Housing Specialist (Housing Cordinator)

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team. 

About First Place for Youth We’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place For Youth:

Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.POSITION SUMMARY: The Housing Coordinator will assist transition age youth (TAY) ages 18-24 who experienced homelessness and are referred from San Francisco’s Coordinated Entry System to First Place for Youth’s TAY Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) Program. The Housing Coordinator will assist participants to secure housing within the Bay Area utilizing a time limited housing subsidy. The Housing Coordinator will identify units in the community that will be appropriate for a subsidy which includes landlord engagement, information about the subsidy program, assessment of units’ ability to meet habitability standards, and monthly rent calculation and subsidy administration. The Housing Coordinator works within a team of TAY Case Managers and a Resource Specialist. This position requires work in the field with housing search occurring primarily in San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Monday – Friday.

The Housing Coordinator shall:

Develop and maintain inventory of landlords and property managers who have expressed interest in participating in the RRH Program. Engage landlords and property managers to build and sustain relationships - network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses, and county wide housing providers.Guide and educate TAY on how to search for, secure and maintain permanent affordable housing, including tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.Provide assistance to TAY with completing housing forms, applications and obtaining required verifications to determine qualifications for housing.May conduct housing workshops and presentations to participants, staff, and community partners.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Housing Location

Conduct landlord recruitment and establish relationships with landlords, property owners, and property management companies.Engage with local landlord organizations and housing associations to educate them on housing subsidy opportunities to increase visibility and awareness.Conduct comprehensive housing searches to identify units that meet participant needs Negotiate lease on behalf of the participantCoordinate viewings and partner with TAY Case Managers to ensure that all paperwork gets completed timely.Support with setting up utilities, securing deposits, and credit check fees.Support with moving costs and some furniture dependent upon funding.Utilize Fair Market Rate to determine acceptable rents and ensure rent reasonableness standards.Educate participants on tenancy requirements including rent portion expectations.Subsidy Administration

Document efforts and activities in relevant electronic systems (AppFolio, Apricot, or other systems assigned) promptly.Maintain accurate electronic and physical files on all client and property/landlord relationships.Track changes in tenant portions of rent and subsidy amount.Ensure that participants are aware of their portion of rent and they know when and how to make payment directly to the landlord.Coordinate closely with First Place for Youth’s Housing Department leadership and finance to ensure that landlord rents are accurate and issued timely.Landlord Liaison

Regularly collaborate with TAY Case Managers to ensure that participants are consistently paying their rent on time, cultivate healthy relationships with neighbors, and resolve tenancy issues.Immediately respond to lease violations or other complaints, with the goal of finding resolutions that do not jeopardize housing stability. Coordinate solutions with landlord prior to eviction proceedings.Ensure landlords fulfill their legal obligations including conducting repairs, issuing proper notices and supporting participants’ rights to Fair HousingProvide First Place for Youth point of contact to ensure rapid response to participant challenges and needs that may arise. Other duties as assigned. Qualification and Requirements:

Bachelor's degree preferred or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates a capacity to secure and manage housing in a supportive housing program.2 years’ experience with Real estate or Property Management experience desiredA strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers.Knowledge of housing availability in San Francisco and surrounding counties preferred.Relationships with landlords & apartments highly desired.Previous experience partnering with Housing Authority with section 8 voucher or equivalent experience a plus.Knowledge of current housing laws, fair market rents and rent reasonableness standardsDriving is a requirement of the job - must have possession of current CA driver’s license, access to a vehicle and personal automobile insurance.Ability to drive to multiple locations throughout the day in and around the bay area for housing searchProven ability to develop authentic, supportive relationships with youth and young adults.Computer Skills-- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems.Strong Communication Skills– Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner.Availability for occasional evening and weekend work 

BENEFITS:

15 days of vacation time in the first year12 days of sick time2 floating holidays15 paid holidaysEmployee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plansPrincipal dental and vision coverageHealthcare and Dependent care FSA plansPrincipal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverageEmployee Assistance Program401(k) retirement savings planPaid sabbatical *We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience. 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. 

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA

Compensation details: 31.44-33.29 Hourly Wage

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