Program Assistant (Real estate, property management, housing assistance)

Assignment Location: Morris Co, 350 US Highway 46, Suite 105, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Shift Timing: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Lunch Break: 1 hour (unpaid)

Job Summary:

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of NJDCA participants, applicants, and referrals to locate, secure, and retain permanent housing. This role involves planning and coordinating services, identifying appropriate housing options, and engaging with landlords and other organizations. The Navigator utilizes a comprehensive knowledge of housing and supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and after securing permanent housing. Additionally, this position serves as a general housing resource for NJDCA programs.

Essential Functions:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Identifying and placing participants into appropriate housing within 90 days of program acceptance.
• Developing and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date housing portfolio to provide participants with relevant housing options.
• Assisting participants with credit issues, utility arrears, criminal records, landlord references, and other factors impacting housing eligibility.
• Supporting participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with landlords, and accompanying them to viewings.
• Helping with housing applications, gathering required documentation, and tracking application status.
• Advocating on behalf of participants to expedite housing access.
• Arranging for timely housing inspections and landlord corrective actions.
• Determining rent reasonableness before rental assistance and lease approval.
• Reviewing lease agreements with incoming participants.
• Collaborating with case managers to address housing-related issues and community adjustments.
• Conducting outreach to expand housing access by cultivating relationships with property owners, management companies, and landlords.
• Assisting clients with moving logistics, including finding affordable movers, storage units, and acquiring furniture.
• Conducting regular post-placement visits to mitigate risks and improve housing retention.
• Attending collaborative meetings and networking with other agencies and coalitions.
• Actively participating in staff meetings and training sessions.
• Maintaining accurate documentation of service objectives, outcomes, and compliance with federal, state, county, and NJDCA guidelines.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:Knowledge & Experience:

• Minimum two years of related professional experience.
• Prior experience working with low-income individuals, individuals experiencing homelessness, those with mobility limitations, veterans, and older adults.
• Familiarity with housing practices for people experiencing homelessness.
• Extensive knowledge of affordable housing resources and subsidies (e.g., Section 8, VASH).
• Understanding of state, county, and community resources, including housing, health services, mental health support, employment, and transportation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle conflicts and crisis situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database platforms for tracking service delivery.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with stakeholders.

Education:

• Associate’s degree in a related field or at least two years of relevant work experience.

License & Certification:

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Personal vehicle for business use.
• Minimum one year of experience in real estate, property management, or housing assistance programs.

Skills Required:

• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work efficiently.
• Experience in networking and relationship-building.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $25.00 - $25.05 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $25