JOB TITLE: Housing Placement Specialist II, Home Again AGENCY: St. Patrick Center REPORTS TO: Manager of RRH SUMMARY OF POSITION: Identifies housing needs and preferences for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and develops a plan of action for housing placement. Secures housing within 7 days of program entry and ensures housing move-in placement within 30 days of program entry. Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward achieving client goals. Establishes and maintains professional relationships with landlords and property managers in which clients are referred to for housing. RESPONSIBILITES: Service Provision • Develops and maintains professional relationships with landlords and property managers, advocating on behalf of Home Again participants. • Identify apartments, SRO or other housing vacancies, and travel to potential placements with clients as needed. • Utilize and coordinate housing efforts with case managers and other staff at St. Patrick Center and in the community. • Perform housing quality habitability rental unit inspections, lead-based paint screenings before client moves into property (and annually, if applicable). Work with landlords and property managers to correct any deficiencies found within 30 days of inspection. • Certify rent reasonableness and provide a minimum of three housing comparables for each unit selected . • Provides education and support to landlords and clients as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating lease conditions and terms. • Provides outreach services as necessary to client when they miss appointments or appear to disengage in services. Use a variety of methods to discover interference with housing goals. • Reviews and/or prepares check requests and gathers supporting documentation for client support services. • Provide case management services for Home Again clients • Other duties as assigned. Data Entry and Tracking • Maintains detailed records of client services/expenditures and closely monitors expenditures to prevent over or under spending of funds. • Maintains and updates all required documentation in client paper and electronic files. Files and completes daily paperwork tasks as needed. • Accurately enters all client activities and provided services in ECM and HMIS client tracking systems within 1 business day of activity or service. • Complies with HIPAA regulations. St. Patrick Center and Community Relations • Fosters strong working relationships with community based organizations and partner agencies. Provides consistent communication with other organizations and partner agencies to ensure coordination of services. Maintains database of current and potential landlords, property managers and community partners. • Participates in bi-weekly team meetings and communicates individually with team members between meetings in order to coordinate services and generate ideas to help clients achieve their housing goals. Outcomes • Secures housing for 90% of individuals and families within 7 days of program entry. • Places individuals and families into housing within 30 business days of program entry. • Maintains database of current and potential landlord partners, securing a minimum of 4 new contacts per month. DIRECT REPORTS: None KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor’s degree in human services, counseling, social work or related field preferred. • Prior experience working with socially/economically disadvantaged persons and assisting with housing placement and landlord development activities preferred. • Prior experience inspecting properties preferred. • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and data entry experience. • Working knowledge of landlord-tenant laws and rights. • Reliable transportation required. SKILLS AND ATTITUDES REQUIRED: • Works ethically with integrity; treats people with dignity and respect; maintains confidential information; ability to work with a diverse population, to collaborate with colleagues, volunteers, and community providers while demonstrating the philosophy and values of St. Patrick Center. • Exhibits excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to set strong personal boundaries. Keeps Home Again team and others adequately informed regarding client relations. Values and contributes to team building. RELATIONSHIPS REQUIRED: • Reports to the Manager of Employment Services; works with all staff at St. Patrick Center; assists clients with housing search; assists landlords with property vacancies and needs; networks and establishes working relationships with federal, state and local agencies.