Housing Specialist - Family Shelter Services

About Bill Wilson Center:

Bill Wilson Center provides services to children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County. Additionally, we reach clients through our street outreach and crisis line programs. Bill Wilson Center programs focus on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy. Bill Wilson Center is committed to working with the community to ensure that every youth has access to the range of services needed to grow to be healthy and self-sufficient adults. A key component of Bill Wilson Center's philosophy encompasses a strength-based approach to improving the lives of the youth and young families in our communities. Bill Wilson Center has been providing services to runaway and homeless youth since 1973. Join us and become a difference maker at Bill Wilson Center! 

Job Summary:

Under the supervision and direction of the Shelter Manager of the Family Shelter Services, the Housing Specialist will support families in developing housing plans to prepare them to transition into permanent housing from the Family Shelter. The Housing Specialist will work with families to align their finances, housing search and eventual transition into permanent housing.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

• Conduct assessments to understand each family's housing needs, including income level, desired location, and any accessibility requirements.
• Collaborate with families to develop individualized housing plans that identify suitable housing options and overcome potential barriers.

HOUSING SEARCH AND RESOURCE CONNECTION

• Research and identify appropriate affordable housing options in the community, considering factors like rental market availability, family size, and budget.
• Connect families with relevant resources like rental assistance programs, security deposit assistance, or fair housing agencies.
• Assist families with the application process for rental units, including completing forms and gathering required documents.

PREPARATION AND ADVOCACY

• Equip families with the skills and knowledge necessary to present themselves competitively to landlords, such as budgeting, resume writing, and references.
• Advocate for families during landlord interactions and negotiations, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity.
• Accompany families on housing tours and provide guidance in selecting a suitable home.

MOVE-IN SUPPORT AND FOLLOW-UP

• Assist families with budgeting for moving costs and securing any necessary furniture or appliances.
• Connect families with ongoing support services to help them maintain stable housing, such as employment resources, financial literacy programs, or childcare assistance.
• Conduct follow-up checks to ensure families are adjusting well to their new homes and address any challenges they might face.

DATA AND REPORTING

• Track and analyze data related to housing placements, including application success rates and time spent in shelter.
• Prepare reports on housing program performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives.

COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION

• Collaborate with case managers, social workers, and other shelter staff to ensure a holistic approach to supporting families.
• Communicate effectively with families, respecting their privacy and maintaining confidentiality.
• Build relationships with landlords and property managers to increase access to suitable housing options.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stay up-to-date on local housing regulations, rental assistance programs, and community resources.
• Attend training opportunities on housing search strategies, fair housing laws, and best practices in case management.
• May assist with shelter operations tasks related to housing applications or resource distribution.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:                           

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• (B.A.) in Social Work, Sociology, experience in Real Estate, Property Management or related field plus 2+ years of relevant case management experience and/or training; or 5+ years on field experience/lived experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred experience working with homeless clients and in a shelter setting.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Language Skills: Ability to understand and interpret a variety of documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence. Strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage with diverse individuals and groups. Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese) are highly valued and strongly encouraged.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current CPR and First Aid Certification required (or complete within 30 days of hire).  Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business. Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations. TB test required.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting. 
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and address a variety of real-world situations where limited standardization may exist. Ability to understand and interpret instructions provided in multiple formats, including written, verbal, visual (such as diagrams), or scheduled forms. Flexibility in learning and communication methods is welcomed and supported.
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, individuals should have familiarity with internet software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Comfort with internet research is a plus. Training and support will be provided as needed to ensure success in these areas.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Salary Range:

$25.00 - $28.00 per hour.

Employee Benefits & Perks:

We offer a generous compensation package for full-time employees that includes the following:

• 4 Weeks Accrued PTO
• 14 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Paid Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Life Insurance Plans
• Flexible Spending Plans for Medical, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
• 401 (K) Retirement Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Upward Career Mobility
• Discounts and Savings through Tickets At Work and LifeMart  

EEO:

Bill Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.