Housing Locator

TITLE: Housing Locator
DEPARTMENT: Programs
REPORTS TO: Program Manager, Housing Location
Employment Status: Full Time
Reg. Hours Worked: 40 / Week, Exempt
Salary: $24.04/hr
Benefits:

• 5 Paid Flex Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Paid Vacation Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 403b Account Match

JOB SUMMARY:
The Housing Locators are responsible for partnering with the Lead Unit Acquisition Specialist to support USHS and SPA 3 partner agency Housing Navigation and Care Coordination teams to build relationships with landlords and acquire units for rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, project and scattered site voucher based housing and relocation for those transitioning out of current housing. This position will work as a team to expand landlord engagement and retention efforts in SPA 3/ San Gabriel Valley and the surrounding communities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

• Partners with Housing Navigation and Care Coordination teams to identify housing barriers, gain an understanding of the housing subsidies program participants are being matched to.
• Collaborates with Housing Navigators and Care Coordinators to support the lease up process, including locating units, verifying property ownership, inspecting units and submitting move-in packets.
• Provides and models trauma informed services that align with Housing First and Harm Reduction philosophies, are in accordance with agency and funder expectations, and abide by legal and ethical standards.
• Strives to recognize the best in each participant and supports the meaningful change they seek through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and strength based case management techniques.
• Supports staff in advocating for participants who are experiencing housing barriers (e.g. poor credit, evictions, etc.), while establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with landlords and property owners.
• Coordinates with assigned Housing Navigators and Care Coordinators to maintain accurate records of client participation and progress in program in accordance with agency regulations and expectations.
• Document progress with landlords and clients in agreed upon databases and spreadsheets as instructed by management team including but not limited to: Unit Listings database, Landlord Spreadsheet, and Progress Summary Log as well as Clarity HMIS.
• Participates in weekly supervision and staff meetings, as well as Programs Department and agency-wide meetings and trainings.
• Transport individuals to and from housing appointments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather and driving conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Stand and sit for long periods of time; move and walk to various locations; climb stairs, stoop, kneel, reach, pull, push, bend, twist, and occasionally lift and or move objects. Use of hands to finger, handle or feel.
• See, hear and speak clearly in order to give and receive information and instructions, perform administrative work, and drive motor vehicles including passenger vans. • Ability to interact with other employees, clients, customers and members of the public.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints, prioritize work, multi-task, and adapt to changing work demands.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and classify information.
• Transcribe, enter, and post data.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• May require exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious agents
• Requires use of a computer keyboard for substantial periods of time.
• Able to travel to off-site meetings or other activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of crisis and permanent housing resources throughout Los Angeles County.
• Knowledge of housing issues in San Gabriel Valley preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs.
• Current knowledge of best practice models, including: Housing First, Trauma Informed Care, Mental Health Recovery, Harm Reduction, and Critical Time Intervention.
• Proficient in use of laptop computer and Microsoft Windows, Office software programs, and Google Apps. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, G-mail, Docs).
• Ability to accurately enter client data and progress notes in the Homeless Management Information System, and run program management reports.
• Proficient with office communication equipment and machines (telephone, copier, calculator, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, printer and scanner).
• Understanding of case management practices and ability to accurately and clearly document case notes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess valid California driver's license and have access to properly registered vehicle.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one year of experience providing housing location/retention services (including real estate or property management experience) or case management support to persons experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, including working with persons experiencing chronic health issues, mental health needs, or with histories of substance use.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.

UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES EMBRACES DIVERSITY
We embrace our differences and are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion and belonging. Our commitment to racial equity within the organization is crucial to who we are and the clients we serve. Committed to being an anti-racist organization and sharing the unique cultural experiences from our networks, we offer annual racial equity training, host ongoing learning experiences through our lunch n' learns, and participate in on-going mental health trainings.
We promote acceptance, respect, teamwork, and fosters diversity in the workplace. We believe every individual has a story, past, and a unique set of skills that shape who we are and through this network, we can learn from each other to become better versions of ourselves personally and professionally. Through our staff-led network focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility, we work to communicate, educate, and express diverse cultivation through our eight Diversity Networks. We are honored that the Diversity Network has been recognized as part of the Community Impact Awards presented by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Union Station Homeless Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer