Housing Specialist

Lao Family Community Development, Inc. (LFCD) is a community development non-profit agency established in the City of Richmond in Contra Costa County in 1980. Today the Lao Family has expanded its operations and service footprint to two additional counties, including Alameda and Sacramento. LFCD’s headquarters office is in Oakland, CA. It delivers programs and services from 7 locations in 35 languages. The agency provides both community development real estate facilities and a diverse array of workforce, education, and human services that directly support predominantly low-income US-born high-barrier families and individuals, refugees, immigrants, transitional age youth, seniors, and other special populations such as individuals with disabilities. 

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, we are seeking a strategic and relationship-focused Housing Specialist to lead efforts in expanding and maintaining a network of housing opportunities across the region. This role is dedicated to developing housing inventory, engaging landlords and property managers, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to increase access to safe and stable housing options. The ideal candidate excels at building partnerships, understanding the local rental market, and navigating the dynamics of property management and housing development. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Identify and cultivate new housing opportunities through targeted outreach to landlords, property owners, and real estate professionals.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive housing inventory database, including unit availability, rental terms, and landlord contact information.
• Conduct outreach to the Department of Probation Satellite Offices throughout Contra Costa County to build strategic partnerships and facilitate housing placements.
• Meet in person with landlords to collect required documentation for housing placements—such as rental lease agreements—and to complete monthly housing quality assurance visits.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with housing providers to ensure ongoing access to safe and affordable housing units.
• Educate landlords and property managers about rental assistance and subsidy programs, addressing concerns and dispelling myths to increase program participation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to match available units with client needs and eligibility criteria.
• Negotiate lease terms and rental agreements in accordance with program guidelines and clients' financial capacity.
• Provide ongoing support to landlords and property managers after placement, serving as a liaison to resolve issues and promote housing stability.
• Monitor and analyze local rental market trends to adjust outreach strategies and identify emerging housing opportunities.
• Plan and participate in landlord engagement events, including educational forums, workshops, and appreciation activities.
• Collaborate with housing authorities, developers, and advocacy organizations to advance broader housing access initiatives.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the CalAIM program and leverage cross-sector partnerships to support positive housing and health outcomes for participants.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

Requirements and Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, or equivalent in a related field is preferred; must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in housing assistance in serving justice-involved, homeless, and low-income populations. 
• Self-starter, ability to work with minimal supervision; excellent communication, multi-tasking, community relations, networking, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families, women, and children without discrimination towards people of diverse cultures, races/ethnicities, socio-economic positions, ages, religions, genders, physical/mental challenges/disabilities, and sexual orientations.
• Understand, explain, and apply complex local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Able to travel to meet with service providers and participants; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; must have a flexible schedule on some evenings and weekends.
• Proficient in computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database management, and Internet Explorer.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Must pass a background check. 
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and work on the computer; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear; and move objects up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: Salary is based on experience and education, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health plan/vision, dental, paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and employer-contributed pension/group life insurance. 

To Apply: Submit your cover letter and resume. This position is open until filled and may be closed at any time.  

Lao Family Community Development Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (over 40), disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. LFCD is compliant with the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).