Housing Acquisition Specialist

Five Keys Schools and Programs; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,950 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low medical costs

403(b) plan

Gym reimbursements

Mental health support

Wellness programs

Job summary

Five Keys Schools and Programs in San Francisco seeks a Housing Acquisition Specialist to identify and secure market-rate rental units for the local unhoused community and to support clients through move-in and tenancy. You will negotiate leases, manage listings, and coordinate fieldwork across the Bay Area.

The role emphasizes building landlord relationships, maintaining detailed records, and guiding participants with informed housing decisions while coordinating with case managers and staff

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Access to reliable transportation and CA driver's license required.
• Two years of experience in supportive housing or similar housing initiatives.
• Background in leasing, real estate, or property management preferred.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Market the program and build relationships with landlords, managers, and associations.
• Maintain regular communication with landlords to support positive relationships.
• Explain program requirements to participants and address questions.
• Maintain accurate records of participant interactions in the program system.
• Assist participants with move-in logistics and lease review.
• Provide information and guidance to help participants make informed housing decisions.
• Conduct field visits to identify suitable neighborhoods and units.
• Inspect housing units for safety and readiness prior to move-in.
• Conduct post-move-in visits to monitor tenancy and address concerns.
• Coordinate with case managers to ensure continuity of services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Landlord relations

Field work

Communication

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Housing policy knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Zoom

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Excel

PowerPoint

Databases

Job description

Job Details: Location: Folsom Salvation Army Building - San Francisco, CA 94107. Position Type: Full‑Time Temporary. Education Level: High School Diploma or Equivalent. Salary Range: $29.00 - $31.00 per hour. Job Shift: Schedule may vary; M‑F.

Mission Statement: Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Job Summary

The Housing Acquisition Specialist position reports to the Rehousing Acquisition Manager and is accountable for identifying and securing market‑rate rental units to support innovative housing solutions for the local unhoused community. Leveraging program tools such as holding agreements to minimize vacancy loss, attractive rental subsidies, and damage mitigation funds, the Housing Acquisition Specialist actively seeks out, negotiates, and maintains listings of suitable available units. In addition to landlord acquisition, this role provides direct client support throughout the housing process, ensuring smooth transitions, informed decision‑making, and successful tenancy. Coordinators conduct field work, home visits, and ongoing check‑ins to support clients throughout their housing journey.

Responsibilities

• Market the program and build and maintain strong relationships with prospective landlords, property managers, and associations.
• Maintain regular communication with landlords to support positive participant‑landlord relationships and work collaboratively to proactively address concerns and resolve issues.
• Ensure participants fully grasp program requirements, responsibilities, and expectations, and offer opportunities for questions to foster transparency and informed decision‑making.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all participant interactions, appointments, and housing‑related activities in the designated program system.
• Assist participants with move‑in logistics, including utility setup and reviewing lease terms, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and obligations.
• Provide participants with information and guidance, empowering them to make informed housing decisions without making executive decisions on their behalf.
• Communicate with participants in a supportive and empowering manner, providing information and guidance that enable them to make independent and informed housing decisions.
• Conduct field visits activities, including canvassing to identify suitable neighborhoods, scout rental units, attend unit viewings and build relationships with property owners/managers.
• Conduct inspections of housing units prior to participant move‑in to ensure safety, habitability, and readiness.
• Conduct regular home visits after move‑in to monitor participant adjustment, address concerns, and support successful tenancy.
• Identify and resolve issues related to housing acquisitions, working with landlords, case managers, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with case managers and other internal staff to ensure continuity of services and smooth program operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information.
• Proficient understanding of housing policies and procedures, including fair housing laws.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage a diverse group of people.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizing, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking in decision‑making situations, good organizational and record‑keeping skills, and good independent judgment.
• Ability to tactfully resolve or mediate issues between landlord and tenants.
• Flexibility when scheduling and prioritizing tasks.
• Ability to work independently, frequently in the field for onsite meetings with tenants and landlords across the Bay Area.

Education & Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Access to reliable transportation, a valid California driver's license, a clean driving record, and automobile insurance required.
• Two years of experience working with supportive housing programs or similar housing initiatives.
• Background in leasing, real estate, or property management preferred; experience with local rental markets, city planning, public policy, and housing subsidy programs preferred.
• Strong sales and negotiation skills highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Must wear provided PPE and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed.
• Frequent talking and hearing conversations.
• Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk, and/or computer station.
• Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities.

Additional Requirements

• Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable.

Work Environment

• Moderate to high noise level.
• Work environment varies from site to site.
• Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities.

Benefits

• Very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous time off.
• Various pre‑tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403(b) available.
• Annual reimbursements up to $100 toward gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs.
• Annual athletic event participation and annual massages reimbursed up to $50.
• Other company‑paid benefits, including free wellness‑related apps, an Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform, available to you and your dependents.

Growth Opportunities

At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. We remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all employees, including conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).