ReStart - Housing Specialist

Overview

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid professional employees dedicated to helping those we serve. We provide compassionate care today for flourishing communities tomorrow. Founded locally in 1911, VOA Northern California & Northern Nevada is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, delivering a broad range of community-based services that transform lives while meeting immediate needs of families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: VOA puts faith into action by providing compassionate human services to empower individuals and strengthen communities. VOA aspires to create a world in which every person lives a life of emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, filled with hope across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA is recruiting a full-time Housing Specialist for our ReStart Family Stabilization Program in Reno, Nevada. ReStart offers both clinical and non-clinical services in an effort to reduce homelessness and increase self-sufficiency for eligible individuals and families. The services include mental health, case management, outreach to the homeless community, and housing services to qualified individuals and families. Full-time employees are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position will assist program participants in locating and applying for housing options and will establish information related to housing opportunities. The Housing Specialist is responsible for assuring quality services in a compassionate and professional manner as it relates to the specific program objectives. Work is performed in a cost-effective and services-oriented manner as it relates to the established organizational standards.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

Responsible for performing daily work to accomplish the established objectives of the department.

• Foster an environment free from ethnic or social prejudices and/or judgment.
• Complete incident reports as required.
• Communicate with participants, external service providers, landlords, and co-workers in a professional manor.
• Respond to client questions and concerns.
• Provide clients with a supportive environment.
• Comprehend and adhere to ethical guidelines and confidentiality laws.
• Communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions.
• Report all infractions of policies to appropriate manager or director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Responsible for performing, housing search, landlord mediation, and client placement to achieve rapid placement into housing.

• Provide assistance to clients with placement and housing stabilization.
• Assist participants with housing applications.
• Prepare housing packets for approval allowing 14-days until move-in date.
• Facilitate move-in procedure in a timely fashion.
• Obtain copy of signed lease the same day lease is signed.
• Complete initial and annual NSPIRE HCV/PBV Inspection on all units.
• Notify landlords of any deficiencies and needed repairs.
• Maintain records of all NSPIRE HCV/PBV Inspections performed as required.
• Develop and maintain a current list of low-income housing resources for client referrals.
• Investigate housing properties and interview property managers to determine housing feasibilities and promote Restart housing programs.
• Serve as a program housing resources to provide alternative housing or program options as needed.
• Maintain and update Rent Reasonableness on all properties yearly or as changes occur.
• Advocate on behalf of the clients.
• Maintain open and direct communication with the assigned case manager and supervisor.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Discuss difficult clients with the supervisor.
• Link clients to agency and community services.
• Enter client data into the Clarity HMIS database.
• Maintain adequate case notes in DAP format.
• Maintain records and any statistical data for all services rendered.
• Provide other documentation as required by funding source and/or VOA.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Case Manager Supervisor.

Responsible for training and development.

• Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to ensure quality work outcomes.
• Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
• Serve as part of the development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
• Maintain an above average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

Responsible for self-development.

• Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
• Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.
• Complete NSPIRE Training.

Qualifications

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor’s degree in human services or related field is preferred. Two years of knowledge of issues and challenges unique to low income, homelessness, minorities, and people with disabilities. Combination of years of knowledge and education will be considered. Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning. This person should have a working knowledge of property management, fair housing law, real estate transactions, eviction notices, credit statements, and legal responsibilities of renters. This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide mediation for clients without ethnic or social prejudices. Must have the flexibility to work at the office as well as in the community and have the willingness to function as a team member. Strong computer skills are required. It requires CPR and First Aid training within (90) days of employment and recertification as necessary and T.B. testing annually. A valid Nevada license is required to operate VOA vehicles.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills

Oral and written communication skills

Ability to assist other people

Organizational skills

Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 25 pounds

Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently

Climb stairs as needed

Able to drive from location to location

Kneel occasionally

Pay Range

USD $26.52 - USD $26.52 /Hr.

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