Housing Specialist
Position Summary
The Housing Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals and families experiencing housing instability or homelessness in obtaining and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable housing. The Housing Specialist serves as an advocate, housing navigator, and resource coordinator while helping participants develop the skills necessary to maintain long-term housing independence.
This position works collaboratively with landlords, property managers, community organizations, government agencies, employers, and service providers to reduce barriers to housing while promoting self-sufficiency, financial stability, and personal growth.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesHousing Navigation
- Conduct comprehensive housing assessments.
- Develop individualized housing plans with measurable goals.
- Assist participants in locating appropriate housing.
- Help clients complete rental applications.
- Assist with housing searches both online and in person.
- Coordinate housing viewings.
- Educate participants about tenant rights and responsibilities.
- Assist with lease reviews before signing.
- Support participants through the move-in process.
Landlord Relations
- Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords and property managers.
- Recruit new landlords willing to work with Seventyx7 participants.
- Mediate conflicts between landlords and tenants.
- Respond to landlord concerns promptly.
- Advocate for participants while maintaining professional landlord relationships.
- Conduct landlord outreach and education regarding available support services.
Housing Stability
- Conduct regular home visits.
- Monitor participant progress toward housing goals.
- Assist participants in maintaining clean and safe living environments.
- Help participants understand lease obligations.
- Provide eviction prevention services.
- Develop housing stabilization plans.
- Coordinate interventions when housing is at risk.
Financial Assistance
- Assist participants with budgeting.
- Help clients develop monthly spending plans.
- Connect participants to rental assistance programs.
- Assist with utility assistance applications.
- Coordinate security deposit assistance.
- Help participants apply for emergency financial assistance.
- Educate participants on maintaining financial stability.
Case Management
- Maintain accurate participant records.
- Complete assessments and service plans.
- Document all participant contacts.
- Update case notes within required timelines.
- Monitor progress toward goals.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies.
- Coordinate services with internal and external providers.
Community Resource Coordination
- Connect participants with:
- Employment services
- Medical providers
- Mental health services
- Substance use treatment
- Food resources
- Transportation services
- Legal assistance
- Benefits assistance
- Childcare resources
- Educational opportunities
- Maintain a current resource directory.
Life Skills Coaching
Provide coaching in:
- Budgeting
- Banking
- Credit building
- Household management
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Time management
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Meal planning
- Shopping
- Transportation
- Goal setting
- Self-advocacy
Crisis Intervention
- Respond to housing crises.
- Assist participants facing eviction.
- Coordinate emergency shelter when needed.
- Develop safety plans.
- Connect participants with emergency services.
- Provide short-term crisis stabilization.
Community Partnerships
- Attend community meetings.
- Build relationships with community partners.
- Participate in coordinated entry meetings.
- Collaborate with housing authorities and nonprofit agencies.
- Represent Seventyx7 professionally within the community.
Documentation
- Complete all required reports accurately and on time.
- Maintain participant files.
- Track participant outcomes.
- Record services provided.
- Ensure compliance with funding requirements and organizational standards.
Minimum QualificationsExperience
- One to three years working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, disabilities, behavioral health needs, or other vulnerable populations preferred.
- Experience in case management, housing navigation, or community services is highly desirable.
Knowledge
- Fair Housing laws.
- Landlord/tenant laws.
- Community resources.
- Housing assistance programs.
- Crisis intervention.
- Trauma-informed care.
- Motivational interviewing.
- Cultural competency.
Skills
- Excellent communication.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Conflict resolution.
- Problem solving.
- Time management.
- Professional documentation.
- Computer proficiency.
- Microsoft Office and case management software.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Performance Expectations
Housing Specialists are expected to:
- Maintain assigned caseloads.
- Meet productivity and documentation standards.
- Complete documentation within required timelines.
- Maintain positive relationships with landlords and community partners.
- Demonstrate professionalism at all times.
- Protect participant confidentiality.
- Participate in required trainings.
- Support the mission and goals of Seventyx7.
Pay: $18.50 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
