Description
The Organization:
Homeward Bound is the leading nonprofit organization in Buncombe County focused on preventing and ending homelessness using the best practice Housing First model. We work collaboratively with community partners and have a proven track record of helping individuals and families achieve housing stability. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved more than 2,615 people off the streets, out of cars, camps, and shelters and into permanent housing.
Position:
The Housing Specialist cultivates relationships with landlords and property management companies to identify and procure safe, decent, affordable housing for Homeward Bound clients. In a challenging housing market, this position is critically important to the success of the agency and requires a high degree of creativity, sales and relationship management skills, organization, and administration. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals that have passion for the work and compassion for all people experiencing homelessness in our community, no exceptions.
**Please apply with a cover letter and resume.
Requirements
Education/Experience Requirements:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Management or related field
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Prior experience or willingness to work with homeless population or populations with high clinical needs such as mental illness, trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse
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Commitment to Homeward Bound’s mission and philosophy of service delivery
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2 years’ experience in related field preferred: sales, marketing and/or development, real estate, property management, affordable housing, recruitment, etc.
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Proven ability to engage and close deals with a variety of stakeholders. Ability to understand and articulate the value of a unit acquisition deal where all parties benefit.
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Excellent standards of customer service and professional communication skills:
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Ability to compellingly represent Homeward Bound in the community
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Ability to effectively communicate what we do and how it works to prospective landlords
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Ability to positively communicate with case managers and clients about housing needs and opportunities
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High degree of professionalism
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Self-motivated with an ability to problem-solve and prioritize
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Ability to work independently and incorporate the goals of a team, and ability to work as a member of a team
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Strong creative and critical thinking skills; excellent public speaking and presentation skills
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Excellent administrative ability, including organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong computer skills
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Ability to prioritize work activities, develop realistic action plans, and demonstrate effective time management
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Must have reliable transportation, valid state issued driver’s license and car insurance. Please note that travel is required. Homeward Bound provides mileage reimbursement.
Responsibilities:
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Recruiting and building positive relationships with landlords and property management companies in the community that result in housing options for clients
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Maintaining thorough database of affordable housing options in Buncombe County
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Working with case managers and clients to determine housing needs
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Making appropriate and successful matches between clients’ housing needs and available housing units
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Working with landlords to reduce housing barriers for people experiencing homelessness, including criminal backgrounds checks and credit checks, reducing deposit amounts, and waiving application fees.
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Thoroughly understanding all funding guidelines for rental assistance
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Accurately calculating rental amounts, utility allowances, and rent reasonableness
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Coordinating & facilitating all lease signings with landlord, case manager, and client
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Conducting housing inspections on each unit before placing client and inspecting units quarterly
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Ensuring compliance with all HUD requirements and other program guidelines
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Coordinate landlord communication and track accordingly in systems
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Receive and respond to landlord inquiries
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Coordinate landlord appreciation efforts
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Report on housing placement goals, action plans, and outcomes weekly and monthly
** This job description does not list all of your job duties. Occasionally, your supervisor might request that you perform other reasonable duties in order to most effectively work towards Homeward Bound’s mission of ending homelessness.
Our values:
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We believe in the absolute value and worth of every single human being.
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We believe that housing is a basic human right, integral to self-worth and dignity.
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We believe that homelessness is a solvable problem.
Mission: To prevent and end homelessness in our community through permanent housing and support.
Homeward Bound bases its human resource decisions on objective criteria without regard to any characteristic or condition protected by law. We are committed to a workplace that offers equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, genetic information/medical history, military/veteran status, or any characteristic or condition protected by law, but not specifically mentioned here.