Community Housing Specialist

Job Title: Community Housing Specialist

Department: Client Services

Program: Supportive Housing

Reports To: Supportive Housing Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time

Position Summary

The Community Housing Specialist will oversee and coordinate housing outreach efforts for the Supportive Housing Program, collaborates with program staff, clients, and property managers to identify, secure, and maintain housing placements. The CHS is an integral part of the supportive housing team, ensuring that clients no longer experience homelessness and have the necessary supports to maintain housing stability. The CHS increases access to both private and public rental properties throughout Austin/Travis County.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):

• Establish relationships with property managers to assist in locating appropriate housing for individuals who may have multiple barriers to obtaining permanent housing.
• Maintain property manager relationships and develop/maintain database on properties and property manager contacts.
• Develop outreach materials and agreements with property managers that will provide rental units to help homeless or previously homeless individuals access and maintain permanent housing.
• Develop/coordinate training events for property managers and program staff.
• Develop & implement internal referral process.
• Coordinate housing placement efforts with referring PSH Case Manager.
• Meet with program participants to complete Housing Location intake.
• Meet, as needed, with participants to assist with housing search and applications.
• Perform and document unit move-in and annual inspections per Habitability Standards.
• Maintain statistics and provide reports on a recurring basis.
• Ensure units and services are in compliance with funder and federal regulations.
• Participate in departmental meetings related to community housing.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Document all activities and services provided to clients.
• Provide quality customer service to property management and other stakeholders.
• Transport clients to properties during the housing search as needed.

Qualifications:

Education

• Required: High School Diploma/GED

• Required: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in business, social science, or human services.

Experience

• Required – At least one year experience working in property management, apartment/housing location, housing clients with significant barriers, and/or real estate.
• Preferred – At least one year experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health disorders, and/or substance use

Computer Skills

• Experience with internet, MS Office, and databases required.
• HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) experience preferred.

Other Requirement(s)

• Knowledge and skills in identifying affordable permanent housing units.
• Knowledge of housing market trends within Travis County.
• Proficiency in organizational and record keeping skills.
• Experience with non-profits preferred.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days of employment.
• Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred.

Salary/Benefits:

• Base Salary Range: $45,490 – $49,490
• The final salary offer will be determined in accordance with Caritas of Austin's salary guidelines, based on the candidate's education and experience.
• Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance for employees.
• 14 Paid Holidays per year.
• 20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Discounted Rates on Gold's Gym and Legal Shield memberships.
• Mileage Reimbursement.
• Monthly Phone Stipend.
• Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from Downtown Location.

Application Requirement

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all of the following:

• A detailed resume outlining relevant experience
• A cover letter tailored to the position
• A list of professional references
• A fully completed application

Applications missing any of these components will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the review process.

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.