Veteran Services - (SSVF) Housing Specialist (Placer/Nevada Counties) bei Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.

Overview:

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

 

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

 

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time Housing Specialist for our SSVF team (Placer/Nevada Counties). Funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Supportive Service for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. The program offers eligible Veterans and their families:

 

Case Management

Transportation Services

Child Care Services

Rental Assistance

Resources and Referrals

 

The SSVF Case Manager position is a 4x10 schedule. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

 

Responsibilities:

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position will assist homeless Veterans in meeting the housing eligibility requirements and establish information about housing opportunities and solutions.  The Housing Specialist will lead Ready to Rent classes and provide information regarding appropriate and available housing options for clients to review.  This position will assist clients with rental applications and other documentation and may provide transportation to housing opportunities as needed.  The Housing Specialist will attend meetings with potential landlords to promote successful interviews, obtain housing approval, cultivate relationships with landlords, and assist clients in housing retention planning. The Housing Specialist will also provide outreach in the homeless community to help locate homeless veterans.

 

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing housing search, mediation, and client placement to achieve established objectives of the department. 

1. Assist prospective applicants with housing placement, stabilization, and retention.
2. Assess applicants and assist them in meeting eligibility requirements, assist applicants in completing program applications or other documentation, and facilitate ready-to-rent classes.
3. Coordinate move-in procedures in a timely fashion. 
4. Complete Habitability Standards Certifications on all participants. 
5. Develop and maintain a current list of low-income housing resources for client referrals and cultivate relationships with property managers.
6. Investigate housing properties and interview property managers to determine housing feasibility.
7. Maintain records and any statistical data for all services rendered.
8. Provide other documentation as required by the funding source and/or VOA.
9. Attend internal meetings to share and discuss housing opportunities.
10. Conduct outreach at local shelters, community organizations, schools, food pantries and other locations as directed by supervisor to identify low-income veterans and/or families who are either homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.
11. Provide feedback to the Supervisor to improve the quality-of-service delivery.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor.
13. Must be able to work some weekends and evenings as needed.

 

B. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) continuing education, Ready to Rent Instructor Certification training, CPR, First Aid, etc.

Qualifications:

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must have at least 1 year of experience assisting homeless households in obtaining and maintaining affordable, permanent housing. This person must have a working knowledge of property management, fair housing law, real estate transactions, eviction notices, credit statements, and the legal responsibilities of renters. Ready to Rent Certified Instructor or complete the required training prior to teaching any part of the curriculum This position requires the demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide mediation for clients and landlords without ethnic or social prejudices. It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to military veterans, homelessness, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Specific knowledge and experience with the housing-first approach is preferred.  Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning. Veteran status preferred. Required computer skills include proficiency with remote software platforms, Microsoft Office, and database maintenance. This position requires mathematical comprehension and record-keeping skills.  This position requires CPR and First Aid training within (90) days of employment date, recertification as necessary, and T.B. testing annually.  A valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required.  You must have reliable transportation that you will use for work with mileage reimbursed.  Must be flexible and willing to function as a team member and also work independently.  Must undergo a criminal background check.

 

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Above-average computer skills.  Proficiency in MS Office, including Word and Excel
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing 
Ability to organize and prioritize work
Ability to work independently with little supervision
Ability to assist and motivate people
Analytical and decision-making ability

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 50 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently 
Kneel occasionally

 

Pay Range:USD $29.87 - USD $29.87 /Hr. Jetzt bewerben