Leasing Specialist - Housing Nonprofit (6522)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay: $23.00-$24.50/hour
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

Benefits Offered:

• Flexible medical coverage options
• Voluntary dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral program
• Opportunities for career advancement

Job Summary: The Leasing Specialist is responsible for assisting homeless and at-risk families and individuals break free from the cycles of need toward greater economic opportunity, independence, and permanent housing. The objective of this position is to help households obtain/remain in stable housing through our Permanent Supportive Housing Program by cultivating positive and professional rapport with landlords and property management companies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Housing Advocacy
Goal: Secure and maintain quality, affordable housing placements for clients

• Develop an understanding of the County's housing market and establish strong business relationships in the for profit and nonprofit sectors (i.e., landlords, property managers, real estate owners/brokers, and developers)
• Develop a strong understanding of the regional SPA housing market
• Work collaboratively with leasing agents and share housing leads with case managers, navigators, and other program staff
• Maintain current Permanent Supporting Housing Excel spreadsheet
• Maintain a list of potential housing opportunities for homeless and at-risk of homelessness clients
• Locate and secure traditional housing options at market rate and affordable/low-income units
• Research and make cold calls to landlords to inquire about corporate housing opportunities
• Answer and respond to phone queries, making referrals as needed
• Assist with habitability and quarterly inspections
• Assist at-risk households with maintaining their housing or relocating to more suitable housing
• Maintain effective relationships with landlords and/or property managers by resolving conflicts and providing necessary emergency support

Team Support
Goal: Provide support to Permanent Supportive Housing program staff

• Collaborate with and act as a resource for Permanent Supportive Housing program staff on housing issues
• Work closely with Permanent Supportive Housing case managers and become familiar with clients’ needs when challenges occur
• Assist with gathering documentation for reasonable accommodations, move-ins, and/or relocations

Fair Housing and Legal Issues
Goal: Be knowledgeable about fair housing and legal concerns to advocate for the organization and the clients served

• Maintain an understanding of Fair Housing Laws and keep informed on current legal issues and regulations related to housing
• Consult with case managers and program staff on client related legal issues
• Collaborate with upper management and attorney to draft and serve legal notices as needed

Miscellaneous

• Participate in networking functions, community meetings, and meet with funders and partnering agencies related to the position
• Assist with program activities when necessary
• Attend staff/team meetings, training workshops, and staff building events
• Develop new partnerships with other agencies to enhance our current services
• Enhance job performance by applying up-to-date professional knowledge gained by attending seminars and conferences and reviewing professional publications
• Perform ad hoc projects as appointed by Supervisor and upper management