ORGANIZATION: SHELTER, Inc. is an independent, community-based non-profit organization created in 1986 to lead Contra Costa County's effort to eliminate homelessness.
MISSION: To prevent and end homelessness among low-income, homeless, and disadvantaged families and individuals by providing housing services, support, and resources that lead to self-sufficiency.
WORK LOCATION: Fully onsite, Main Office - Concord
STATUS: Non-exempt/Full Time, Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5 PM
COMPENSATION: $28.50 - 30.50/hour
REPORTS TO: Housing Navigator Manager
PURPOSE OF ROLE: Our Housing Navigator team is growing, and we have 2 openings in our Concord office. One will primarily work under the SSVF grant with Veteran participants. The other will work with a variety of programs from Alcohol and other Drug Substances, rapid rehousing, Domestic Violence participants, and more. This position is responsible for tenant education, landlord outreach, development, and maintenance of an inventory of housing units for participants, as well as assisting participants with creating an individual service plan for housing self-sufficiency.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
TENANT EDUCATION & ASSESSMENT:
Facilitate and/or conduct group and individual tenant training sessions, as assigned by supervisor, on topics including but not limited to:
Reviewing/ Responding to available housing leads, Negotiating with landlords.
Preparing rental resume, references, application, and barriers to tenant selection.
Understanding of Free Credit Reports, Fair Housing Regulations, and Tenant Rights.
~ Provide assessments of each client and create individual housing case plans, including written recommendations for housing needs.
LANDLORD OUTREACH & HOUSING SEARCH SUPPORT:
Locate and build relationships with landlords who are willing to rent to SHELTER, Inc. participants and promote the SHELTER, Inc. brand by maintaining positive relations through professional conduct and appropriate follow-up.
Provide support for referrals to appropriate housing, identifying vacancies based on needs and availability, assisting with scheduling apartment viewings, submitting rental applications, and follow-up with property owners.
Negotiate rental agreements with landlords, conduct housing inspections, and assist participants with review of lease agreements and move-ins.
Match landlord qualifications with participant needs.
Assist in ensuring housing meets habitability standards.
Assure appropriate documentation is in order for facilities considered for participant placement.
Maintain a collaborative working relationship with other community service providers.
Assist staff at outside partner agencies as program needs.
SERVICE COORDINATION:
Act as a liaison between landlord/tenant and with external vendors.
Participate in program staff meetings, case conferences as needed.
Communicate with SHELTER, Inc. support services staff on housing placement assessment and status of participants' ability to secure housing.
Attend monthly house meetings with residents in transitional housing with services and housing staff to work on transition housing plans as needed.
Act as an Agency representative at outside meetings and conferences as directed.
Maintain accurate and current participant files, including documentation and tracking of housing search referrals.
EXPECTED PROFICIENCIES:
Must be familiar with or can work with re-entry, special needs & homeless populations.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
De-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to use good judgment and work independently.
Ability to interpret and apply complex, sometimes competing regulatory/contractual requirements.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Quality control - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality, and applies feedback to improve performance.
Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality with all records, including organizational and individual information.
QUALIFICATIONS:
~ Knowledge of the Bay Area, Fairfield, or Sacramento housing market with a focus on Contra Costa, Solano, and Sacramento Counties.
~ Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel) and office administrative skills.
~2+ years' experience working in an affordable housing or supportive housing environment, with placement assistance in low-income subsidized or supportive housing arrangements.
~ Training and presentation skills.
~ Working knowledge of landlord-tenant, fair housing, Section 504, ADA, Section 8, with ability to comprehend HUD manuals, regulatory agreements are a plus.
~ Knowledge of rental subsidy programs (HUD Project Based Section 8, Housing Choice Voucher, Tax Credit, Shelter Plus Care, HOME, etc.) are preferred.
~ Database software experience, CLARITY, and HMIS are a plus.
~ Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
~ Access to reliable personal transportation is required, including a DMV record that permits the driver to be insured under SHELTER, Inc.'s automobile coverage.
~ Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Benefit Package Includes:
~18 days of Paid Time Off.
~15 paid holidays including your birthday!
~ Tuition reimbursement.
~ Medical insurance fully paid employee coverage and 50% of dependents premium.
~ Dental fully paid employee coverage and 50% of your dependents premium.
~ Vision fully paid employee coverage and 50% of your dependents premium.
~ Flexible spending account.
~ Group term Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment fully paid employee coverage.
~ Long-term disability insurance fully paid employee coverage.
~ Employee Assistance Program.
~ Voluntary Pet Insurance through Wishbone Pet Insurance.
~ Voluntary Aflac insurances.
~403b Retirement Plan with matching contribution.