Landlord Engagement Specialist

WAYNE-METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY•Wyandotte, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Landlord Engagement Specialist is responsible for leading agency-wide efforts to effectively market Wayne Metro's voucher programs to new and existing landlords and owners to expand the number of units available to families receiving rental assistance. The LES will identify permanent housing units in the rental market throughout Wayne County, develop partnerships with landlords to overcome barriers that prevent client households from obtaining permanent housing, and work closely with Housing Specialists to ensure clients can access housing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Public Administration, Social Work, or Business Administration or a combination of education and experience that is similarly equivalent.
A minimum of four years of experience.
Knowledge of demographics in Detroit and Out- Wayne County, the needs of low-income persons and services available to meet those needs.
Ability to design and implement outreach, education, and information/referral services targeted towards persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
Ability to identify, contact and work with area social service providers in both the public and private sectors to obtain, coordinate, and modify services in the interest of aiding low-income persons.
Ability to collect and evaluate data regarding service needs, present services, and service gaps; and through such an evaluation, develop means through which to address those service gaps.
Ability to communicate very effectively both in oral and in written form.
Ability to empathize and communicate with those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point) required.
Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology.
The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.
Ability to evaluate programs and processes and to propose strategic efficiencies.
Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and in written form.
Exceptional interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers with compassion, empathy, and respect.
Ability to resolve customer complaints with compassion, empathy, respect and clarity.
Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).
Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.
Ability to travel to various sites.
Valid identification and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

Perform landlord outreach efforts including: meeting with various interested parties to discuss the advantages of participating in Wayne Metro's voucher programs; on-site visits at apartment complexes or realtors offices; private presentations at Wayne Metro, and attending meetings where interested parties may be present.
Coordinate landlord outreach efforts with local partners to include apartment associations, Board of Realtors, tenant council's and other community partners with an emphasis on recruiting additional property owners willing to lease their properties to participants of the HCV program and other rental assistance programs.
Identify opportunities for expanding the number of units available to voucher participants.
Develop and maintain a network of professional contacts in the property management and real estate industry.
Maintain an in-depth knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher and Wayne Metro Housing program rules and procedures.
Serve as the primary point of contact for property managers/owners' concerns and complaints.
Conduct quick turnaround HQS inspections and rent reasonable studies as needed to secure units.
Administer flexible funding to assist families with rental application fees and security deposits.
Establish relationships with landlords to assist in locating appropriate housing, especially those who have multiple barriers to obtaining permanent housing.
Act as a liaison and mediator for housing issues that may arise.
Assist Housing Specialists with coordination of residential support services to ensure clients maintain permanent housing.
Complete owner/management changes; add new property owners, investors, managers, and complete owner address changes.
Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff, and a willingness to work with others.
Perform work in a professional manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.