Housing Specialist

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
The employee in this classification shall report to the Program Director. The employee shall locate affordable permanent housing opportunities for clients residing in Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Housing & Supportive Services programs. The individual is responsible for seeking housing resources and forming reputable relationships with housing providers to secure affordable permanent housing opportunities for clients. Based on program/department needs, your schedule is subject to change. 

SCOPE OF DUTIES:
1. Interact with all clients, staff, and outside contacts with respect and courtesy.
2. Maintain client and staff confidentiality in compliance with administrative policies and procedures.
3. Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, supervisory conferences, and training sessions.
4. Work with landlords, county boards of social services, local realtors, housing authorities and other subsidized apartment complexes to identify housing opportunities and resources. Maintain regular contact.
5. Participate in arbitration with landlord and client to resolve disputes and if all parties are not able to reach an amicable resolution, assist with client relocation.
6. Communicate with the case manager assigned to follow the client and/or family for six months after the client has been placed in permanent housing to reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
7. Work with Program Director and case managers to identify and resolve the barriers for obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.
8. Assist Program Director in the implementation of evidenced based interventions for all service populations.
9. Develop and maintain positive relationships with community resources, including service providers and planning bodies, elected officials, and civic and religious associations.
10. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, participating in professional affiliations.
11. Coordinate efforts with county and all other organizations who are working toward permanent placement of homeless individuals and/or families.
12. Complete reports and/or data collection as required by funding sources and Housing & Supportive Services management.
13. Maintain accurate and confidential records indicating services provided and progress made for clients.
14. Complete other duties as assigned.

ADA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Ability to climb stairs and walk perimeter of facility.
2. Ability to lift 20 pounds at least.
3. Ability to see 20 ft.

CREDENTIALS/ABILITIES
The Employee in this position must have a Bachelor's degree or at least 5 years experience in customer service, sales, marketing or human services. The position requires demonstrated ability and mastery of the following skills: verbal and nonverbal communication, interpersonal, customer service, sales or marketing and knowledge of the homeless population and the housing industry. The employee in this position must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Bilingual is a plus.

EEO of "Individuals with Disabilities" and "Veteran Status"/AA