Housing Specialist II

Overview

Volunteers of America is a non‑profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities, such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low‑income housing program, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more la.org.

Pay Rate: $24.86 – $26.17 per hour

Benefits: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.

The Housing Specialist II is responsible for identifying suitable housing options for program participants and their families and assisting the participants to achieve sustainable and healthy independent living. As part of the services team for the program, the Housing Specialist II provides experience‑based leadership and participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services planning, engagement and delivery. Assists program case management, outreach and community engagement as directed;

able to lead these efforts as required.

• Identify and locate housing options suitable for homeless participants, including referral to VOALA shelters as appropriate.
• Create and maintain a housing database linking tenants to apartments.
• Communicate with landlords and familiarize them with the program and the unique needs of participants.
• Conduct habitability and lead‑based paint inspections of housing options as needed.
• Work directly (one on one) with landlords on behalf of clients and program.
• Develop support systems to meet individual client’s housing needs; coordinate and facilitate move‑in activities, rental negotiations and service referrals as needed.
• Facilitate the use of community resources to assist tenants and landlords in the event of problems leading to potential eviction.
• Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement in the event of emergency.
• Assist case managers in conducting comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan.
• Coordinate follow‑up services with the case management team.
• Co‑ordinate efforts with the Case Management team, supporting Case Management initiatives for clients served and meet regularly to stay current with client needs.
• Participate in community engagement and outreach efforts.
• Provide services on‑site; report to work on‑site each day of active employment.
• Additional duties as assigned.
• Other duties as required.

All employees are considered Mandated Reporters and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance and background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications.
• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients; VOALA serves highly vulnerable populations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience (four years).

• Two years of general experience in case management, including helping homeless individuals navigate Los Angeles’ affordable and subsidized housing system.

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This employer participates in E‑Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E‑Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.