JOB SUMMARY: First Place is seeking an energetic social service professional who enjoys working with youth for the position of Housing Specialist. The selected candidate will manage all agency housing resources and referrals, and will be responsible for identifying, securing and maintaining affordable rental properties in the East Bay.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Identify and secure affordable rental properties with private property owners and with nonprofit housing developers in the East Bay for First Place Supported Housing participants. This includes screening units for appropriateness, developing rental agreements with property managers, visiting prospective rental units with youth participants, and overseeing the execution of all signed leasing materials. Maintain vacancy rates within organizational goals.
• Document the status of the rental unit both before the youth participant moves into the rental unit and after they move out of the unit. Maintain this information in the property filing system.
• Oversee the move-in and move-out process for approximately 40+ youth participants annually. This includes facilitating moving transportation, recruiting volunteers to assist with the move if necessary, arranging logistics with the property manager, such as gaining access to the rental unit, and assisting on the day of the move.
• Manage the monthly rent collection process for 60+ youth participants of the Supported Housing Program. This includes submitting check requests for rent payment to property owners to the First Place finance department, calculating rent due for each youth, noticing youth of rent due to First Place, tracking rent payment and working cooperatively with participants’ Youth Advocates to notify them of their housing status.
• Oversee maintenance of all apartment units, which includes responding to youths’ requests for repairs and addressing concerns of the property manager about First Place tenants. This includes carrying a rotating pager and responding to emergency situations that arise.
• Issue notices to youth tenants, including pay or quit notices and eviction notices in a manner that is compliant with all state and federal fair housing legislation.
• Manage the monthly rental payment budget for youth in the Supported Housing Program, moving transportation and housing maintenance budgets, which together total approximately $400,000. This includes developing the annual budget in cooperation with the Supported Housing Program manager, reviewing a monthly budgeting report and developing strategies to remain within the approved budget.
• Participate in a weekly team meeting to set team goals and address barriers to implementation of goals.
• Ensure First Place housing procedures complies with all local, state and federal fair housing laws.
• Cultivate and manage a network of property managers and property owners. Communicate regularly with property managers, respond promptly to landlord questions or concerns.
• Maintain files for all properties and youth.
• Cultivate and manage First Place apartment listings.
• Prepare monthly program reports for programs and services.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Cultivate and manage agency housing resources and referrals, including shelters, transitional housing programs, public housing programs, etc.
ORGANIZATION: The First Place Fund for Youth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting foster youth who “age out” of the foster care system. First Place addresses the difficulties foster youth experience after discharge from foster care by providing them with the financial resources and community support required to make a successful transition to independent living. Located in downtown Oakland, First Place wide range of resources, including affordable housing, life skills training, community-building events, food assistance, transportation assistance, vocational counseling, and educational counseling.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum three years’ of experience working in housing field
• Experience working with youth, preferably current and former foster youth
• Must have a dependable car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Strong knowledge in property management, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Strong knowledge of the East Bay housing market and geography.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local fair housing laws.
• Two years experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in a housing context.
• Budget development experience, preferably in a property management capacity.
• Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal skills and strong ability to represent the interests of the agency with community stakeholders
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently.
• Total proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
SALARY & BENEFITS:
• Full-time Position
• Salary DOE
• Full Medical Benefits
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
TO APPLY:
Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:
Brenda Goldhammer, Supported Housing Program Manager
First Place Fund for Youth
1755 Broadway #304
Oakland, CA 94612
Fax: 510-272-9303
Email: bgoldhammer@firstplacefund.org
Web site: www.firstplacefund.org
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
|
