Leasing Agent - Housing Nonprofit (4965)

MERCY HOUSE•Santa Ana, CA

11d•$23 - $24

About The Position

The Leasing Specialist is responsible for assisting at-risk and homeless families and individuals in obtaining and securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. The objective of this position is to help households obtain stable housing by providing housing navigation and landlord engagement services.

Requirements

A minimum of two years of leasing-related experience or educational background in the human services or related field is required
A valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required.
Must be comfortable utilizing your own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, meet clients out in the community, etc.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Detail-oriented and computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required
Ability to stay on task, work independently and as a group, reliability, and self-motivation are mandatory skills
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish is of significant value

Responsibilities

Housing Advocacy
Build relationships with landlords, property managers, brokers, and developers to identify housing opportunities
Collaborate with case managers to provide housing leads and match clients, including Rapid Re-housing participants, to appropriate units
Maintain and update housing resources for clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Conduct landlord outreach to secure market-rate, affordable, and alternative housing options
Verify landlord acceptance of third-party rental assistance and provide program information and incentives
Follow up with clients on housing leads and track successful placements
Conduct habitability inspections, lead-based paint assessments, and rent reasonability studies
Assist clients with housing search, navigation, relocation, and housing stability
Address landlord-tenant concerns and maintain positive landlord relationships
Team Tasks
Respond to phone calls and email communications promptly
Assist in the facilitation of tenant education workshops
Collaborate with and act as a resource for program staff on housing, and landlord/tenant related issues
Collaborate closely with Rapid Re-housing case managers on their clients’ needs when looking for units and conducting housing inspections
Assist with the collection of documentation and coaching support of clients when necessary
Fair Housing and Legal Issues
Maintain an understanding of Fair Housing Laws and keep current on legal issues related to housing laws and regulations including but not limited to the eviction process, notices of entry, notices to perform or quit, etc.
Consult with program staff on client-related legal issues pertaining to their housing
Miscellaneous
Participate in community meetings, networking events, and partner collaborations
Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
Support program initiatives and develop partnerships to strengthen housing services