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WHO WE ARE

Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income people to become self-reliant through integrated services. When joining PPL, you become a part of a diverse team whose person-centered approach to services ensures individuals and families receive the housing and ecosystem of support they need to achieve greater stability now and for the next generation. We are eager to welcome new team members dedicated to serving our residents and pursuing our mission to build the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families who have lower incomes by providing transformative, affordable housing and employment readiness services. PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve that are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities.

JOB SUMMARY

The HOUSING SPECIALIST-NAZ PARTNERSHIP will work with NAZ families to set and achieve housing goals so that families have increased economic and housing stability and their children can succeed academically. This role will provide housing search and placement, landlord recruitment, rehousing, and tenancy-sustaining services to help NAZ families find and keep housing in the North Minneapolis community. The Housing Specialist-NAZ Partnership will collaborate closely with NAZ staff and partners.

NORTHSIDE ACHIEVEMENT ZONE (NAZ) exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. NAZ and partner organizations walk side-by-side with low-income families as they put their children on a path to college. NAZ has a game-changing approach that is closing the achievement gap with their wrap-around framework that effectively supports low-income children of color so that they will graduate from high school prepared for college.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EXPERIENCED BSW OR MSW CANDIDATE TO GAIN PRACTICE HOURS AND FREE SUPERVISION TOWARD THEIR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Develop trusting relationships with NAZ families and provide “high touch” support and resources by integrating empowerment principles, training and strategies into their work with families.
• Act as a link between families, other NAZ staff, and partners to ensure effective collaboration and monitor progress towards goals. Collaborate positively and effectively with NAZ Family Achievement Coaches, who refer families to the Specialist. Keep Coaches informed about family achievements and work with them to track progress toward family goals.
• Develop individualized housing goal plans with families on caseload.
• Assist families with identifying their housing preferences and needs, and helping them resolve barriers to improve access to resources such as Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, private landlords, rental assistance, emergency funds, security deposits, moving costs, furnishings, homeownership, etc.
• Cross-train with Employment Specialist to complete intakes and provide coordinated services to families.
• Coordinate rental assistance program. Assess program eligibility for families by completing required housing intake paperwork and partner with Compliance Team.
• Maintain timely and accurate case notes and program activities for all case files including paper files and online databases; Apricot, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and NAZ Connect.
• Provide tenancy-sustaining services to include understanding the lease, communicating with the landlord, managing neighbor conflict, paying rent on time, and addressing other behaviors that may jeopardize housing.
• Locate new landlords; build positive relationships with landlords and property managers.
• Work with team to plan and facilitate tenant education housing workshops and engagement with the larger community.
• Develop a household budget and assist in connecting families to financial services and working in partnership with PPL Financial Coaches.
• Help participants navigate transportation needs, including access to bus or gas cards and driving residents to appointments in personal or PPL vehicles.
• Attend staff and partner meetings as identified.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• AA degree, Bachelors preferred in Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, or related field and 2-3 years of experience coordinating community services for families; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with housing in low-income communities is strongly preferred.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A devotion and ability to build close relationships with families, and the ability to motivate them through positive interviewing, feedback, and reinforcement.
• Knowledge of Twin Cities’ housing affordable housing programs preferred.
• Knowledge of North Minneapolis and the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with NAZ families.
• Possess strong time management and documentation skills as well as written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently as well as work collaboratively.
• Strong knowledge of community programs and resources, and the post-secondary education system.
• Experience in partnering with economically disadvantaged populations.
• Strong commitment to the expectation that children growing up in North Minneapolis can succeed in academics and college.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and boundaries in all interactions with residents, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, proof of current insurance, a good driving record as determined by our insurance carrier, and a reliable vehicle.

BENEFITS:

We know that employee health and well-being matters, so take care of yourself with PPL-sponsored health & dental insurance, employer-paid short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.  Voluntary life insurance; Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) or Flexible Spending Account (F.S.A.); P.T.O. & Paid Holidays. 403(b) retirement plans with employer match; well-being programs, summer half-day Fridays; and an impactful presence in an organization that makes a difference in many lives.

SALARY: $19.23-$21.63/hr., DOQ

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates can apply online via this link https://www.ppl-inc.org/careers. Include a cover letter and resume. The hiring process includes phone screens and virtual/ in-person interviews, references, and background checks for final candidates.

PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve those who are disproportionately affected by systemic inequities. Persons of color, women and members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

PPL is an EEO/AA employer. PPL participates in the federal E-verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.