Adolfo - Housing Specialist

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 4,000 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for full-time Housing Specialists for the Adolfo Housing Program at our Mather Community Campus. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position will assist residents in obtaining and maintaining housing. Objectives include supportive interaction with program participants and team members, assessment of participant’s needs, supporting the safety and the integrity of all residents, and performance of all work duties as required. Work is performed in a cost effective and service-oriented manner as it relates to established organizational standards providing services to clients without ethnic or social prejudices.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Develop contracts with each resident for payment of fees, both in VOA’s apartment building and scattered-site locations.
2. Liaison with landlords to facilitate successful transition and to problem-solve placement issues.
3. Contact and orient developers/landlords to increase permanent housing options.
4. Prepare all clients for their housing search including assist residents with rental application completion.
5. Develop permanent housing resources throughout the community.
6. Maintain a resource list of available housing.
7. Coordinate with Housing Specialists from other VOA programs (i.e. Residence, Mather) to ensure all permanent housing resources are available to Adolfo clients.
8. Coordinate with Youth Advocates to assist students in mitigating negative credit histories.
9. Maintain follow-up housing data on Adolfo graduates.
10. Develop and conduct groups regarding issues related to securing and maintaining permanent housing.
11. Prepare monthly report by the 5^th of every month outlining accomplishments in a statistical format.
12. Develop with each client, their financial plan to take over the master leases on their apartments.
13. Visit weekly with clients in scattered-site locations to assist them in caring for their apartments and to remain aware of any financial changes or challenges that would prevent clients from meeting their rental/lease obligations.
14. Monitor fee payments and develop plans with residents, consult with the Youth Advocate, plan for fee waivers, late fee payments, back-rent payment plans.
15. Provide aftercare services as needed for up to one year after discharge.
16. Perform other related duties as assigned by Program Manager.

B. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings and assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.
3. Attend all training and collaborative meetings necessary for development of housing resources.
4. Serve as part of the development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
5. Maintain an above average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field is preferred. This position requires two years of  successful experience in the delivery of human services or any combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the knowledge and ability to complete the duties outlined above. Working knowledge of credit and legal responsibilities of renters as well as familiarity with low-income housing resources is preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary as well as knowledge of problems unique to emancipated foster youth, persons with disabilities, substance abuse and adolescent parents.  Must have the willingness to function as a team member with the ability to make skillful independent decisions. Valid California driver's license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required. Must pass all required background clearances in accordance with agency, County, State, and federal standards. CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days of employment. Completion and maintenance of all required training and health clearances.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills 
Computer Skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Ability to de-escalate situations and assist residents and staff in emergency situations 
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the workday
Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds
Ability to travel between campus and community locations as needed
Able to climb stairs as required