The Action Center has been in business for over 50 years and is a well-known nonprofit located in Lakewood, CO. Our mission is to provide an immediate and compassionate response to those in our community experiencing hardship by providing resources and services to stabilize lives and promote pathways to lasting change.
Do you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of others while working in a collaborative and supportive work environment? We are hiring a Housing Specialist to join our team of passionate and dedicated individuals who share a commitment to The Action Center’s mission.
The Housing Specialist plays an essential role in the Action Center’s effort to help Jefferson County residents obtain affordable housing solutions for individuals and families in need. This position involves a combination of administrative, advocacy, and program management responsibilities. This role involves providing housing counseling and managing housing programs to address homelessness and housing instability within the community. The Housing Specialist is our expert on housing navigation for staff and community members.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide subject matter expertise on matters related to housing navigation
Provide guidance and support to staff members and volunteers who assist in the housing program.
Collaborate with the staff processing rent/mortgage/deposit assistance applications for various grant funding sources.
Understand nuances and eligibility criteria of relevant grant programs and ensure all guidelines are followed.
Serve as a professional representative of the Action Center to the community.
Assist households in establishing eligibility for subsidized housing; and utilization of the coordinated entry system.
Assist in the development of new housing opportunities and partnerships to benefit program participants – including but not limited to – municipal and county navigators, local housing authorities, and other agencies.
Keep current with landlord laws, ordinances, evictions, and regulations that impact housing.
Identifies affordable housing units and develops and maintains positive relationships with local property owners and landlords
Become proficient in and support volunteers in using computer-based management systems and databases as applicable.
Work in conjunction with other program services staff to ensure accurate data collection for all community members and services delivered.
Facilitate classes that help community members strengthen their skills related to tenancy
Become knowledgeable about local housing justice issues and initiatives.
Attend agency functions and special events as needed
Consistently demonstrate a positive and supportive approach to the community members and the community we serve
Maintain good working relationships with external community service providers
Other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred – work experience in homelessness or housing could be substituted.
Minimum of one year of work experience in a social services setting, ideally in homelessness or housing
Competency in boundary setting with participants and volunteers and comfortable use of de-escalation techniques required
Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
Experience with and comfort in using Microsoft Office and Google applications
Experience connecting individuals and families to community resources; experience with budgeting a plus
Ability to communicate with community partners, build organizational relationships, and relate well to participants, staff, and volunteers
Outstanding organizational skills, ability, and willingness to exercise initiative and work independently within a team framework, with great attention to detail
Comfort and experience in having difficult conversations, providing crisis intervention, and verbal de-escalation techniques. Knowledge and familiarity with Trauma Informed Care, social justice, and equity issues
The ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude and a display of unconditional positive regard when working with persons experiencing homelessness or other hardships.
Able to maintain confidentiality and respect for community member’s privacy
Ability to network and build relationships; strong communication and people skills
Must have own transportation and vehicle insurance to conduct job-related travel.
SUPERVISORY AND DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
This position will oversee a program, ensuring that the program guidelines are followed.
PERSONAL CONTACTS AND PURPOSE
The Housing Specialist works closely with community members, staff, and volunteers throughout the Agency to accomplish objectives and may represent the Agency in the community assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work involves physical activity associated with an office environment, and the position may occasionally support the grocery and clothing bank.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in an office environment however, meetings in the community may be part of the assistance provided and may occasionally support other areas of the Program Services Building. Some evenings and weekends may be required depending on participant needs and schedules.
The Action Center’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on actual or perceived race, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy), marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Agency also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.