Housing Specialist

Abode values safety, wellness, and respect for each other and for those who we serve. Because of this commitment Abode is mandating that all employees be vaccinated effective September 30, 2021. Everyone deserves a home.

Abode's mission is to end homelessness – doing whatever it takes to help those who need it most.

Position Summary: The Housing Specialist is responsible for locating housing units, working closely with landlords, collaborating with service providers, and providing general housing support to ensure that homeless individuals and/or families can secure and maintain housing.

Abode's Benefits & Perks:

• $28.85 - $31.74 per hour
• 100% paid health, vision, and dental options
• 19 PTO days & 12 Holidays per year
• Voluntary benefits: FSA, EAP, Commuter Checks, Life Insurance, Legal, and more
• 3% retirement match/contribution 
• Professional Development Trainings and Opportunities, Leadership Academy Programs, and All Staff Events
• Dynamic, mission-driven culture and supportive leadership. We support you in supporting others

How You Make An Impact:

• Provide housing placement and assistance for participants, focusing on the household’s needs and goals. 
• Housing search and placement of appropriate units for potential participants.   
• Network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses and county wide permanent housing providers. 
• Provide services to re-entry population and/ or in partnership with alameda social service department and OHCC, providing housing and case management support to CalWORKs recipients.
• Assist with the approval of all leases and help execute Housing Assistance Payment contracts with landlords. 
• Prepare and ensure the accurate distribution of subsidy payments to landlords as needed. 
• Provide move-in support for program teams, including perform or arrange for Housing Quality Inspections (HQI’s) prior to move-in, negotiate lease start date, review /approval of lease terms, coordinate housewarming furniture move, get documentation from landlord for check request, prepare move in documentation, upload housing documentation to Welcome Mat housing database. 
• Provide notices of contract renewals and rental adjustments.  
• Participate as a member of the service team by attending case conference meetings, assisting service staff in evaluation of participant’s housing readiness, reducing housing barriers and status of unit availability. 
• Maintain contact with participants, monitor progress, report, and refer to team members as necessary after housing is secured. 
• Provide aid and expertise to landlords or service staff for conflict resolution and problem solving. 
• Ensure that all regulatory agreements, contracts, and fair housing laws are met as they relate to housing. 
• Attending staff meetings and other agency functions as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

How You Meet Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. 
• 1 year of experience working in the housing field, social services, or sales/customer service experience and knowledge of the local housing markets and geography. 
• Use of personal vehicle and proof of valid California Driver's License and current auto insurance, along with a clean DMV record, is required.  
• Flexible schedule to work evening and weekend hours when required. 

Abode Services is a CARF accredited organization that is committed to diversity and equity. We believe that we make better decisions and provide quality services when our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate. People of color make up nearly 70% of our workforce and we strive to recruit and retain employees from all backgrounds.