Job Details

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Housing Specialist

Classification: Non-Exempt

Supervised by: Program Manager

Supervises: N/A

Home Start's vision is for every child to have a safe, stable, and nurturing home. Guided by our mission to assure the safety and resiliency of children by strengthening families and their communities, Home Start, Inc., a non-profit child abuse prevention, and treatment agency has strengthened and developed San Diego's families and communities since 1972.

Home Start, Inc. operates programs designed to prevent homelessness, interrupt the cycle of homelessness, and promote self-sufficiency. With rising rates of homelessness in San Diego exacerbated by the pandemic, our programs are designed to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Job Summary: The Housing Specialist will collaborate with Cuyamaca College to provide housing services for eligible students experiencing housing instability. This role is part of a College-Focused Rapid Rehousing model, aimed at securing stable housing and providing supportive services that assist students in achieving housing security and completing their educational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Intake and Assessment:

• Conduct intake assessments for students referred by the college, ensuring they meet program eligibility criteria.
• Collect personal and eligibility documentation from participants and facilitate the signing of program agreements.

Housing Navigation and Placement:

• Assist students in identifying secure, affordable housing options that meet their personal and financial needs.
• Develop relationships with landlords and property management companies to increase housing resources for students.
• Guide students through housing applications, property tours, lease negotiations, and ensuring that rental costs align with market conditions.

Financial Assistance and Housing Support:

• Work with participants to create and manage monthly budgets, determining their rental subsidy needs.
• Coordinate financial assistance for rent, utilities, move-in deposits, and essential household items. Ensure timely payments are made directly to landlords/property managers on behalf of participants.

Case Management and Supportive Services:

• Provide individualized case management to enhance housing stability and support students in completing their academic programs.
• Meet with participants in person at least once per month and refer them to healthcare, mental health services, employment support, and other resources as needed.
• Assist students in maintaining academic appointments and accessing necessary academic support.

Crisis Intervention and Housing Stability:

• Address crises such as personal, health, or mental health emergencies with a harm-reduction, trauma-informed approach.
• Provide advocacy and tenant education to students, engaging in conflict resolution with landlords when necessary to ensure stable housing.

Prevention Assistance:

• Offer financial assistance and housing stabilization services to students at imminent risk of homelessness, helping them retain current housing or find alternative accommodations.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records of services provided to participants and submit monthly reports to Cuyamaca College, tracking program outcomes, student housing status, and other relevant data.
• Ensure compliance with California Community College Chancellor's Office reporting requirements.
• Maintain data as required by federal and state guidelines.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the college and coordinate services with college staff.
• Notify the college immediately in cases of critical or serious incidents involving program participants.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience in housing services, homeless services, or working within social services programs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and housing stability practices.
• Experience working with students or in educational settings is a plus.
• Familiarity with HMIS data systems and reporting standards.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must have a valid California driver's license, a safe driving record, automobile insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

Home Start, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel because of gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.