Property Management/Property Assistant

Job Overview

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf ofNJDCA participants, applicants and referrals to locate, secure, and retainpermanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifiesappropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and otherorganizations on behalf of NJDCA. TheNavigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportiveservices to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housinghas been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills inutilizing these various resources. This position also serves as a generalhousing resource for households served in other NJDCA programs.

Essential Functions:

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identifies and placesparticipants and applicants into appropriate housing with the goal of housingin fewer than 90 days of acceptance into the program

• Develops and maintains accurateand current housing portfolio. Provides participants with listings of potentialhousing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences

• Helps participants to mitigateissues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorablelandlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility

• Assists participants in theirhousing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potentiallandlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing locationservices, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed

• Assists participants withhousing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation andtracking application status

• Advocates on behalf ofparticipants to expedite their access to housing

• Arranges for timely inspectionsand landlord corrective actions

• Determines rent reasonablenessfor inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval

• Explains and reviews the leaseagreement with the incoming participant.

• Works with case managers toaddress any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment

• Conducts outreach and expandsaccess to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners andmanagement companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach,Internet search, and networking events. Develops expertise in availableaffordable housing sites and housing subsidies

• Assists clients with moving(help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiringfurniture and other move-in essentials, etc.)

• Conducts regular in-personpost-placement visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood ofhousing retention

• Attends collaborative meetingsand networks with other agencies and coalitions

• Actively participates in staffmeetings and trainings

• Maintains and reports completeand accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as otherservices in accordance with federal, state, county and NJDCA guidelines.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Knowledge and Experience:

• A minimum of two years’ related professional experience

• Prior experience working with low-income individuals andfamilies including, but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessnessand/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults

• Working knowledge of current housing practices for peopleexperiencing homelessness

• Extensive knowledge of local affordable housing resourcesand subsidies (i.e. Section 8, , VASH, etc.)

• Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, andcommunity resources including housing options, locations, and availability, aswell as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, andtransportation resources, among others.

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations

• Proficient in use of computers, including Microsoft Officesoftware and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track servicedelivery

• Proven ability to develop relationships with a widevariety of stakeholders

Education:

Requires anAssociate’s degree in a related field or 2 years on job work experiences.

License and Certification:

• Valid drivers' license and clean driving record. Personalvehicle for business use

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $21.52 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25