What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at WESTCARE CALIFORNIA INC?
Position Summary:
Person in this position will be responsible for assisting homeless individuals and families in identifying and transitioning into the Project LiftOFF Permanent Supportive Housing program. This Housing Specialist will work with the housing navigators and the programs case manager to support the housing needs of the participants going through the Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care, Coordinated Entry System. Essential Job Functions include those listed below, but other duties may be assigned as needed.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assess individualized housing needs for all referred clients and coordinate with clients to develop individualized housing plans and address barriers.
- Monitor and evaluate each clients progression though their housing search plan and develop corrective action revisions to the plan as needed.
- Create and maintain lists of available housing options for clients.
- Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.
- Serve as a liaison between program participants and Fresno Housing Authority representatives;
- Serve as a liaison between program participants and property management companies and/or owners
- Responsible for completing unit inspections bi-weekly and process maintenance requests, as needed;
- Process monthly rent payments
- Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes
- Prepare case-related reports, outcomes, successes, challenges and other reports as necessary and required.
- Outreach to realtors, landlords, housing developers and other housing providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities.
- Network with other agencies, coalitions, and local community meetings
- Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings
- Work in collaboration with the FMCoCs Community Coordinator/Matcher to effectively navigate and house individuals and individuals with families; and
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualifications:
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills;
- Two (2) years of public service experience;
- One (1) year of Property Management experienced preferred
- Excellent computer skills.
- Excellent documentation skills.
- Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCares vehicle insurance is require;
- Be able to multi-task; and
- CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an Annual Tuberculosis test
Education:
- AA Degree is required; and
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Psychology, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field is preferred.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in a combination of out in the community and in an office setting;
- Some travel is required; and
- Some outdoor activities may be required.
