Meadowview NC - Housing Retention Specialist - Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.

WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Every night VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: The Meadowview Navigation Center provides safety to women experiencing homelessness in Sacramento. Women are often victims of violence when they are left to navigate the streets without housing or the resources to protect them. In partnership with the City of Sacramento and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, we have created a space for up to 100 women to come out of the elements, and heal from the trauma of homelessness. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing Retention Specialist is responsible for performing housing searches, guest placement into housing, and connecting guests to the community. This position will provide support related to the following, but not limited to: assessing guest housing needs, securing housing, knowledge of renters, and landlord moving assistance when moving out of the shelter program.  The Housing Retention Specialist will provide housing resources promptly and efficiently. This position should be well versed in and able to practice Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction techniques.  

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Assist prospective applicants with housing placement and housing stabilization.
2. Assess applicants and assist them in meeting eligibility requirements and assist applicants in completing program applications and facilitation of program selection interviews.
3. Continue work on income stabilization via public benefit and employment.
4. Facilitate move-in procedure in a timely fashion.
5. Complete Habitability Standards Certifications on all guests.
6. Develop and maintain a current list of low-income housing resources for guest referrals.
7. Serve as program housing resources to provide alternative housing or program options as needed.
8. Serve as liaison between guests and landlords if issues arise and require mediation or mitigation.
9. Maintain records and any statistical data for all services rendered.
10. Provide other documentation as required by the funding source and/or VOA.
11. Attend VOA and other outside training.
12. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for training and development.

1. Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to assure quality work outcomes. 
2. Identify ongoing training for new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for guests and all personnel.

C. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

and should be well versed in and able to practice Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction techniques.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor’s or AA degree in business is highly desired. Must have working knowledge and understanding of credit, fair housing, legal rights, and renter responsibilities, along with familiarity with low-income housing resources. Three (3) years of experience serving the housing needs of individuals who are homeless or low-income is highly desired. Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Client-Centered Strength-Based, and all evidence-based practices in ending homelessness are required. This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide mediation for guests without ethnic or social prejudices. It requires general knowledge of issues and challenges unique to minorities, persons with disabilities or mental illness, substance abuse and recovery, low income, and the general homeless population. Must be able to utilize a range of interventions to work with guests with varying needs and levels of functioning. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours and be willing to function as a team member. It requires CPR and First Aid training within (90) days of employment, re-certification as necessary, and annual T.B. testing. Valid California driver’s license and ability to meet organizations insurance carrier guidelines required. Must undergo a criminal background check. 

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to assist and motivate other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Computer Skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 40 pounds
Lift and move housing items occasionally
Able to climb stairs regularly
Stand, walk and sit frequently 
Bend and stoop occasionally