Housing Coordinator

Pathways Vermont Housing Coordinator

The Housing Coordinator is a member of the Pathways housing team and works in partnership with the Housing First services teams. The Housing First program provides permanent housing and support services to individuals with histories of chronic homelessness and significant mental health challenges. The Housing Coordinator will assist in securing apartments and negotiating agreements with landlords. The Housing Coordinator is also responsible for supporting housing retention and stability for individuals once housed.

The position works closely with local service providers, landlords and housing authorities in the community. Travel is required and some flexibility of schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Collect and maintain information related to participant's housing history including: income and income history, rental history, criminal history and credit history (as these relate to obtaining/maintaining housing)
• Support Housing First Clients to identify housing with long term subsidies and work within our DOC program to effectively house clients moving out of incarceration to independent housing
• Work closely with the Service team to efficiently and effectively house families identified as homeless with short term subsidies provided
• Locate vacant apartments and support clients in applying.
• Negotiate with landlords/property managers to obtain vacant apartments;
  Provide ongoing support and education to community landlords regarding Pathways' services and contract expectations
• Develop networks of landlords to expand the supply of well maintained and affordable rental units
• Meet with clients and service team to discuss housing needs and expectations
• Provide housing counseling assistance; act as a liaison between client and landlord
• Oversees lease ups, move-in, move-outs and regular inspections pursuant to Housing Quality Standards between tenant, landlord and housing authority inspector.
• Be well versed in the obligation of tenants, landlord and housing authority as outlined in tenants HUD subsidy contract and/or DOC program agreement.
• Engage with the Department of Corrections and Pathways Teams to efficiently move clients from transitional housing to permanent housing options.
• Ensure Pathways remain in compliance with all housing contracts, including, but not limited to: HUD, Shelter Plus Care, Section 8, DOC and DMH. Remain current with HUD rules and regulations as it pertains to HUD subsidies and DOC Grant funds.
• Accurate and timely maintenance of electronic database to track leasing, maintenance and payment information for all units occupied by Pathways tenants
• Coordinate collection of rent payments to landlords and collection from tenants also services as needed for retention eg; cleaning and maintenance.
• Participate in required staff meetings and trainings as assigned
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position
• Attendance at the annual All Staff and Programmatic Retreats is an expectation of employment with Pathways Vermont, unless excused by the employee's manager/HR. Retreats are held on workdays, during normal working hours, and are fully paid.
• Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or comparable work experience
• Familiarity with housing laws and housing subsidy programs preferred
• Comfort initiating new relationships and negotiations
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment as well as possess strong problem solving skills, work ethic and computer proficiency
• Must be able to work semi-flexible hours
• Ability to travel
• Valid driver's license, registration and reliable vehicle required
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Must be comfortable with rapid growth and thinking out of the box
• Commitment to Pathways mission of housing as a human right
• Excellent interpersonal skills - the ability to network with landlords, funders, and community stakeholders
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and other minority populations
• Willingness to self-reflect, learn, and practice new ways of being in relationships
• Risk and discomfort tolerance
• Employment is contingent on passing a background check

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional exposure to outside environmental conditions for community-based meetings.
• Often meeting with persons in the community and/or visiting different businesses
• Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction at times when collecting paperwork, assisting with applications, etc.
• Extensive reading responsibilities
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs occasionally required (in instances when apartments, businesses and/or meeting places do not have an elevator)
• Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching. Occasionally during housing inspections to inspect various items.
• Regular operation of a computer and other office machinery including frequent typing.
• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm such as stapling, completing hand-written forms, etc.
• Frequent talking and listening in participation of exchanging ideas…