Information and Referral Specialist - Office, Hayward

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Community Partnerships, the Information and Referral Specialist is responsible for making resource information available, and providing linkages to needed services, for low‑income residents living in affordable housing that do not have an assigned Resident Services Coordinator. The ability to effectively coordinate services for residents directly impacts the organization’s mission statement in that it allows residents to maintain their housing for longer periods of time, enhances their quality of life, and provides opportunities to advance their self‑sufficiency goals.

Additionally, this position provides administrative support to Department leadership and will be assigned to a property to provide specific resident services outcomes.

• Act as the primary responder to the Information and Referral Hotline phone number and email address provided to residents and property management staff.
• Provide referrals and resources, as needed, to individuals that seek assistance through the Hotline.
• Provide resources and information to property management staff to assist them in responding to resident needs.
• Travel to properties to assist with community meetings, meet with residents, meet with property management staff, and conduct outreach, as needed, to provide quality services.
• Work with property staff, families, and community agencies to identify and address resident problems before they reach crisis proportions. Work with residents to resolve conflicts with neighbors.
• Develop an understanding of the needs of residents at assigned properties through needs assessments, surveys, community meetings, etc. in order to offer appropriate services and resources.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of available community resources for property management staff to have on hand to share with residents.
• Market and provide information about the Hotline and the role of this position to residents and property management staff.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant organizations to enhance services offerings.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Program staff to leverage individual and corporate group volunteers at assigned properties.
• Implement strategic programs and essential activities through partnerships with other community-based service providers/organizations. When other service organizations are not available, may deliver direct services.
• Collect required data for all programming offered, record data in the database (Salesforce), and submit reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Report child, dependent adult, and elder abuse and neglect according to State law.
• Obtain appropriate releases to interact with others on behalf of the residents. Maintain confidentiality appropriately.
• Attend all staff meetings, training sessions, and other appropriate meetings and conferences, as required.
• Participate in relevant local, regional, state, and/or national organizations, as assigned.
• Actively participate in our culture of inclusivity.

• Assist with drafting Department correspondence and formal documents for various stakeholders.
• Assist with scheduling and planning Department meetings, trainings, and events, including the coordination of meeting space, catering, and needed supplies.
• Develop and deploy spreadsheets and other documents to solicit and record information from other Department staff.
• Collect and file monthly reports, Service Agreements, MOUs, and success stories from other services staff.
• Other special projects as assigned.

• 4-year college degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field; OR 2-4 years of experience and/or training in community development, social services or related field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Training or experience working with diverse cultures and specific populations, depending on the property. Experience with populations such as children and families, seniors, people with developmental disabilities or chronic mental illness, HIV/AIDS may be helpful or required.
• Crisis and mental health…