Property Engagement Specialist

Lake County, IL; Libertyville (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake County Government in Libertyville, IL is seeking a Property Engagement Specialist to expand housing opportunities by building landlord relationships and coordinating with housing navigators, reducing barriers to stable housing.

The role blends advocacy, property engagement, and system coordination, requiring strong organizational and communication skills, knowledge of fair housing laws, and familiarity with rental markets; occasional travel to properties and community meetings is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2-3 years of housing advocacy experience.
• Knowledge of fair housing laws and local rental markets.
• Experience with housing programs such as Vouchers or Rapid Re-Housing is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and community agencies.
• Serve as a liaison to facilitate housing placements and tenancy processes.
• Maintain a real-time database of affordable housing units aligned with client needs.
• Lead the Bridge to Housing Collective Work Group and advocate for best practices.
• Develop landlord agreements to increase housing flexibility and reduce barriers.
• Prepare data-driven reports for stakeholders and train stakeholders on housing resources.
• Address landlord-tenant disputes and promote housing stability.
• Represent the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless in networking efforts.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of fair housing laws

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 2-3 years experience

Property management certificates (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Housing databases

Job description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The Property Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in addressing homelessness by expanding housing opportunities, fostering relationships with landlords, and coordinating with Coalition housing navigators. This position combines housing advocacy, property engagement, and system coordination to support individuals and families transitioning to stable housing. The role ensures streamlined housing placements, mitigates barriers to housing, and builds sustainable partnerships to enhance housing outcomes.

• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and community agencies.
• Serve as a liaison to facilitate housing placements and tenancy processes.
• Maintain a real-time database of affordable housing units aligned with client needs.
• Lead the Bridge to Housing Collective Work Group, promoting best practices in housing navigation.
• Develop agreements with landlords to increase housing flexibility and reduce barriers.
• Advocate for client rights and anti-discrimination laws through partnerships.
• Manage and expand the Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund and create property partner incentives.
• Prepare data-driven reports for stakeholders and train landlords/community members on housing resources.
• Address landlord-tenant disputes, mediating solutions to prevent homelessness.
• Mitigate property management issues to ensure housing stability.
• Represent the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless in networking efforts.
• Create and manage social media content and newsletters for landlord engagement.
• Organize events like Lunch, Learn, & Lease to foster landlord partnerships.
• Strengthen agency presence in the LCCH Centralized Housing System.
• Identifying workflow barriers and advocating for solutions with stakeholders.
• Create workshops for clients and property partners with the goal of lowering barriers and keeping clients stably housed.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with diverse populations and those in crisis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and housing databases.
• Knowledge of fair housing laws, affordable housing regulations, and local rental markets.
• Familiarity with Housing Choice Voucher programs, Rapid Re-Housing, and Permanent Supportive Housing and public housing systems is a plus.
• Working knowledge of barriers to housing and affordable housing systems preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2-3 years of experience in housing advocacy or working with homeless populations preferred.
• Property management certificates or other experience in property management preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to complete real-estate licensing.

Core Values

• Belief in housing as a fundamental human right.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and a person-centered framework.
• Dedication to equity and resource access for all individuals and families.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office-based and community-based work, including travel to properties and community meetings.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing and may include a pre‑employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).