Madison Avenue Support Services, Inc is a small government contractor recruiting for Housing Specialists to service our homeless veterans in the Greater L.A. Area who are using the HUD-VASH Program.

We are NOT a nonprofit organization.

This is field work based in primarily The Greater Los Angeles County Catchment area.

HUD-VASH

The Department of Housing and Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program is an effort between VOALA, HUD and the VA to move Veterans and their families out of homelessness and into permanent housing. Provides long–term case management, clinical/supportive services, and permanent housing assistance for chronically homeless Veterans. Combines Housing Choice Voucher assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying suitable housing options for program participants and their families and assisting the participants to achieve sustainable and healthy independent living. The Housing Specialist participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services planning, engagement and delivery. Assists program case management, outreach and community engagement as directed/required.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying suitable housing options for HUD VASH program participants and their families and assisting the participants to achieve sustainable and healthy independent living.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing housing location support to participants
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with landlords and providing support as concerns arise
• Maintaining complete and accurate documentation according to company and contract policies and standards
• Identifies and locates housing options suitable for homeless participants.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with PHAs, landlords and other stakeholders.
• Creates and maintains a housing database linking tenants to apartments
• Communicates with landlords and familiarize them with the HUD VASH program and the unique needs of participants
• Works directly with landlords on behalf of clients and program
• Develops support systems to meet individual client's housing needs; coordinates and facilitates move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as needed
• Submit weekly report on the status of your clientele's search.
• Communicates with landlords and familiarize them with the program and the unique needs of participants
• Works directly (One on One) with landlords on behalf of clients and program

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications

EDUCATION:

• NA

EXPERIENCE:

• You must have experience of direct housing placement. You need to know how to take someone from homeless to housed, not just by doing paperwork but working with a client to get them into a house. You must have housing experience. Knowledge of Section 8 or VASH is highly preferred. You must have knowledge of the resources available for the unhoused and the ability to tap them.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of community resources for the homeless population.

TECHNOLOGY SKIL.LS:

• Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Able to develop relationships with participants, case managers, landlords and property managers.
• Strong written and oral skills in the English language, able to accurately complete required report and data entry.
• Able to perform basic mathematic calculations (rent, security deposits, et cetera)
• Able to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflict, including dealing with un-cooperative clients
• Able to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Must be willing to travel/drive through Los Angeles County

COMPETENCIES:

• Must be able to work effectively with people with compassion
• Hold a California Driver’s license, with required insurance and a reliable vehicle

We’re looking for candidates that:

• Knowledge of California’s Fair Housing and Reasonable Accommodation laws
• Demonstrate the ability to work with a wide variety of landlords and property management companies
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent and multiple case management and health needs
• Work just as well independently as they do on a team
• Exercise mature judgement, and are highly motivated, self-starting and proactive
• Are excellent at communicating, whether in writing or verbally
• Have a strong sense of prioritization and can coordinate multiple demands in a high-pressure environment

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Have reliable transportation and:
• A valid driver’s license
• Auto Insurance

NOTE: Important information to know before applying:

• YOU WILL NOT BE DOING CASE MANAGEMENT. YOU'LL STRICTLY BE LOCATING PERMENANT HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETS.
• THE EXPECTATION IS TO HOUSE 1/2 YOUR CASELOAD EVERY 30-45 DAYS.
• YOU MUST HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTION. YOU'LL BE REIMBURSED MILEAGE AT THE END OF EACH MONTH (FEDERAL RATE).
• If you don't put down interview times, your resume will be automatically rejected.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.10 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Please explain your housing experience.
• Please explain your experience working with the homeless population.

Experience:

• housing placement: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: On the road