Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

Abode Services, one of the largest and effective nonprofits working to end homelessness in the Bay Area, is seeking a Housing Specialist for our program in San Mateo County.

At Abode, we believe everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. Our mission is to solve homelessness through housing and supportive services that help individuals and families achieve stability and independence. Grounded in the Housing First model, we meet people where they are and provide individualized support based on their needs, goals, and strengths. When you join Abode, you're not just taking a job, you're becoming part of a team creating meaningful change in our communities and a commitment to lasting housing stability.

We start with dignity, take smart risks, be transparent, solve for today and tomorrow, and spark each other's strengths in everything we do!

We believe that we make better decisions and provide quality services when our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate. People of color make up nearly 70% of our workforce and we strive to recruit and retain employees from all backgrounds.

The Housing Specialist is responsible for locating housing units, working closely with landlords, collaborating with service providers, and providing general housing support to ensure that homeless individuals and/or families can secure and maintain housing.

How You Make An Impact:

• Provide housing placement and assistance for participants, focusing on the household's needs and goals.
• Housing search and placement of appropriate units for potential participants.
• Network with landlords, renter's associations, property management businesses and county wide permanent housing providers.
• Assist with the approval of all leases and help execute Housing Assistance Payment contracts with landlords.
• Prepare and ensure the accurate distribution of subsidy payments to landlords as needed.
• Provide move-in support for program teams, including perform or arrange for Housing Quality Inspections (HQI's) prior to move-in, negotiate lease start date, review/approval of lease terms, coordinate housewarming furniture move, get documentation from landlord for check request, prepare move in documentation, upload housing documentation to Welcome Mat housing database.
• Provide notices of contract renewals and rental adjustments.
• Participate as a member of the service team by attending case conference meetings, assisting service staff in evaluation of participant's housing readiness, reducing housing barriers and status of unit availability.
• Maintain contact with participants, monitor progress, report, and refer to team members as necessary after housing is secured.
• Provide aid and expertise to landlords or service staff for conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Ensure that all regulatory agreements, contracts, and fair housing laws are met as they relate to housing.
• Attending staff meetings and other agency functions as needed.
• May be required to meet or drive participants at various locations throughout San Mateo County and surrounding cities.
• Other duties as assigned.

How You Meet Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• 1 year of experience working in the housing field, social services, or sales/customer service experience and knowledge of the local housing markets and geography.
• Use of personal vehicle and proof of valid California Driver's License and current auto insurance, along with a clean DMV record, is required.
• Flexible schedule to work evening and weekend hours when required.

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal & written communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with teams.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, systems, and platforms.
• Ability to learn and use required mobile devices and business-related applications.
• Outstanding communication skills and high degree of emotional intelligence, cultural humility, with a proven track record to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of internal and external contacts.

Our Benefits and Perks:

• Competitive Pay: $28.85 - $31.74
• Classification: Full Time/Non-Exempt
• Work Arrangement: Onsite position; Monday Friday 8 hours, start 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm
• PTO: 19 days per year, increasing with tenure
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year
• Health & Wellness:
  • 100% medical, dental and vision coverage options for employees
  • Agency dependent health care contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Retirement Plan: 403(b) Plan w/ Employer Match & Contribution Programs
• Voluntary Benefits:
  • Commuter Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Legal Services
• Mission Driven Culture: Join a team that's passionate about making a meaningful impact in the fight to end homelessness.

Notice: This description is to be used as a guide only. It does not constitute a contract, commitment or promise of any kind. Abode Services reserves the right to change, add, delete, upgrade, or downgrade the position as dictated by business necessity at any time with or without notice.

Notice: Abode Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace