Acquisition Specialist

Housing Acquisition Specialist

Salary Range $29.00 - $31.00 Hourly Position Type Full-Time Temporary Job Shift Schedule may vary; M-F Education Level High School Diploma or Equivalent Req.

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs.

At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.

A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We've made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good.

This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

The Housing Acquisition Specialist position reports to the Rehousing Acquisition Manager and is accountable for identifying and securing market-rate rental units to support innovative housing solutions for the local unhoused community. Leveraging program tools such as holding agreements to minimize vacancy loss, attractive rental subsidies, and damage mitigation funds, the Housing Acquisition Specialist actively seeks out, negotiates, and maintains listings of suitable available units.

In addition to landlord acquisition, this role provides direct client support throughout the housing process, ensuring smooth transitions, informed decision-making, and successful tenancy. Coordinators conduct field work, home visits, and ongoing check-ins to support clients throughout their housing journey. We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. If this job is for you, you are a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who is passionate about improving housing outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, while creating value for local property owners.

You also bring a strong understanding of the local rental market and housing practices, and you are ready to put your communication and relationship-building skills to work by engaging landlords and encouraging them to participate in our housing initiatives.

This is a full-time, temporary position anticipated to last approximately two (2), based on business and operational needs.

Job duties and responsibilities include:

• Market program and build and maintain strong relationships with prospective landlords, property managers, and associations
• Maintain regular communication with landlords to support positive participant-landlord relationships and work collaboratively to proactively address concerns and resolve issues
• Ensure participants fully grasp program requirements, responsibilities, and expectations, and offer opportunities for questions to foster transparency and informed decision-making
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all participant interactions, appointments, and housing-related activities in the designated program system
• Assist participants with move-in logistics, including utility setup and reviewing lease terms, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and obligations
• Provide participants with information and guidance, empowering them to make informed housing decisions without making executive decisions on their behalf
• Communicate with participants in a supportive and empowering manner, providing information and guidance that enable them to make independent and…