Housing Specialist

Renaissance Social Services inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

IRA with employer match

Paid holidays

Birthday day off

Mental health days

Telemedicine

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Renaissance Social Services, Inc. seeks an experienced Housing Specialist to coordinate scattered-site supportive housing programs in Chicago.

You will serve as a vital link between participants, management companies, and support services to ensure smooth relocations and compliant leases. The role requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, at least 3 years in property/asset management, knowledge of homelessness housing issues and Chicago landlord/tenant ordinances, and proficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in property/asset management is preferred.
• Knowledge of homelessness and housing issues is essential.
• Knowledge of Chicago Landlord/Tenant Ordinance is preferred.
• Experience with Housing First, Harm Reduction, or Trauma-Informed Care is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate location services and unit turnover with participants and landlords.
• Collaborate with case managers on housing relocations and rent-related processes.
• Maintain tenant files, leases, inspections, and rent calculations.
• Prepare reports, leases, and rent requests; support data entry and validation.
• Represent Renaissance with external entities; participate in meetings as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office (Excel)

Data management systems

Job description

Renaissance Social Services, Inc. is recruiting an experienced Housing Specialist to join our Housing team!Renaissance Social Services, Inc. (Renaissance) is a leader in Chicago’s response to homelessness. Renaissance prevents and ends homelessness for vulnerable Chicagoans, providing a range of proven solutions including prevention, outreach, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, behavioral health care, and clinical case management.Position SummaryThe Housing Specialist ensures the successful coordination and execution of the agency’s scattered-site supportive housing programs and serves as a vital link between all participants, management companies, and support services staff.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:Collaborate with Intake to provide housing location services to new participants.Collaborate with case managers regarding housing relocations.Introduce participants to units and turn over keys.Coordinate unit turnover services.Conduct unit inspections, including annual, environmental, move-in, and move-out.Write and send notices to residents including, but not limited to, notices about inspections and non-compliance issues.Work with tenants to process rent recertification and set up payment plans.Maintain and update tenant files including updated leases, unit inspections, rent reasonableness forms, rent calculations, and memos.Assist with monthly reports, lease generation, and rent requests.Collect, enter, and validate data.Work with landlords and case management staff to resolve tenant issues.Cultivate new landlord relationships and maintain existing relationships with landlords and management companies.Provide instructions to participants regarding tenant rights and responsibilities.Provide ongoing housing counseling services to clients.Provide clients exiting the program with assistance in securing appropriate community housing.Assist with key management: key sign-out and distribution.Participate in all relevant meetings.Represent Renaissance with external entities and internal staff.Complete reporting requirements as needed and requested.Perform other duties as assigned.Our ValuesWe are:Collaborative – We strategically partner with organizations across all sectors to maximize our impact.Equity-Focused – We are a diverse, anti-racist organization committed to overcoming all forms of oppression, supporting healing, and creating greater opportunity.Innovative – We continuously learn and adapt our approaches to improve our effectiveness.Systems-Oriented – We leverage our organizational strength to support systems level cooperation and policy change.Person-Centered – We engage people with empathy and respect, meet them where they are, and provide individualized services and support.Reflective – We continuously evaluate our performance by using data and evidence to ensure accountability and effectiveness.Team-Driven – We cultivate a culture of shared purpose and facilitate professional growth, career advancement and satisfaction.Pay and Schedule:Full-time, salaried exemptSalary range: $45,000-$50,000 annuallyUp to 75% travel across a variety of settings in ChicagoBenefits Include:Multiple options for health insurance coverageEmployer provided life insuranceSimple IRA with employer matchUp to 15 days accrued in the first year11 paid holidays, your birthday off, and designated mental health daysNEW - ComPsyc Guidance Resources Program & Employee Assistance ProgramNEW - Well onTarget tools and resources to help you manager your healthMDLive - Telemedicine visitsRequirementsBachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.Minimum 3 years of experience in property/asset management field.Knowledge of homelessness and housing issues.Knowledge of Chicago Landlord/Tenant Ordinance.Knowledge of Affordable Housing Practices (Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care).Comfortable working with diverse groups of people including individuals experiencing homelessness and LGBTQQIAP2S+ communities.Excellent oral and written communication; exceptional organizational skills.Proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel, and data management systems.Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance.Must pass applicable background tests.Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now and become a key part of our growing team.