Housing Specialist; Cordinator

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team.

About First Place for Youth We're a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

• Meaningful Impact
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  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach
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  We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment
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  Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we’re a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits
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  We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
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  We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

The Housing Coordinator will assist transition age youth (TAY) ages 18-24 who experienced homelessness and are referred from San Francisco's Coordinated Entry System to First Place for Youth's TAY Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) Program. The Housing Coordinator will assist participants to secure housing within the Bay Area utilizing a time limited housing subsidy. The Housing Coordinator will identify units in the community that will be appropriate for a subsidy which includes landlord engagement, information about the subsidy program, assessment of units' ability to meet habitability standards, and monthly rent calculation and subsidy administration.

The Housing Coordinator works within a team of TAY Case Managers and a Resource Specialist. This position requires work in the field with housing search occurring primarily in San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Monday - Friday.

• Develop and maintain inventory of landlords and property managers who have expressed interest in participating in the RRH Program.
• Engage landlords and property managers to build and sustain relationships- network with landlords, renter's associations, property management businesses, and county wide housing providers.
• Guide and educate TAY on how to search for, secure and maintain permanent affordable housing, including tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Provide assistance to TAY with completing housing forms, applications and obtaining required verifications to determine qualifications for housing.
• May conduct housing workshops and presentations to participants, staff, and community partners.

• Conduct landlord recruitment and establish relationships with landlords, property owners, and property management companies.
• Engage with local landlord organizations and housing associations to educate them on housing subsidy opportunities to increase visibility and awareness.
• Conduct comprehensive housing searches to identify units that meet participant needs
• Negotiate lease on behalf of the participant
• Coordinate viewings and partner with TAY Case Managers to ensure that all paperwork gets completed timely.
• Support with setting up utilities, securing deposits, and credit check fees.
• Support with moving costs and some furniture dependent upon funding.
• Utilize Fair Market Rate to determine acceptable rents and ensure rent reasonableness standards.
• Educate participants on tenancy requirements including rent portion expectations.

• Document efforts and activities in relevant electronic systems (App Folio, Apricot, or other systems assigned) promptly.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical files on all client and property/landlord relationships.
• Track changes in tenant portions of rent and subsidy amount.
• Ensure that participants are aware of their portion of rent and they know when and how to make payment directly to the landlord.
• Coordinate closely with First Place for Youth's Housing Department leadership and finance to…