Leasing Specialist (4812)

MERCY HOUSE•Santa Ana, CA

22h•$24 - $24

About The Position

The Leasing Specialist is responsible for assisting at-risk and homeless families and individuals in obtaining and securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. The objective of this position is to help households obtain stable housing by providing housing navigation and landlord engagement services. This position requires a flexible work schedule including some weekends, morning and evening shifts and reliable transportation.

Requirements

A minimum of two years of leasing-related experience or educational background in the human services or related field is required
A valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required.
Must be comfortable utilizing your own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, meet clients out in the community, etc.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Detail-oriented and computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required
Ability to stay on task, work independently and as a group, reliability, and self-motivation are mandatory skills

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish is of significant value

Responsibilities

Housing Advocacy
Develop an understanding of the County's housing market and establish strong business relationships in the for profit and nonprofit sectors (i.e. landlords, property managers, real estate owners/brokers, and developers)
Work collaboratively with case managers and share viable housing leads directly with clients in a timely manner
Follow up with clients on housing leads provided and keep track of successful housing placements
Assemble program information packets for local landlords and be familiar with program landlord incentives as applicable
Maintain a list of housing opportunities for homeless clients and those at risk of homelessness
Locate and secure traditional housing options at market rate as well as affordable/low-income units
Make calls to landlords to inquire about housing opportunities and verify they accept third-party rental assistance
Locate and secure non-traditional/creative housing options and provide housing leads to clients by contacting them directly
Match Rapid Re-housing clients to potential housing leads
Answer and respond to phone queries, making housing referrals as needed
Conduct habitability, lead-based paint inspections, and rent reasonability standards processes
Assist at-risk households with maintaining their housing or relocating to more suitable housing
Ability to enter clients’ units with program staff and assess for potential habitability concerns
Attend intake meetings with case managers as necessary to meet clients, provide housing search and navigation services, and complete housing screening forms with clients
Complete rent reasonability studies for units that pass habitability inspections
Conduct landlord outreach and search for potential housing opportunities, including making daily phone calls, sending email inquiries, and/or driving out in the field
Engage and network with landlords, perform habitability inspections, and deliver rent checks as required by program
Maintain effective relationships with landlords and/or property managers by resolving or mitigating landlord/tenant conflicts and provide necessary emergency support
Team Tasks
Respond to phone calls and email communications promptly
Assist in the facilitation of tenant education workshops
Collaborate with and act as a resource for program staff on housing, and landlord/tenant related issues
Collaborate closely with Rapid Re-housing case managers on their clients’ needs when looking for units and conducting housing inspections
Assist with the collection of documentation and coaching support of clients when necessary
Fair Housing and Legal Issues
Maintain an understanding of Fair Housing Laws and keep current on legal issues related to housing laws and regulations including but not limited to the eviction process, notices of entry, notices to perform or quit, etc.
Consult with program staff on client-related legal issues pertaining to their housing
Miscellaneous
Must participate in networking functions, community meetings, meet with funders and partnering agencies related to your job description
Assist with program activities when necessary
Attend staff/team meetings, training workshops, staff build events
Develop new partnerships with other agencies to enhance our current housing navigation services
Enhance job performance by applying up-to-date professional knowledge gained by attending seminars and conferences and reviewing professional publications
Meet department and company expectations