Housing Stablizer

Housing Stabilizer

Organization: San Diego Rescue Mission
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Program Director

Mission Statement

To lovingly address the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness by sharing the Good News of Salvation and providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery.

Position Summary

The Housing Stabilizer plays a key role in furthering the Mission's commitment to excellence in service and Christlike compassion. This position supports program objectives, ensures operational integrity, and reflects our values in every interaction with clients, staff, and the public.

The Housing Stabilizer's primary responsibility is to ensure long-term housing stability for clients once they are housed . This role focuses on preventing returns to homelessness by providing proactive support, problem-solving, landlord mediation, and connection to ongoing services.

In addition, this role provides critical administrative and compliance support for housing programs , ensuring all housing placements, financial assistance, and client services are accurately documented, eligible, and aligned with funding requirements (e.g., ERF, grants, and other public/private funding sources).

The Housing Stabilizer works closely with case managers, landlords, and community partners to address barriers related to tenancy, income, life skills, and crisis intervention, while promoting trauma-informed, client-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Stability & Client Support
• Provide ongoing post-housing support to clients to promote housing retention and stability.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for housed clients during the critical transition and stabilization period.
• Monitor lease compliance and address early warning signs of housing instability (missed rent, conflicts, property concerns, behavioral issues).
• Mediate tenant-landlord concerns to prevent evictions and strengthen housing relationships.
• Support clients with budgeting, rent planning, utilities setup, and understanding tenant responsibilities.
• Coordinate with case managers to ensure wraparound services (mental health, substance use recovery, employment, benefits, faith-based support) remain active and effective.
• Assist clients in navigating housing-related crises, including notices, conflicts, health issues, or income disruptions.
• Conduct home visits and wellness check-ins as appropriate and permitted.

Administrative & Housing Funding Compliance (NEW - ADDED)
• Maintain accurate, timely, and audit-ready documentation for all housing placements, financial assistance, and stabilization activities.
• Ensure all client files meet funding eligibility requirements and documentation standards for programs such as ERF, ESG, or other housing grants.
• Track and document financial assistance provided (rent, deposits, utilities, flex funds, etc.) , ensuring alignment with approved budgets and allowable uses.
• Prepare and organize documentation for internal reviews, external audits, and funder reporting requirements .
• Collaborate with leadership and finance teams to support budget tracking, invoicing, reimbursements, and check/ACH processing workflows .
• Maintain detailed records of client progress, outcomes, and housing stability metrics to support performance reporting.
• Utilize HMIS (Clarity) or other data systems to ensure accurate data entry, service tracking, and reporting compliance .
• Assist in compiling data for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to cities, counties, and funding partners.
• Support compliance with program policies, procedures, and contract deliverables , ensuring services align with funding scope and timelines.
• Identify and flag documentation gaps or compliance risks and work proactively to resolve them.

Collaboration & Program Support
• Participate in housing stabilization case conferencing and coordinated care meetings.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing partners to support long-term placements.
• Support and participate in ministry-wide activities, events, and chapels as applicable.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to uphold trauma-informed practices and ensure client dignity.

Staff Expectations

As a representative of San Diego Rescue Mission, all employees are expected to:
• Adhere to the Statement of Faith, upholding biblical principles in all aspects of work and life.
• Be prepared to share the hope you have in Christ. As a representative of Christ, be ready to gently and respectfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ at all times.
• Live out the Mission, Vision, and Values of the SDRM by safeguarding the Mission, pursuing the Vision, and reflecting our core values-Faith, Compassion, Excellence, and Integrity-in both your personal and public life. Remain focused on serving, demonstrating a deep desire to see God transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
• Intentionally spend time in God's Word and prayer, staying rooted in a biblical community (local church, ministry, small group) to deepen your relationship with Christ.
• Model servant leadership in all interactions; encourage and support SDRM staff in their walk with Christ, putting the needs of others before yourself.
• Foster a coachable, approachable, and humble spirit, remaining open to feedback, growth, and guidance.

Qualifications

Education
• Minimum: Associate's Degree or equivalent life and work experience
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Theology, Human Services, or related field
• Lived experience of homelessness is valued and may count toward education and experience

Experience
• Minimum of 2 years working in a nonprofit, ministry, housing, or human services environment
• Experience supporting individuals facing homelessness, trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges preferred
• Experience with housing retention, tenancy support, or case management strongly preferred
• Experience working with housing grants, public funding, or compliance-driven programs preferred

Skills & Abilities
• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic, faith-based environment
• Strong communication, documentation, and administrative skills
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and record-keeping abilities
• Experience with data systems (HMIS/Clarity, Excel, or similar platforms)
• Ability to manage documentation workflows, compliance requirements, and reporting deadlines
• Emotional resilience and sound judgment in high-stress or crisis situations
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant rights, housing stability practices, and eviction prevention strategies
• Strong problem-solving, mediation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple clients and priorities

Work Environment and Physical Demands
• This role may require walking, standing, lifting up to 25 lbs, home visits, and working irregular hours, including evenings or weekends.
• Work environment includes office settings, residential housing locations, and community-based sites.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

San Diego Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based organization. All employment decisions are made based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, disability, or any other status protected by federal or California law. As a religious organization, SDRM exercises its rights under the Civil Rights Act Section 702 and applicable California law to employ individuals who share its Christian beliefs and values.