What are the responsibilities and job description for the Resident Services Specialist position at Lighthouse MI?
About Lighthouse
Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100 homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States.
Position Summary
Lighthouse (LH) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Resident Services Specialist (RSS) to support the success and stability of residents across our affordable housing communities. This role is central to creating vibrant, connected communities by delivering high-quality programs, workshops, and services that empower residents and enhance quality of life.
The RSS works closely with residents, property management, Supportive Services Case Managers, ownership and community partners to provide resources, coordinate impactful programming, and proactively support housing stability.
Responsibilities And Duties
Resident Programming & Engagement
Salary Range Begins at $43,100
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, status as a veteran, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume online via JobScore.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.
No phone or e-mail inquiries, please.
Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100 homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States.
Position Summary
Lighthouse (LH) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Resident Services Specialist (RSS) to support the success and stability of residents across our affordable housing communities. This role is central to creating vibrant, connected communities by delivering high-quality programs, workshops, and services that empower residents and enhance quality of life.
The RSS works closely with residents, property management, Supportive Services Case Managers, ownership and community partners to provide resources, coordinate impactful programming, and proactively support housing stability.
Responsibilities And Duties
Resident Programming & Engagement
- Develop and execute a robust calendar of workshops, classes, and community events tailored to resident needs, including:
- Financial literacy and budgeting
- Employment and career readiness
- Health and wellness
- Youth and family programming
- Life skills (e.g., digital literacy, tenancy education)
- Plan and lead community-building events such as cultural celebrations, holiday gatherings, and resident appreciation initiatives
- Conduct resident outreach, surveys, and needs assessments to ensure programming is relevant and inclusive
- Provide resource navigation, referrals, and advocacy to connect residents with supportive services
- Partner with Property Management to address resident concerns and support lease compliance and eviction prevention efforts
- Collaborate closely with Supportive Services Case Managers to coordinate care, align service plans, and ensure residents receive comprehensive, wraparound support
- Deliver early intervention and education to promote long-term housing stability
- Build professional, trust-based relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, schools, workforce agencies, and service providers
- Coordinate on-site services and resources, such as food distributions, health services, and educational programs
- Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and resident leaders to support programming
- Design engaging, outcome-driven workshops and multi-session programs that promote self-sufficiency
- Facilitate group activities and community meetings across multiple properties
- Track participation, outcomes, and feedback to continuously improve program quality and impact
- Maintain accurate records of services, participation, and program outcomes
- Enter data into internal systems and assist with reporting and compliance requirements
- Support budget tracking for resident services initiatives
- Prepare and submit reports in a timely manner
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful community environment
- Mediate conflicts between residents and/or with property management when appropriate
- Ensure community spaces are clean, organized, and program-ready
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Must pass a background check
- Demonstrated ability to maintain strong professional and personal boundaries,
- Demonstrated ability to uphold and enforce organization policies and procedures as necessary,
- Strong communication skills,
- Strong conflict resolution skills,
- An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving,
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Social Work (BSW/MSW), Human Services or related field.
- 3 years of experience in affordable housing resident services, supportive housing, property management collaboration, or community engagement.
- Experience working in property management, housing stability, eviction prevention, or resident retention initiatives.
- Experience partnering with Supportive Services teams, case managers, and external service providers to coordinate wraparound support.
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing resident programming calendars, workshops, and community-building initiatives.
- Experience with volunteer coordination, partnership development, and grant or outcome reporting.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, conflict mediation, and culturally responsive service delivery.
- Familiarity with landlord/tenant rights, fair housing principles, and supportive housing best practices.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish strongly preferred).
- Lived and/or professional experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty in the United States.
- Proven ability to work effectively with racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse residents, partners, and teams.
- Demonstrated willingness and professionalism to engage in difficult conversations with empathy, accountability, and respect.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to receive feedback constructively, demonstrate self-awareness, and apply continuous learning.
- Strong emotional intelligence, including sound judgment, relationship management, and conflict de-escalation.
- Unwavering personal and professional integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical practice.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and constantly evolving environment while maintaining service excellence.
Salary Range Begins at $43,100
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, status as a veteran, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume online via JobScore.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.
No phone or e-mail inquiries, please.
Salary : $43,100