Acquisition Specialist

Job Details:

Location:

Folsom Salvation Army Building - San Francisco, CA 94107. Position Type:
Full‑Time Temporary. Education Level: High School Diploma or Equivalent. Salary Range: $29.00 - $31.00 per hour. Job Shift: Schedule may vary; M‑F.

Mission Statement:
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.

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.

• Market the 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 informed housing decisions.
• Conduct field visits activities, including canvassing to identify suitable neighborhoods, scout rental units, attend unit viewings and build relationships with property owners/managers.
• Conduct inspections of housing units prior to participant move‑in to ensure safety, habitability, and readiness.
• Conduct regular home visits after move‑in to monitor participant adjustment, address concerns, and support successful tenancy.
• Identify and resolve issues related to housing acquisitions, working with landlords, case managers, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with case managers and other internal staff to ensure continuity of services and smooth program operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Advanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information.
• Proficient understanding of housing policies and procedures, including fair housing laws.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage a diverse group of people.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizing, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking in decision‑making situations, good organizational and record‑keeping skills, and good independent judgment.
• Ability…