CERF Locator

Housing Locator, Vehicle Encampment Resolution Project

Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt. The Housing Locator works closely with prospective property owners and managers to secure permanent housing opportunities for homeless individuals and families. He/she locates available housing for clients, conducts outreach to develop ongoing landlord relationships, provides them with educational information regarding subsidies, and participates in coordinated entry. Some clients may be housed in mid‑and‑north county, so there may be travel to other parts of the county to develop and maintain landlord and property manager relationships.

The Encampment Resolution Project will work to resolve 21 vehicle encampments county‑wide. The Housing Locator reports to the Encampment Resolution Project Coordinator and the Vehicle Encampment Resolution Program Manager. The goal of the project is to house 150–300 individuals residing in these encampments. We are hiring three Housing Locators – two based in our South County office in Santa Barbara (one dedicated to the City of Santa Barbara and one dedicated to the county) and one Project Coordinator for North County, based in Lompoc and Santa Maria offices.

The Housing Locator will be in the field with the team at least 50% of the time.

• Determine housing barriers, preferences, needs and goals in consultation with the client.
• Network and collaborate with area housing resources and maintain a presence at all meetings.
• Maintain relationships with existing property managers/owners and establish new relationships with those willing to house vulnerable and/or low income clients.
• Establish, update, maintain and communicate a list of available housing opportunities at least twice per week.
• Consistently meet all agency‑assigned outcome goals with respect to number of rental property contacts and number of people served, and exited to permanent housing.
• Prepare materials for making presentations to realtors, property managers and property owners or groups thereof.
• Field inquiries from prospective property owners to provide information on New Beginnings’ services, listen to their needs and ensure submission of information where appropriate.

• Ensure effective service delivery by notifying Housing Navigators of all housing opportunities and coordinating any involved community partners.
• Mediate with landlords.
• Maintain client records.
• Maintain accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with Federal, State, County and New Beginnings guidelines.
• Maintain client‑related data systems, including case notes and Fulcrum and HMIS entries.
• Maintain a Property Manager/Owner Contact Log to meet set expectations.
• Prepare reports including but not limited to outcomes, successes, etc.
• Familiarity with current housing market information, housing trends and available resources.
• Knowledge of effective business/professional contact techniques.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

• A minimum of 3 years of non‑profit or related experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate Studies, Human Services or a comparable combination of education/work‑related experience required.
• Experience in a social services setting with working knowledge of case management systems and planning techniques.
• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the Continuum of Care for homeless persons.
• Experience working with homeless individuals and families is preferred but not required.
• Experience working in property management or real estate, and/or with business development is strongly preferred.
• Must be proficient in the following computer applications – Microsoft Word and Excel. HMIS a plus.
• Must have own transportation to conduct job‑related travel.
• Must successfully complete a background check and meet insurance carrier’s requirements for approval to drive.

Work hours are Monday–Friday, 9‑5, although there will be some night time and weekend hours on occasion to attend community events, conduct early morning or late night collaborative outreach efforts, or attend to emergent client and…