Housing Specialist

• Base Pay $24.15 / Hour
• Job Category Veterans, Permament Supportive Housing, Social Work
• Employee Type FT Hourly Non-Exempt
• Travel 75%

• Name Human Resources
• Phone

Department:
Housing Services

Job Title:

Housing Specialist

Reports To:

Housing Placement Program Manager

The Organization:

Homeward Bound is the leading nonprofit organization in Buncombe County focused on preventing and ending homelessness using the best practice, Prioritizing Home. We work collaboratively with community partners and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve housing stability. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,700+ people off the streets, out of cars, camps, and shelters and into permanent housing.

Position:

The Housing Specialist cultivates relationships with landlords and property management companies to identify and procure safe, decent, affordable housing for Homeward Bound clients. In a challenging housing market, this position is critically important to the success of the agency and requires a high degree of creativity, sales and relationship management skills, organization, and administration. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals that have passion for the work and compassion for all people experiencing homelessness in our community, no exceptions.

Schedule and compensation: full-time, non-exempt,with $24.15 hourly compensation.

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Management or related field

Prior experience or willingness to work with homeless population or populations with high clinical needs such as mental illness, trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse

Commitment to Homeward Bound’s mission and philosophy of service delivery

2 years’ experience in related field preferred: sales, marketing and/or development, real estate, property management, affordable housing, recruitment, etc.

Proven ability to engage and close deals with a variety of stakeholders. Ability to understand and articulate the value of a unit acquisition deal where all parties benefit.

Excellent standards of customer service and professional communication skills:

Ability to compellingly represent Homeward Bound in the community

Ability to effectively communicate what we do and how it works to prospective landlords

Ability to positively communicate with case managers and clients about housing needs and opportunities

High degree of professionalism

Self-motivated with an ability to problem-solve and prioritize

Ability to work independently and incorporate the goals of a team, and ability to work as a member of a team

Strong creative and critical thinking skills; excellent public speaking and presentation skills

Excellent administrative ability, including organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong computer skills

Ability to prioritize work activities, develop realistic action plans, and demonstrate effective time management

Must have reliable transportation, valid state issued driver’s license and car insurance. Please note that travel is required. Homeward Bound provides mileage reimbursement.

Secure housing placements for clients by:

Recruiting and building positive relationships with landlords and property management companies in the community that result in housing options for clients

Maintaining thorough database of affordable housing options in Buncombe County

Working with case managers and clients to determine housing needs

Making appropriate and successful matches between clients’ housing needs and available housing units

Working with landlords to reduce housing barriers for people experiencing homelessness, including criminal background checks and credit checks, reducing…