Housing Specialist-Individuals RRH

HomeFirst; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 364,000 - 518,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid medical, dental and

Vision coverage

401(k) with matching

Paid time off starting at 15 days

12 holidays + sick leave

Civic engagement leave 8 hours

Commuter benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

HomeFirst in San Jose, California is seeking a Housing Specialist-Individuals to help participants locate, secure, and maintain permanent housing in the community. You will build relationships with landlords and property managers, manage a caseload, and provide application assistance and advocacy.

Responsibilities include landlord outreach, housing searches, crisis de-escalation, documentation, and connection to community resources, with a focus on Housing First and Harm Reduction principles.

Qualifications

• One year of paid or volunteer experience in social work or related human services.
• May be substituted by two years of customer service experience and lived experience with homelessness.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 20-30 participants in an active housing search.
• Landlord outreach and support, housing search, application assistance, advocacy, housing mediation, financial assistance administration.
• Crisis de-escalation, risk assessment, and connection to community resources.
• Meet with participants as needed and document thoroughly.

Skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Lived homelessness experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services

Job description

Position: Housing Specialist-Individuals RRHLocation: San Jose, CaliforniaReports to: Program ManagerStatus: Regular, Full Time, Non-ExemptCompensation: $32.20 HourlyABOUT HOMEFIRSTEstablished in 1980, HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.OUR VALUESKindness: We act with empathy toward others.Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Housing Specialist-Individuals meets with our program participants and assists them in locating, securing, and maintaining permanent housing in the community. They play a key role in representing agency and program participant interests to landlords and developing strong working relationships with property managers and owners. To this end, the Housing Specialist-Individuals participates in our collective effort to end and prevent homelessness.REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:This role reports to the Program Manager.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESMaintain a caseload of 20-30 participants in an active housing search.Provide comprehensive Housing Specialist-Individuals . This may include:Landlord outreach and supportHousing searchApplication assistanceAdvocacyHousing mediationFinancial assistance administrationCrisis de-escalationRisk assessment and mandated reportingConnection to community resources, i.e., preventionOther direct service provisionMeet with participants at a frequency and location determined by their needs.Engage in the consistent application of evidence-based practices.Support internal case management and program support specialist activities as needed. This may include:Street-based or community outreach effortsConducting joint participant meetingsWorkshop coordinationParticipate in case conferencing and collaborative care coordination.Maintain compliance with contract, agency, and licensing requirements.Achieve identified program and position deliverables.Adhere to task completion deadlines.Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of participants in accordance with agency and contractual standards.Attend all job-related meetings, including program staff meetings and agency-wide meetings.Participate in opportunities for learning and skill maintenance/development.Utilize supervision appropriately, maintain open lines of communication, and provide updates on activity.Assist with other duties as assigned.QUALITIES:Housing Specialist-Individuals is passionate about serving others and sees themself in a helping profession long-term. They have a knack for winning people over through their strong persuasive abilities and balance their natural creativity with nuts and bolts of problem-solving. They manage their time well and demonstrate strong organizational abilities.With the support of program leadership, the Housing Specialist-Individuals participates in our culture of learning and increases their knowledge of evidence-based practices over the course of their employment. Together, we model the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community.HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Housing Specialist-Individuals seeks to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. They are a highly collaborative member of our participant team and enjoy a team-oriented work environment.BENEFITSHomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENTAt HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)One year of paid or volunteer experience in social work or related human servicesIt May be substituted by two years of customer service experience and lived experience with homelessnessProficient in Microsoft Office suiteValid CA driver’s license and insurance and reliable transportationKnowledge of Housing First and Harm Reduction models of serviceBachelor’s degree in social work or related human services preferred but not required