Position Summary
The Housing Specialist, reporting to the Project Manager, plays a vital role in supporting applicants by coordinating all phases of their housing relocation. This hybrid position, based within a 25-mile radius of Austin, requires bilingual proficienc y in Spanish. Key responsibilities include, supporting applicants with their upcoming relocation, conducting outreach to stakeholders, assessing applicants’ housing needs, creating move plans, and facilitating communication with landlords and property owners. The role also involves coordinating resources, and documenting case information to ensure effective delivery of service. Candidates should have experience in housing or case management, knowledge of community resources, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently while addressing housing challenges.
Hybrid position with the ability for remote work. MUST RESIDE WITHIN A 25 MILE RADIUS OF AUSTIN, TX.
**** Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducts targeted outreach activities to stakeholders, landlords, property managers as needed.
- Knowledgeable of housing trends, and geographic region of Austin, Texas.
- Develops and implements detailed move plans, including replacement housing searches and logistical support for applicants.
- Interviews applicants or authorized representatives to gather information to assess housing and service needs to create a move plan.
- Coordinates and oversees all phases of a renter's move.
- Establish and maintain effective communication channels with applicants, landlords, and property owners.
- Coordinates and assists with resources related to housing and non-housing services.
- Coordinates payments to vendors on behalf of applicants.
- Communicates program information to applicants through excellent customer service.
- Identifies problem areas and service gaps.
- Utilizes a system of recording accurate case information.
- Assist in providing accurate information for reporting needs.
- Recognizes the barriers people may face and helps identify issues that may prevent a successful move.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must have experience in assisting applicants with obtaining local resources to assist with barrier resolution.
- Must have knowledge of local housing market and the Austin geographical region.
- At a minimum, an associate’s degree from an accredited two-year college, and at least 2 years of housing or relevant Case Management experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of local community resources and case management delivery systems.
- Must have experience in and knowledge of the transition processes for displaced applicants.
- Ability to assess client needs, and coordinate client services.
- Ability to multi-task, exercise creative thinking, and exhibit professionalism to clients, coworkers, and management.
- Ability to work independently and in group settings.
- Ability to work with little to no supervision and be self-motivated.
- Communication - communicates clearly and concisely; strong verbal, written and public speaking skills and interpersonal skills.
- Policies & procedures - articulates knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems.
- Reasoning Ability - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Computer Skills - To perform the job successfully, an individual should be Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, web-based tracking system for clients and use of the Internet.
Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
- None required for this job
Competency
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Analytical—the individual synthesizes complex or diverse information.
- Problem-solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
- Oral communication—the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and participates in meetings.
- Leadership—the individual inspires and motivates others to perform well, accepts feedback from others.
- Judgment—the individual displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment and makes timely decisions.
- Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
- Safety and security—the individual observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable applicants with disabilities to perform the functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the team member is regularly required to talk or hear. The team member is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Schedule
- Monday-Friday | 8:00 am-5:00 pm | Day Shift
- Occasional non-traditional hours may be needed to support program needs
Education
- Associate (Required) Degree in Social Work, or related field.
Experience
- Case Management: 2 Years
- Housing | Affordable Housing | HUD| URA | CDBG| Rapid Rehousing |Supportive Housing (Preferred)
- Real Estate | Property Management (Preferred)
Language
Work Location
- In person & remote
- Travel to conduct in-person meetings with applicants is required