Housing Specialist presso Exceptional Parents Unlimited, Inc.

Description

Job Summary: The Housing Specialist assists and supports the client in finding secure housing. Works as a liaison between the client and landlords or property management offices. Works with clients to develop and carry out action plans that improve their financial health to sustain housing. Maintains housing listing database. 

Essential Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine clients' housing needs, preferences, and eligibility for various housing programs.
• Develop and implement individualized housing plans in collaboration with clients, focusing on their goals and barriers to housing stability.
• Provide ongoing case management, including regular check-ins, crisis intervention, and advocacy.
• Assist clients in identifying and applying for appropriate housing options, including private market rentals, subsidized housing, and transitional housing programs.
• Conduct housing search workshops and provide one-on-one support in navigating housing applications, tenant rights, and responsibilities.
• Accompany clients to housing viewings, interviews, and lease signings as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to increase access to housing opportunities for clients.
• Mediate and negotiate with landlords on behalf of clients to address any issues that may arise before and after placement.
• Must be able to engage the family and yet maintain the boundaries of a helping relationship.
• Collaborate with community organizations, service providers, and local government agencies to coordinate resources and referrals for clients.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including case notes, housing plans, and progress reports.
• Track and report on housing outcomes, including placements, retention rates, and barriers encountered.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
• EPU facility hours are Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; the position requires staff to be available for non-traditional work hours. Therefore, position hours may vary, which may include evening or weekends.
• Must perform other duties as assigned by the program Sr. Manager, Director and/or President/Chief Executive Officer.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

Education: Requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in social services or other related field. May consider individual with a High School diploma or equivalent with extensive on the job experience in lieu of education.

Skills: Must have strong communication skills, written and verbal; able to make good, logical independent decisions within guidelines, accept responsibility; be detailed oriented, dependable, and reliable, committed, highly motivated, and adaptable; have self-confidence, strong time management skills and a professional code of ethics and professional demeanor; and take pride in producing a high-quality product.

Experience:

• 2+ years’ experience in fields such as housing services, social services, or community outreach.
• 2+ years working with and understanding of local housing policies, landlord-tenant relations, property management, affordable housing options, and/or financial literacy concepts is preferred.
• Experienced in developing personalized action plans and assessing client needs.
• Experienced in case management with an understanding of community resources required.
• Experience working with a diverse population.
• Experience working with families to empower them to engage in problem solving.
• Must hold a valid California Driver's license and good driving record with no serious violations for the previous two-year period and be able to provide proof of current automobile liability insurance.
• Bi-lingual skills English to Spanish, Hmong, Thai or Laotian a plus but not required.
• Must be computer literate, knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Physical Demands:

Typical Working Condition: The position may work from an EPU facility, visit families in their homes, or in the community settings. EPU does not have control over the location and condition of all the environments staff may be exposed.  

Equipment Used: Computers, printers, telephones, and fax machines. Requires the ability to operate a vehicle for local travel.

Essential Physical Tasks: Must be able to sit for long periods of time, working with a keyboard and computer screen. Position requires fingering (fine dexterity), repetitive hand and wrist motions.

This position description may not be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification; however, it is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements. Related duties, knowledge, or abilities to those expressly stated may also be required for successful performance of the position.