Housing Specialist

Hope Solutions•Pleasant Hill, CA

1d•$28 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

Hope Solutions, formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, is a non-profit agency founded in 1991 that provides permanent housing and support services to homeless or at-risk families and individuals in Contra Costa County. The agency envisions a world where everyone has a home and community support to live with dignity. Hope Solutions' mission is to heal the effects of poverty and homelessness by providing permanent housing and vital support services to highly vulnerable families and individuals. The Housing Specialist role is for an energetic, flexible, and responsive individual who can support clients and collaborate with team members and community partners. The ideal candidate is compassionate, service-driven, and believes in the potential of others. This role involves case management, housing navigation, advocacy, and financial support to help clients find safe and sustainable housing. The specialist will also conduct outreach to landlords, work with community resources, and coordinate with the County Coordinated Entry System to reduce homelessness and ensure stable housing. There is no supervisory responsibility for this position.

Requirements

Knowledge of and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
Passion for and demonstrated experience successfully supporting vulnerable populations, especially homeless clients with mental disabilities.
BA degree in social work or related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
Minimum of two years’ experience in the human service field, preferably with housing retention barriers such as substance abuse, mental health, and/or income challenges.
Knowledge or willingness to learn HUD requirements, including tenant certifications and/or experience working with HUD-funded properties.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Computer proficiency in the use of Microsoft and database applications.
Must have an operational vehicle, auto insurance, valid California driver’s license, and be willing to drive for work.
Must pass LiveScan screening and TB test.
Ability to drive an automobile and transport oneself and consumers to appointments or meet at consumer homes, including driving at night.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual in English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet with identified clients to complete housing needs assessments and create plans for obtaining safe, sustainable housing.
Assist with data entry, rental subsidy, program incentive tracking for program participants, and tracking/reporting program data.
Assist Team members on an as-needed basis with assessing client needs and service planning.
Assist clients with “document readiness” (gathering and maintaining verification documents required for housing applications).
Research and identify housing opportunities for clients as requested or needed.
Assist clients in identifying and seeking desirable, appropriate housing options and mitigating screening barriers.
Provide applicants with housing-related resources necessary to obtain and sustain housing placement, including information regarding tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
Partner with Department staff and other community partners as needed to ensure coordination of care.
Transport clients to meet with prospective landlords, complete housing applications, and inspect potential units on an as-needed basis.
Apply knowledge of residential leases to educate clients regarding their rights and responsibilities.
Work with community partners to assess housing barriers and the needs of clients experiencing homelessness who are eligible for services.
Maintain key relationships with community service providers, Probation referral sources, and Coordinated Entry programs.
Develop outreach and marketing strategies to identify landlords and build housing inventory. Present to interested parties: target audiences will vary but may include faith communities, rental associations, board and care facilities, elected officials, and property management companies.
In partnership with Hope Solutions, brokered housing and property management staff collaborate regarding shared housing resources.
Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on clients’ behalf to assist with obtaining and/or maintaining housing.
Create and maintain consistent verbal and written communication channels between collaborating parties (i.e., tenant, landlord, referral sources, service agencies, debtors, and creditors).
Awareness of and aptitude to understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based differences within group environments appropriately and effectively.
Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion and belonging.
Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, personal humility, authenticity, backgrounds, and goals.
Participate in and complete our new employee onboarding process, which includes reading and discussing a short chapter in the book, The Color of Law.
Review and commit to our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Commitment.
Professionally represent Hope Solutions in all circumstances.
Comply with all legal/ethical professional guidelines for maintaining consumer confidentiality, adhering to HIPAA guidelines, protecting consumer rights, advocating on consumers’ behalf, and assuring consumer safety.
Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations and Hope Solutions policies and procedures.
Complete required administrative paperwork and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
Attend all required meetings, including but not limited to Hope Solutions staff meetings, team meetings, consumer case conferences, and linkage meetings with other agencies.
Complete required personnel-related paperwork and complete expenditure reports for food supplies, petty cash expenses, and/or mileage in a timely and accurate manner.
Document all services provided in a timely manner.
Assist with data generation for reports and funding applications as needed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
On-call, after-hours, and backup work may be required.