Housing Locator - Matcher

Organizational Overview

Upward Bound House (UBH) is dedicated to ending the cycle of intergenerational family homelessness.  We compassionately provide a continuum of services ranging from crisis housing to permanent housing and homelessness prevention.  With over 30 years of experience in family homelessness, UBH is a leading services provider, contributing to and advocating for lasting solutions to end family homelessness.  Our diverse team is passionate about our mission, UBH provides a fast-paced environment that values empowerment, collaboration, diversity, relationships, efficiency and communication.  UBH provides a supportive, caring and merit-based environment for team members and is vested in their growth and development.

Position Summary:

The Housing Locator is responsible for working with landlords, property managers, leasing agents, and housing providers, to identify housing opportunities for homeless families. The Locator will promote UBH’s programs and how they work to support families in housing. This includes educating prospective landlords, owners and management firms on the homeless continuum system, rental assistance programs, Section 8, and other housing assistance. Also, educate participants on landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities – with the intention of mitigating any potential tenant-related matter, including deterrence of evictions. Additionally, this position will provide support and guidance to landlords and property managers when issues in relation to participant’s housing occurs (e.g. late rents, neighbor issues, nuisance, etc.).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruit landlords to participate in UBH housing programs by offering rental units to UBH Develop and maintain relationships with private, public, and nonprofit landlords, including municipal housing departments.


• Identify and secure different types of housing opportunities including affordable housing, low-income units, project based Section 8, permanent supportive housing, shared housing, co-ops, mobile homes, special needs housing, set-asides,


• Perform site visits at all prospective sites to ensure they meet guidelines for habitability


• Develop and maintain a database of landlords and management firms working with the program, including a list of available units and amenities specific to each respective site.


• Maintain an up to date “Housing Kiosk” of current and upcoming open units, along with its eligibility


• Address client barriers to eligibility, such as prior evictions, and negotiate with landlords on client acceptance for


• Ensure the FMR are within contractual obligations. Negotiate rent when
  


• Network with collaborating entities providing housing, including affordable housing providers/developers, Lease-Up, HACLA, LACDA, Collaborate with other partner agencies to utilize their housing placement slots for UBH clients.


• Provide training to program staff on how to complete housing application for each type of housing opportunity, including Section 8 or Shallow Subsidy for example.


• Pre-screen UBH clients in attempt to properly match eligible participants to proper


• Schedule appointment/viewings with the respective landlord, and follow-up to find out status of referrals and potential move-in


• Assist case managers in all aspects of locating and securing permanent housing (identifying housing resources, communicating and negotiating with landlords, processing and submitting application, advocating for participants, coordinating the enrollment/leasing process, etc).

• Provide advocacy as needed to help address issues and barriers between landlord and Work in tandem with the housing case manager/stabilization team to address any participant-related issues. Respond (liaison) to complaints from landlords and participants related to housing issues.


• Participate in staff meetings, case reviews and other relevant


• Assist in maintaining case files, records, and other required documentation related to housing placement; and the preparation of periodic


• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of landlord appreciation / engagement
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 
  BA degree and two years of experience in social services or sales background in sales/marketing with 2 years of experience in human services or significant work experience relevant to the


• 
  Strong sales and advocacy Mediation and negotiation skills preferred.


• 
  Experience working with landlords preferred; as well as experience working with homeless


• 
  Demonstrated knowledge of various housing opportunities for homeless and special needs


• 
  Must have a thorough knowledge of fair housing laws and practices.


• 
  Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.


• 
  Exhibit high-level of
  


• 
  Ability to work independently and problem


• 
  Demonstrated knowledge of housing search skills including housing location, filling out housing applications, and the lease-up


• 
  Ability to coach housing search skills to participants in individual or group


• 
  Knowledge of Harm Reduction and Housing First models of service
  


• 
  Ability to network and build relationships; locate and develop housing
  


• 
  Ability to act as a liaison between the participant and landlord/property owner to resolve


• 
  Ability to maintain clear personal and professional boundaries.


• 
  Ability to work effectively in constantly changing and sometimes demanding or chaotic


• 
  Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental


• 
  Ability to respond responsibly in emergency and crisis


• 
  Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft Office Suite programs as wells as other database systems e. HMIS.


• 
  Knowledge of community
  

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• 
  Employment Eligibility Verification


• 
  Reliable transportation


• 
  Updated tuberculosis test


• 
  Successful completion of background screening


• 
  Driving is an essential function of this position


• 
  Must have Valid CA Driver's License


• 
  Must provide proof of insurance coverage
  

RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES

•  Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times.


• 
  Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues.


• 
  Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines.


• 
  Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency.


• 
  Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others.


• 
  Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.


• 
  Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication.


• 
  Work with average supervision.


• 
  Perform other duties as assigned.