Housing Specialist

About Us:

• If you’re looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference. 

What we offer: 

· Salary: $43,000 - $44,000

· Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.

· Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.

· PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees. 

· 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually. 

· Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match. 

· $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.

· Employee Assistance Program

· Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.

· Tuition reimbursement program

· Training and career development.

· Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions: This position provides housing placement to individuals and families that are being serviced through our housing, residential, and community programs.  

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Meet and build relationships with private/public landlords and property managers through the community to provide presentations on the housing programs and services. Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs. Visit potential housing options with clients as needed. 
2. Utilize community-based partnership with Supportive Housing programs, voucher programs, Subsidized Housing Programs, and market-rate rental landlords to establish and expand housing resources and eviction prevention remedies.
3. Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and/or maintain housing. Cultivates relationships with landlord and utility providers. Acts as a liaison between clients and landlords in order to find appropriate permanent housing solutions for participants in the programs.
4. Work as a partner with THHI and attend partner meetings.
5. Create a landlord database for quick, real-time referrals for participants. Contact information for landlord, location of units, rent ranges, number of bedrooms, and non-negotiables for landlord (no criminal records, evictions, income requirements, etc.)
6. Keep abreast of local housing resources and the client referral process.
7. Provide pro-active follow up contacts to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; assist in the development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget educational sessions.
8. Coordinate care with the Case Managers to ensure inspections and rent request are completed in a timely manner. 
9. Complete HQS inspector certification as needed to align with organization needs. 
10. Participate in Housing and cross-functional meetings to discuss progress with cases referred for housing placement. 
11. Visit and meet with community service providers, service organizations and institutions which prove beneficial to the maintenance of self-sufficient living of our program participants.
12. Participate in Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday efforts. Participate in Bridge Builders and other fund-raising events when needed.
13. Support the team in other tasks as assigned and attend all team meetings. Meet personal goals and actively contribute to the achievement of the team and organizational targets/goals as stated in Key Performance Indicators and in the annual plan.  

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Service Field and 3-5 years experience working in the Housing/Property Management Industry and/or relator experience required. 

Skills Requirements:

Requires heart for ministry. Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner. Ability to deescalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework. Demonstrates computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Requires oral and written communication skills and the ability to write reports and conduct and participate in meetings. 

Physical Requirements:

Must have adequate hearing and speaking ability as to take part in and provide sound oral communication and information. Must be capable of working outdoors in sunlight and higher temperatures on occasion. Must have the physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina to handle job-related issues and stress. Must be able to lift 20 lbs or more.

Other:

Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must pass required background pre-employment screening. Must be able to communicate effectively in English. Requires a valid driver’s license, car, and a clean driving record and the ability to qualify for the Ministries’ driving program.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances. 

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813-209-1083 or via email at [email protected]