Landlord Engagement Specialist - $20+ - Full Time

Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA•Brownsville, PA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

DVSSP is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. This position will be hybrid/home office based and will include regular weekly attendance of required meetings and collaboration at any of our Agency locations. The Benefits of being a Housing Advocate: Flexible Scheduling Paid Training Competitive Pay Annual education opportunities Internal Advancement All employment levels enjoy a Comprehensive Benefit package including PTO, Sick Time, and Agency Vehicle use for work related travel! Full time employment and certain levels of part time will enjoy the following additional benefits: Pension, Life Insurance, Extended Paid Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision, and eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program!

Requirements

Translatable work experience
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional development
Collaborate with peers and other departments within the agency
Working knowledge of community resources
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Proficient computer, Internet, and email skills
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint processed in accordance with Public Law 92-522 and the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Pa C.S. Chapter 63), Federal Criminal History Background Check.
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
PA State Police Report of Criminal History Clearance.
Reference Check
Possess current PA driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle

Nice To Haves

B.A., or B.S. in related field, (M.S.W. or M.A. preferred) OR equivalent work experience

Responsibilities

Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events.
Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies
Identifies and places clients of the emergency shelter into appropriate housing with the goal of housing clients in fewer than 90 days of acceptance into the program
Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio.
Provides clients with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences
Helps clients to mitigate issues with credit reports, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility
Assists clients in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services, and accompanying clients to apartment viewings as needed
Assists clients with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status
Advocates on behalf of clients to expedite their access to housing
Completes timely inspections and arranges any necessary landlord corrective actions
Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval
Completes landlord certification
Explains and reviews the lease agreement with the incoming client
Together with other housing team members, assists clients with moving (help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.)
Conducts required in-person post-placement home visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention by providing resources including but not limited to budgeting, efficient use of utilities, maintaining a clean, safe home, information on utility programs, and Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP).
Participates in Coordinated Entry by completing CE assessments, attending case conferencing, and educating clients on the process.
Maintains proficiency in PCADV RRH regulations and guidelines
Possesses understanding in Fair Housing regulations and makes referrals to Summit Legal Aid as appropriate and necessary
Distribute relocation funds and other flexible funding to eligible clients as needed
Using an educative/supportive/trauma-informed model: provide direct services including: telephone hotline counseling, safety planning, information and referrals, accompaniment, individual advocacy, individual empowerment counseling, legal advocacy, transportation, support groups, and victim compensation assistance as relevant to work site.
Report child abuse as mandated by law, reinforcing to volunteers that they are mandated reporters and required to report child abuse as directed by the requisite process in place.
Assist clients with goals and life skills
Maintain detailed and timely electronic counseling records in any and all Agency, Program specific, and Funding required Client Databases.
Prepare and submit all statistics and reports as instructed.
Maintain facility, staff, volunteer, and client confidentiality at all times.
Participate in all required RHAB, LHOT, and Housing Coalition meetings and conferences.
Complete necessary continuing education training as relevant to domestic violence and/or housing.