
Assist with department orientation and training for new employees as requested, identify ongoing training needs, and report them to management.
Support the development team by providing information and support for quality operations.
Maintain working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to support a safe environment for clients and personnel.
Pursue self-development by enhancing technical and interpersonal skills, attending staff meetings and assigned training, completing required certifications, and completing NSPIRE training.