Housing Program Specialist (47750)

General Description:

The purpose of this class within the organization is to meet with candidates for the Rapid ReHousing program and offer case management services by connecting candidates with available resources, evaluating needs, monitoring progress, and collecting documentation for grant compliance. This role also serves to strengthen the community by improving housing and economic opportunities for low and moderate-income families. This class works under close supervision according to set procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, supplemented by six months of customer service or administrative work. The equivalent combination of education and related work experience may be considered.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of HUD’s Rapid Rehousing program, federal and state rental and utility assistance programs and case management related to programs.
• Knowledge of local, state and Federal affordable housing and home purchasing programs and projects.
• Knowledge of the Continuum of Care and Housing First model.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing requirements and Limited English Proficiency plans.
• Knowledge of landlord/ tenant laws, and safety standards for rental housing. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and motivate individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Knowledge of developing a household budget and basic budgeting counseling skills.
• Knowledge of local agencies and what services they provide to best serve the client.
• Knowledge of Homeless Management Information System. 
• Proficient skill in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to follow programmatic rules and guidelines.
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead and interact with diverse individuals using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, and to listen effectively.
• Ability to effectively work under stressful, fast-paced conditions
• Ability to manage workload by planning, organizing and setting priorities in order to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to collaborate with local social services agencies to find and obtain the best services for clients.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines.
• Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers. Personally demonstrates appropriate customer service skills.
• Work is performed onsite.  The incumbent must be present at work to perform the essential functions of this job.
  
   

Essential Job Functions:

1. Prospects and establishes new landlords’ relationships to add to the housing bank of units suitable for households' experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness with barriers in coordination with the Housing Development Corporation’s Housing Navigator.
2. Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, internet search, and networking events.