WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Currently, VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 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.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting a part-time Housing Services Specialist for the Rapid Re-Housing program in Solano, CA. Centered on Probation involved clients, this program is designed to move individuals and families quickly out of homelessness and shelters through case management and housing location services as well as short-term financial assistance with rent, utilities, or deposits.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, this position will assist applicants in meeting the housing eligibility requirements and will establish information related to housing opportunities and solutions for clients facing homeless challenges. The Housing Services Specialist will provide information regarding appropriate and available housing options for clients to review. This position will assist clients with rental applications and provide transportation to housing opportunities as needed. The Housing Services Specialist will accompany clients at meetings with potential landlords to promote successful interviews and housing approval.  

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing housing search, mediation, and client placement to achieve the established objectives of the department. 

1. Assist prospective applicants for housing placement and housing stabilization.
2. Assess applicants and assist them in meeting eligibility requirements and assist applicants in completing program applications.
3. Facilitate move-in procedure in a timely fashion. 
4. Complete Habitability Standards Certifications on all participants. 
5. Develop and maintain a current list of low-income housing resources for client referrals.
6. Investigate housing properties and interview property managers to determine housing feasibilities. 
7. Serve as a program housing resource to provide alternative housing or program options as needed.
8. Maintain records and any statistical data for all services rendered.
9. Provide other documentation as required by funding source and/or VOA.
10. Attend VOA and other outside training.
11. Attend internal meetings to share and discuss housing opportunities
12. Perform other related duties as assigned by Program Manager.

B. Responsible for training and development.

1. Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to ensure quality work outcomes. 
2. Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Maintain an above average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

C. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

One year of experience working with clients to develop case plans and assist with securing housing opportunities within Solano County is required. A Bachelors or A.A. in business management is preferred. This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide mediation for clients without ethnic or social prejudices. It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to low income, homelessness, minorities, and persons with disabilities; must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with clients with varying needs and levels of functioning. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours and have the willingness to function as a team member. It requires CPR and First Aid training within (90) days of employment date and recertification as necessary and T.B. testing annually.  Valid California driver license and ability to meet organizations insurance carrier guidelines required.  Must have reliable transportation that you will use for work with mileage reimbursed.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Strong computer skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 25 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently 
Climb stairs as needed
Kneel occasionally