Veteran Housing Consultant 11-330 - SC/ CIS - Santa Monica-Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Veteran Housing Consultant (VHC) works as part of a multi-disciplinary team serving clients in Los Angeles County communities. The Veteran Housing Consultant will assist veterans who have acquired a HUD-VASH voucher and needs assistance in securing a unit as quick as possible through outreach to landlords, property managers, and housing authorities. In addition, the Veteran Housing Consultant collaborates closely with landlords and HUD-VASH social workers to mediate landlord-tenant issues and ensure successful tenancies, which would include, but no be limited to the following activities.

Essential Functions

• Participate in monthly Case Conferences with the VA HUD-VASH Team and other SSVF grantees for veteran referrals.
• Collaborate with other SSVF Grantees in accepting VA referrals.
• Work closely with the VA Medical center across Los Angeles County.
• Responsible to cover Service Planning area (SPA) 2, 5, 6, and 7.
• Conduct research, outreach, education, and public relations to build a pool of landlords and property management companies willing to rent to program participants including Project Based Units and Vouchers.
• Help vouchered veterans identify potential neighborhoods where they wish to live, conduct housing searches in said areas and negotiate with potential landlords on behalf of the participants.
• Establish and maintain relationships with landlords, property management companies.
• Work collaboratively with Social Workers to assist participants as needed during their move into permanent housing. Such assistance may include accessing rental assistance monies, moving costs, donated furniture, and other basic household items for the family.
• Must be able travel across Los Angeles County to secure potential permanent housing units.
• Provide tenant education including, tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination and communication with landlords.
• Maintain a regular and open line of communication with landlords to assess the landlords’ satisfaction with the programs and address any questions or concerns that landlords may have.
• Document and maintain up-to-date information on services provided to participants in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
• Participate in staff meetings and attend trainings as assigned.
• Respond to complaints from landlords & participants related to housing conditions & provide mediation as needed
• Develop and cultivate relationships with staff at Dept of Veterans Affairs, other government agencies, developers, landlords, property managers, leasing agents, and supportive housing providers to facilitate and expand existing models.
• Establish collaborative partnerships with other social services agencies.
• Conduct in person meetings with veteran on a weekly basis (e.g., Housing leads, Housing appts,, Housing progress).
• Conduct initial housing assessments, help participants identify potential housing units, aid with move-in as needed and conduct follow up case mgmt. with housed veterans and/or landlords.
• Adopts an “Above and Beyond” approach in assisting clients to retain housing and independent living
• Other duties as assigned by C.I.S. Management

Working Conditions

Office/field environments; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens and inclement weather conditions; may work or inspect in confined spaces; public contact. Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift-up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Driving Test and MVR check (if applicable).
• Willingness to submit to extensive criminal background, drug, and motor vehicle checks, as well as keep current on all Salvation Army Child Safety and Protect the Mission guidelines.
• Bachelor’s degree or at least 1 year experience working with affordable housing services
• At least 1 year experience working with homeless people who have a mental illness and/or substance use issues preferred.
• At least 1 year of program development and management
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commitment to the holistic mission of The Salvation Army and Community Integration Services
• Able to represent the Salvation Army to community organizations
• Possess a high level of organization, professionalism, writing skills, problem-solving skills, and excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Commitment to working with disabled veterans.
• Veteran status a plus.
• Ability to work well with others and committed to the vision that Community Integration Services is a program of excellence.