Housing Specialist, Santa Cruz

BILL WILSON CENTER•Santa Cruz, CA

1d•$24 - $27

About The Position

Bill Wilson Center provides services to children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County. Additionally, we reach clients through our street outreach and crisis line programs. Bill Wilson Center programs focus on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy. Bill Wilson Center is committed to working with the community to ensure that every youth has access to the range of services needed to grow to be healthy and self-sufficient adults. A key component of Bill Wilson Center's philosophy encompasses a strength-based approach to improving the lives of the youth and young families in our communities. Bill Wilson Center has been providing services to run away and homeless youth since 1973. Join us and become a difference maker at Bill Wilson Center! Reporting to the Program Manager, the Housing Specialist connects program youth to stable housing and vital community resources. This role balances landlord relations—including the oversight of rental payments—with the goal of empowering clients to manage their own financial obligations. Working alongside direct service staff, the Housing Specialist ensures that housing is not only secured but retained through client independence and effective resource navigation.

Requirements

Knowledge of housing availability in Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County required.
Relationships with landlords/apartments/etc highly desired.
Experience working with a culturally diverse population.
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the Santa Cruz county homeless youth community and LGBTQ community
Must be efficient and organized
Knowledge of fair housing and tenant related laws.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills; integrity; respect for confidentiality; ability to work with diverse populations, including persons with various disabilities
Ability to analyze and prioritize complex situations, policies and procedures, laws and regulations and exercise good judgment in the course of completing required duties.
Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
Comprehend and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, email management, internet navigation, and operating system navigation required.
Excellent communication skills required.
Fingerprint/background check and TB test required.
Travel for agency meetings, trainings, accounting/financial needs, etc.
Driving is a requirement of the job (valid California driver's license with access to a personal vehicle that can be used for company business and current personal automobile insurance).
Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations.
Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
Ability to move around the property, office, and stairs.
Ability to move items up to 15lbs when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual English/Spanish speakers are highly desired.

Responsibilities

Proactively identify and recruit a diverse portfolio of landlords and property management companies willing to work with subsidized programs.
Conduct initial and annual Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections to ensure units meet HUD safety and health requirements.
Review leases to ensure compliance with program standards and negotiate rental rates to ensure units meet "Rent Reasonableness" criteria.
Assist participants in identifying potential housing options that align with their specific needs, budget, and geographic preferences.
Act as the primary point of contact for landlords to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and educate them on the benefits of the housing program..
Intervene in tenant-landlord disputes to prevent evictions and maintain positive community partnerships.
Determine initial and ongoing rental subsidy amounts based on participant income and program-specific formulas with the Program Manager.
Ensure all property owners submit required documentation (W-9s, HAP agreement) prior to client move in
Maintain comprehensive and accurate "Housing Files" for each participant, including HQS reports, Lead-Based Paint disclosures, and Rent Reasonableness certifications.
Meet weekly with TH-RRH Case Managers to align housing searches with the participant’s needs.
Work with participants on "housing readiness" skills, such as understanding lease terms, tenant rights, and budgeting for utility payment
Complete case note documentation in AWARDS and HMIS in a timely basis
Attend agency and other program meetings as appropriate.
Must be able to communicate effectively, get along with coworkers and management and deal effectively and professionally under pressure
Transport clients to view listings as needed and be available to go with clients to view housing opportunities
Participate in all meetings and training sessions as required
Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives
Participate in agency Safety initiatives and proactively report safety issues to management immediately.
Additional duties as assigned.