Housing Solutions Agent-Emergency Shelter

This position is responsible for assisting homeless individuals break free from the cycles of need toward greater economic opportunity, independence, and permanent housing. The objective of this position is to help households obtain and/or sustain stable housing and assure quality control of housing placements and policies. This position requires a flexible work schedule including some weekend, morning and evening shifts and reliable transportation to attend community appointments. This position reports to the Housing Solutions Leasing Supervisor.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2 years of office-related experience. Detail-oriented and computer proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel required. Dependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully are mandatory skills. Reliable transportation is required.

Ability to:

• Work effectively with a diverse population
• Plan, organize and prioritize duties
• Speak effectively and confidently before landlords, guests and/or small groups
• Clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form
• Drive out in the field as needed throughout the week in search of potential housing opportunities, to engage and network with landlords, perform habitability inspections, deliver rent checks, attend unit viewings, etc.
• Meet a weekly call quota of 50-150 calls per week (subject to change)
• Maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment while on duty
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Meet department and company expectations
• Enter units with program staff and assist with scattered site unit upkeep and turnover as needed
• Must be able to assist in tasks outside of role as needed

1. Housing Advocacy

Goal: Secure and maintain quality, affordable housing placements for clients

• Develop an understanding of the County's housing market and establish strong business relationships.
• Work collaboratively with and share housing leads with case managers, navigators, leasing agents.
• Assemble marketing packets for Rapid Rehousing/SHP Leasing/Shelter Care/Section 8 Programs to local landlords.
• Direct client contact to ensure housing needs are being established.
• Meeting clients on-site to tour potential housing opportunities and/or move-in.
• Locate and secure traditional housing options at market rate as well as affordable/low-income units.
• Make cold calls to landlords to inquire about housing opportunities
• Maintain a list of potential housing opportunities for homeless shelter guests
• Match pending Rapid Re-housing clients to potential housing leads
• Implement housing inspections (initial and bi-annual) and rent reasonability standards processes
• Answer and respond to phone queries, making referrals as needed

2. Fair Housing and Legal Issues

Goal: Be knowledgeable of fair housing and legal issues for the benefit of both the agency and clients served

• Maintain an understanding of Fair Housing Laws and keep current on legal issues and regulations
• Consult with program staff on client related legal issues

3. Miscellaneous

• Must participate in networking functions, community meetings, meet with funders and partnering agencies related to your job description
• Assist with program activities when necessary
• Attend staff/team meetings, training workshops, staff build events
• Develop new partnerships with other agencies to enhance our current services
• Enhance job performance by applying up-to-date professional knowledge gained by attending seminars and conferences and reviewing professional publications

Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Are you related to or know current/former employees of Mercy House?

Experience:

• property management: 1 year (Preferred)
• office-related: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person