Housing Acquisition Specialist

Mission StatementThrough the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.Five Keys OverviewFive Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.Our Core CompetenciesA well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.What it’s really like to join our agency…At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.BENEFITSWe offer very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous time off! Various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403(b) are available. We provide annual reimbursements up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs. Annual athletic event participation and annual massages are reimbursed up to $50. Other Company-paid benefits, including free wellness-related apps, an Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform, are available to you and your dependents.JOB SUMMARYThe Housing Acquisition Specialist position reports to the Rehousing Acquisition Manager and is accountable for identifying and securing market-rate rental units to support innovative housing solutions for the local unhoused community. Leveraging program tools such as holding agreements to minimize vacancy loss, attractive rental subsidies, and damage mitigation funds, the Housing Acquisition Specialist actively seeks out, negotiates, and maintains listings of suitable available units.In addition to landlord acquisition, this role provides direct client support throughout the housing process, ensuring smooth transitions, informed decision-making, and successful tenancy. Coordinators conduct field work, home visits, and ongoing check-ins to support clients throughout their housing journey.We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. If this job is for you, you are a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who is passionate about improving housing outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, while creating value for local property owners. You also bring a strong understanding of the local rental market and housing practices, and you are ready to put your communication and relationship-building skills to work by engaging landlords and encouraging them to participate in our housing initiatives.This is a full-time, temporary position anticipated to last approximately two (2), based on business and operational needs.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESMarket program and build and maintain strong relationships with prospective landlords, property managers, and associationsMaintain regular communication with landlords to support positive participant-landlord relationships and work collaboratively to proactively address concerns and resolve issuesEnsure participants fully grasp program requirements, responsibilities, and expectations, and offer opportunities for questions to foster transparency and informed decision-makingMaintain accurate and timely records of all participant interactions, appointments, and housing-related activities in the designated program systemAssist participants with move-in logistics, including utility setup and reviewing lease terms, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and obligationsProvide participants with information and guidance, empowering them to make informed housing decisions without making executive decisions on their behalfCommunicate with participants in a supportive and empowering manner, providing information and guidance that enable them to make independent and informed housing decisionsConduct field visits activities, including canvassing to identify suitable neighborhoods, scout rental units, attend unit viewings and build relationships with property owners/managersConduct inspections of housing units prior to participant move-in to ensure safety, habitability, and readinessConduct regular home visits after move-in to monitor participant adjustment, address concerns, and support successful tenancyIdentify and resolve issues related to housing acquisitions, working with landlords, case managers, and other stakeholdersWork closely with case managers and other internal staff to ensure continuity of services and smooth program operationsOther duties as assignedKNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSAdvanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel, PowerPoint and databasesAble to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive informationProficient understanding of housing policies and procedures, including fair housing lawsAbility to leverage strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage a diverse group of peopleExcellent problem solving, organizing, and verbal and written communication skillsAbility to utilize critical thinking skills in decision-making situations, good organizational and recordkeeping skills, and good independent judgmentProficient in knowledge of housing policies and procedures, including fair housing lawsAbility to tactfully resolve/mediate issues between landlord and tenantsAbility to be flexible when scheduling and prioritizing of tasksAbility to work independently, frequently in the field for onsite meetings with tenants and landlords across the Bay AreaEDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCEHigh school diploma or equivalent requiredAccess to reliable transportation, a valid California driver’s license, a clean driving record, and automobile insurance requiredTwo years of experience working with supportive housing programs or similar housing initiativesBackground in leasing, real estate, or property management preferred and experience with local rental markets, city planning, public policy, and housing subsidy programs preferredStrong sales and negotiation skills are highly desirablePHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSMust wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when neededFrequent talking and hearing conversationsLong periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer stationLifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activitiesADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSThis position is contingent upon:Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptableWORK ENVIRONMENTModerate to high noise levelWork environment varies from site to siteSome personal safety risk working in underserved communitiesGROWTH OPPORTUNITIESAt Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing). #J-18808-Ljbffr Five-Keys-Schools-and-Program