Housing Retention Specialist

Housing Retention Specialist

We are currently looking for a Housing Retention Specialist within our Housing Retention Services department. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Housing Retention Services team, where you can gain a deep understanding of our business, make a difference in people's lives every day, and advance your career.

Burlington Housing Authority serves the greater Burlington community with housing that is affordable, rental assistance, and support services. Our mission is to provide low-income, vulnerable members of our community access to safe, affordable housing and retention support services in ways that encourage stability, improve quality of life, end homelessness, and foster vibrant neighborhoods.

BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus!

Position Overview

Housing Retention Specialist provides assistance to residents who have barriers to maintaining housing and/or subsidy. The Housing Retention Specialist works with residents in Chittenden County for the most part and will occasionally provide support to neighboring regions. The Housing Retention Specialist works collaboratively with community service agencies and providers in addition to Section 8, Property Management and Inspection Staff and reports to the Director of Housing Retention and Services.

Work Location and Other Requirements

This position is an in-person in Burlington, VT. A valid driver's license along with reliable personal transportation, with vehicle insurance and registration, is required to fill carry out the duties of this position.

Qualifications

While all applicants need to demonstrate a passion for supporting our residents and helping advance Burlington Housing Authority's mission, we recognize that some applicants may not possess all qualifications listed. We are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate comparable life experience and education in lieu of specific requirements, and/or the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work (or related field) with three to five years of direct service experience, including experience with mental health and substance use supports
• Must have experience with diverse and vulnerable populations
• Effective verbal and written communication and knowledge of the social services network in the greater Burlington area.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and internet navigation preferred
• Excellent organizational skills required
• Must be adept at fostering positive and collaborative relationships with staff, residents, vendors and community agencies
• Must have a patient and compassionate approach to working with the most vulnerable populations

Total Compensation

Base wages Pay range is between $24.00 - $26.00 per hour. This is a full time position with benefits.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (BHA covers between 80% to 83% of the premium for employees) or a $6,000 opt-out payment in lieu of BHA health insurance. (To qualify for the Opt-Out, proof of health insurance is required.)
• Health Reimbursement Account. BHA pays 90% of the deductible as the insurance is being used. That's up to $2,880 for single enrollment and up to $5,760 for two-person and family
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Dental and vision insurance (Voluntary plans offered at a discounted group rate.)
• Short and long term disability coverage (BHA pays 50% of discounted group rate)
• Basic life insurance and accidental death (provided at no cost to employees)
• Retire plan is a defined contribution plan. BHA makes annual contribution equal to 10% of base wages
• Section 457 plan. BHA employees can contribute to this retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Generous time off policy including 12 days of paid time off and 12 days of sick time in the first year. In addition to the paid time off, BHA recognizes 13 (paid) holidays and 2 (paid) floating cultural holidays.
• Annual Performance Bonus