Housing Specialist

The Ness Center; Mandeville (LA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ness Center in Mandeville, LA is seeking a Housing Coordinator to help participants transition from residential and supportive living to independent or supported housing. This role focuses on building community relationships, coordinating resources, and promoting housing stability.

You’ll collaborate with landlords, housing authorities, and service teams to identify options, manage applications, move-ins, and documentation, and provide education on budgeting and lease responsibilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4+ years of relevant housing coordination, case management, or advocacy experience
• Driver's license, reliable vehicle, clean driving record
• HUD Housing Counselor Certification or ability to obtain during intro period (company covers up to two attempts)

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, voucher programs, and community housing providers
• Help participants identify and access safe, affordable housing options
• Coordinate housing applications, documentation, approvals, move-ins, and transitions
• Work with clinical and case management teams to support housing plans and continuity of care
• Educate and coach on tenant responsibilities, budgeting, lease compliance, and independent living skills
• Address barriers to housing stability and respond to housing-related concerns early
• Coordinate property viewings, appointments, move-ins, utilities, furnishings, and essential household needs
• Advocate for access to appropriate and affordable housing while respecting participant choice
• Maintain documentation and participate in outcome tracking and quality improvement
• Respond to housing-related crises (evictions, lease concerns, utilities)
• Collaborate with staff and partners to strengthen housing resources and outcomes

Skills

Relationship building

Resource coordination

Tenant education

Advocacy

Documentation

Education

High school diploma + 4+ years experience

Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Psychology / Human Services

Tools

HUD Certification

Job description

Position Title: Housing Coordinator/Specialist

Location: The Ness Center

Status: Full Time, Hourly

Are you passionate about helping people find safe, stable housing and build a successful life in the community? The Ness Center is looking for a Housing Coordinator to help participants transition from residential and supportive living services into independent or supported housing.

This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys building community relationships, solving problems, coordinating resources, and making a real difference in people’s lives.

What You’ll Do

• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, voucher programs, and community housing providers
• Help participants identify and access safe, affordable housing options
• Coordinate housing applications, documentation, approvals, move ins, and transitions
• Work closely with clinical and case management teams to support successful housing plans and continuity of care
• Provide education and coaching on tenant responsibilities, budgeting, lease compliance, and independent living skills
• Help participants address barriers to housing stability and respond to housing related concerns before they become larger problems
• Coordinate property viewings, housing appointments, move ins, utilities, furnishings, and essential household needs
• Advocate for access to appropriate and affordable housing while respecting each participant's right to choose their housing
• Maintain accurate documentation and participate in outcome tracking and quality improvement
• Respond to housing related crises, including eviction risks, lease concerns, utility disruptions, and unsafe living conditions
• Collaborate with staff, community partners, and leadership to strengthen housing resources and improve participant outcomes

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience:

A high school diploma or equivalent plus four or more years of direct experience in housing coordination, case management, or community advocacy OR a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Valid state driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and clean driving record
• Must have passed the HUD Housing Counselor Certification Examination or have the ability to pass it during the introductory period. The company will cover up to two examination attempts.

Why This Position Matters

Stable housing can be a critical part of long term recovery and independence. In this role, you'll help turn housing opportunities into successful transitions and give participants the support and resources they need to remain safely housed in the community.

If you are organized, resourceful, compassionate, and enjoy connecting people with opportunities that can change their lives, we'd love to hear from you!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Ness Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or class.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to [e-mail].