SUMMARY: The Housing Specialist will be responsible for housing services program implementation to include property management activities, assessing client’s housing needs, developing and implementing rental contracts, life skills education to support independent living, and help clients increase income.
Supervision: No direct supervisory responsibilities for staff, but may supervise interns and volunteers as assigned.
- Department: Housing Services
- Reports to: Director of Housing
- Classification: Full time; exempt
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5pm, in general. Some evenings and weekends are required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Provide program orientation to all new participants
- Conduct housing searches conducive to clients (unit size, income, utilities, FMR, handicap access, access to public transportation)
- Conduct landlord negotiations and completion of contracts
- Assist clients with housing applications and deposits
- Conduct housing quality standard inspections (initial then annually)
- Assess individual clients’ ability to maintain housing stability (budgeting, housekeeping, problem solving). Provide individual education as needed
- Act as a liaison between the client and the landlord regarding property and/or maintenance issues
- Maintain all written documentation related to essential job functions including case notes, attendance logs, evaluation instruments, completion and updating of HMIS data forms, etc.
- Must have the ability to work independently and prioritize work while managing multiple deadlines.
Responsibilities – Program Implementation & Oversight:
- Monitor clients’ adherence to program guidelines (paying rent/utilities, compliance with lease and program requirements)
- Participate in housing committee meetings to discuss new applicants, termination of subsidy and/or corrective action
- Complete monthly check requests to ensure client’s rent payments are made on time (by the 10th of the preceding month)
- Coordinate group level life skills opportunities for client’s to enhance their ability to remain stable in housing
- Participate in bi-weekly housing team meetings to ensure coordinated efforts are in place to continue stabilization of client’s
- Maintain on-going communication within the housing team to ensure client’s needs are being met holistically
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience directly related to duties/responsibilities specified. Experience providing client related HIV/AIDS services and Rapid Re-housing is preferred.
Job Knowledge and Skills: This position requires knowledge and sensitivity to HIV/AIDS and other target populations (homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse) along with the ability to work in a clinical and community environment. Must possess the ability to identify and communicate effectively with the members of the target population. Ability to work with multicultural and diverse population required. Must demonstrate organization skills and experience in an agency serving people at risk for HIV/AIDS. Effective oral and written communication skills and knowledge of HIV infection is essential. Excellent organizational, decision making, problem solving and time management skills are required to handle multiple activities related to program implementation. High energy level and self-motivated.
Computer knowledge should include Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). HMIS experience preferred. Knowledge and use of Adobe and other software preferred.
Physical Requirements: Must have reliable transportation and acceptable driving record is required.
This work requires the following physical activities; extended sitting, hearing/seeing, talking in person or on the phone and home visits. Occasional walking, bending, standing and driving are needed. Work is usually performed in an office setting. Work is performed in social and community settings when agency events occur. Minimal to moderate lifting is required at times.
Please send resume and cover letter in email format only to Beth Brooker at bbrooker@lgbtlifecenter.org
No phone calls please. A resume with cover letter will be accepted until position is filled.
