Landlord Coordinator - DV Housing

Equinox Inc•City of Albany, NY

35m

About The Position

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region. For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and independence. Equinox is Albany County’s primary provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Our Domestic Violence Programs provide safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive situations and take control of their lives. Domestic Violence Services are available to all victims and their dependent children, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Position Summary: The Landlord Coordinator works closely with prospective property owners, landlords and property managers to promote permanent housing opportunities for individuals and families experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence. This involves outreach/education to area property owners regarding the nature and scope of Equinox’s DV housing programs and services, most specifically the Rapid Re-Housing program. This position also works closely with the clients in the Coordinated Entry process; utilizing the Housing First Model; to assist in the housing search, application, and move-in process.

Requirements

Ability to negotiate stairs.
Ability to lift and carry minimum of 15 lbs.
Ability to handle basic facility emergencies.
Ability to drive and transport clients with agency vehicles.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Hospitality or Certificate or License in Property Management or Real Estate (5 to 7 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or equivalent will be substituted in lieu of an advanced degree.)
Minimum two years’ experience in customer relations
Must have a clean, valid NYS Driver's License.
Awareness of the issues people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity face

Nice To Haves

One year of property management experience
Fluency in Spanish and/or an additional language
Prior experience working with domestic violence, substance abuse or mental health populations.

Responsibilities

Seek and identify available housing units, collaborate with landlords and case managers to support the client’s housing placement and retention, including eviction prevention.
Maintains a relationship with established property managers/owners and establishes new relationships with those interested in providing housing for people experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence.
Establishes, updates, maintains and communicates a list of available housing during weekly meetings and as needed.
In consultation with the assigned Case Manager, and the client, determine barriers, preferences, needs, and goals to successfully move into an apartment.
Assist clients directly with visiting prospective units as a part of housing search, completing housing applications, speaking and engaging with landlords and property managers, providing transportation to housing-related appointments as necessary, interpreting leases, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.
Networks and collaborates with area housing resources and maintains a presence at all DV program Case Reviews. Albany County Coordinated Entry meetings, and any other committees, and meetings focused on Albany County homelessness or landlord engagement.
Consistently meets all assigned outcome goals with respect to number of rental property contacts, number of new rental property owners/managers engaged, number of people served, and number of people moving into housing.
Mediates and negotiates with landlords, troubleshooting housing-related difficulties and aiding as necessary to maintain housing tenancy, in coordination with the case managers.
Assists the clients in gathering required documentation for programs, and apartment applications.
Develop safety plans; focusing on community safety with clients as needed.
Connect clients with appropriate community services, such as furniture, housewares, community food panties, and other free low-cost housing services, including all other Equinox, Inc. services as needed.
Maintains accurate case records; completes necessary paperwork and statistic requirements and reports for the agency and funding sources.
Ability to assist clients with moving belongings, including bags, small light boxes, houseware.
Answers the 24-hour hotline, providing information and referral, conducting shelter intakes, and scheduling counseling appointments, when needed.
Participates in staff meetings, program events, trainings and serves on committees as needed.
Develops and maintains professional collaborative, working relationships with community services
Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in an organized manner.
Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality and engage with a diverse population.
Ability to provide objective supportive listening and guidance
Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely.
Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
Ability to model calm and cooperative behavior.
Acts in accordance with Equinox mission, policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as requested for the enhancement and continuation of programming.