Housing Specialist

VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories About Us VOALA is a non‑profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. It provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college preparation, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low‑income housing, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at Pay Rate $23.53 – $24.77 per hour Benefits VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits. Job Summary and Purpose The Housing Specialist I is responsible for identifying suitable housing options for program participants and their families, and for assisting participants to achieve sustainable and healthy independent living. As part of the services team, the specialist participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services planning, engagement, and delivery, and assists program case management, outreach, and community engagement as directed. Duties and Responsibilities Identifies and locates housing options suitable for homeless program participants, including referral to VOALA shelters as appropriate. Creates and maintains a housing database linking tenants to apartments. Communicates with landlords and familiarizes them with the program and the unique needs of participants. Conducts habitability and lead‑based paint inspections as needed. Works directly one‑on‑one with landlords on behalf of clients and the program. Develops support systems to meet individual client housing needs, coordinates and facilitates move‑in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as needed. Facilitates the use of community resources to assist tenants and landlords in resolving problems that could lead to potential eviction. As a member of the program case‑management team, provides information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants. Assists case managers in conducting comprehensive screenings and assessments to gather functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information to develop an Individual Service Plan. Coordinates follow‑up services with the case‑management team. Performs additional duties as assigned. Requirements Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications. Current TB screening and immunization records (within 5 days of hire). Copy of current professional license (if applicable). Current BLS certification (within 15 days of hire). Valid real driver’s license or U.S. passport. Completion of all required trainings within 30 days of hire. Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients, as VOALA serves the neediest populations including homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and recently released individuals. Education Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related discipline. Or equivalent combination of education and work experience (four years). Experience One year of experience working with veterans, people in recovery, and or homelessness individuals. Preferred Qualifications Bilingual (Spanish). HMIS (homeless database). Mandated Reporter As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered mandated reporters and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to the proper authorities. Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This employer participates in E‑Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E‑Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Volunteers of America Los Angeles