Leasing Specialist - Housing Nonprofit

Mercy House; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical options

Dental & vision insurance

Paid time off

FSA

403(b) matching

Mileage reimbursement

Referral program

Career advancement

Onboarding & training

Job summary

Mercy House in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Leasing Specialist to support homeless and at-risk individuals in accessing stable, affordable housing through our Permanent Supportive Housing program. The role emphasizes building professional rapport with landlords and property management firms to secure housing opportunities.

Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years of office or property management experience, with strong organization and communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of office-related and/or property management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assist homeless and at-risk families to obtain or maintain stable housing.
• Develop relationships with landlords, property managers, and real estate owners to secure housing.
• Maintain housing opportunity lists and track housing opportunities in Excel.
• Conduct outreach to landlords and respond to housing inquiries.

Skills

Office experience

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Status: Full-Time, Non-ExemptPay: $23.00-$24.50/hourSchedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."Benefits Offered:Flexible medical coverage optionsVoluntary dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurancePaid Time OffFlexible Spending AccountEmployee Assistance Program403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matchingPaid on-the-job training and orientationMileage reimbursementReferral programOpportunities for career advancementJob Summary: The Leasing Specialist is responsible for assisting homeless and at-risk families and individuals break free from the cycles of need toward greater economic opportunity, independence, and permanent housing. The objective of this position is to help households obtain/remain in stable housing through our Permanent Supportive Housing Program by cultivating positive and professional rapport with landlords and property management companies.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Housing AdvocacyGoal: Secure and maintain quality, affordable housing placements for clientsDevelop an understanding of the County's housing market and establish strong business relationships in the for profit and nonprofit sectors (i.e., landlords, property managers, real estate owners/brokers, and developers)Develop a strong understanding of the regional SPA housing marketWork collaboratively with leasing agents and share housing leads with case managers, navigators, and other program staffMaintain current Permanent Supporting Housing Excel spreadsheetMaintain a list of potential housing opportunities for homeless and at-risk of homelessness clientsLocate and secure traditional housing options at market rate and affordable/low-income unitsResearch and make cold calls to landlords to inquire about corporate housing opportunitiesAnswer and respond to phone queries, making referrals as neededAssist with habitability and quarterly inspectionsAssist at-risk households with maintaining their housing or relocating to more suitable housingMaintain effective relationships with landlords and/or property managers by resolving conflicts and providing necessary emergency supportTeam SupportGoal: Provide support to Permanent Supportive Housing program staffCollaborate with and act as a resource for Permanent Supportive Housing program staff on housing issuesWork closely with Permanent Supportive Housing case managers and become familiar with clients’ needs when challenges occurAssist with gathering documentation for reasonable accommodations, move-ins, and/or relocationsFair Housing and Legal IssuesGoal: Be knowledgeable about fair housing and legal concerns to advocate for the organization and the clients servedMaintain an understanding of Fair Housing Laws and keep informed on current legal issues and regulations related to housingConsult with case managers and program staff on client related legal issuesCollaborate with upper management and attorney to draft and serve legal notices as neededMiscellaneousParticipate in networking functions, community meetings, and meet with funders and partnering agencies related to the positionAssist with program activities when necessaryAttend staff/team meetings, training workshops, and staff building eventsDevelop new partnerships with other agencies to enhance our current servicesEnhance job performance by applying up-to-date professional knowledge gained by attending seminars and conferences and reviewing professional publicationsPerform ad hoc projects as appointed by Supervisor and upper managementRequirements:ExperienceAt least 2 years of office-related and/or property management experienceComputer proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is requiredAbility to maintain and sustain current lease agreement formsGeneralA valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required. Must be comfortable utilizing your own vehicle to conduct home visits, visit clients at shelters, meet clients out in the community, etc.Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with landlords and property management companiesAbility to navigate urgent matters while upholding a degree of flexibilityDependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfullyAbility to meet a weekly quota of 15-25 calls per week (subject to change)Ability to enter units with program staff as neededAbility to lead and assist with Scattered Sites unit upkeep and turnover as neededA flexible work schedule including some schedule changes, some weekends, and evening shifts to meet the department’s needsPhysical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 poundsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer