Housing Coordinator

About the opportunity:

The Housing Coordinator works as a member of the team to provide Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention services to Veterans/Veteran families; functions as a bridge between Veterans and housing providers to empower program participants to overcome barriers and meet the goals identified on their individualized Housing Stability Plans; identifies safe, affordable permanent housing options for clients; fosters relationships with landlords, brokers, and realtors in an effort to link each program participant with appropriate community supports to ensure housing stability. Veteran or member of Veteran family is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist Veteran families with identifying and securing permanent affordable housing.
• Engage program participants by maintaining regular contact to monitor and track housing search progress.
• Establish linkages and maintain solid working relationships with permanent and supportive housing providers, real estate brokers, managing agents, and landlords as a resource for participants.
• Develop a housing bank of available units and housing opportunities for qualified Veteran families.
• Assess Veteran families' barriers to obtaining affordable permanent housing.
• Provide essential workshops, education, and referrals in an effort to prepare Veterans for successfully securing and maintaining permanent housing.
• Prepare and assist participants with the housing application/interview process.
• Track, monitor, and report housing placement rates for all participant families on a monthly basis.
• Assist staff in developing and implementing individualized Housing Stability Plans with Veterans/Veteran families to address identified housing barriers for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing services.
• Complete all necessary documentation to ensure compliance with funding requirements, and agency quality assurance standards.
• Advocate for Veterans/Veteran families with service providers and agencies in the community.
• Coordinate the provision of Temporary Financial Assistance with third-parties and agency personnel.
• Cultivate positive relationships with relevant funding and monitoring entities, faith based organizations, social service providers, and other community partners.
• Participate in appropriate community outreach collaborations and activities.
• Participate in SSVF and Veterans Services team meetings and trainings.
• Respond to client needs promptly, accurately and with courtesy and respect.
• Model appropriate behavior and represent the organization in a positive and appropriate manner to outside resources.
• Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality for clients and staff, restricting information to those who need to know only.
• Host a monthly Housing Clinic for all new program participants. Review housing options and expectations regarding housing responsibilities for the program participant and agency.
• Work with Northport VA Homeless Services (HUD VASH and GPD), other LI SSVF providers, as well as Nassau County DSS and Suffolk County DSS on a regular basis.
• Partner with Northport VA Homeless Services (HUD VASH and GPD), other LI SSVF providers, as well as Nassau County DSS and Suffolk County DSS to come up with solutions to housing shortage on LI, as it relates to the Priority 1 group and SSVF mission to end homelessness.
• Obtain NYS Real Estate license; optional.
• Help to resolve landlord tenant disputes. Provide legal resources, as necessary.
• Develop an internal guide to evictions for program participants.
• Create networking event to recruit new landlords, real estate agents, and brokers.
• Manage the Master Housing Spreadsheet with information from all Veterans and Service Coordinators on all Veterans status.
• Foster relationship with the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR). Meet with LIBOR's various regional sub-committees to present program information and recruit new landlords, brokers, and real estate agents.
• Performs other duties related to the program as defined by the Program Director

REQUIREMENTS:

1. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
   • Bachelor's degree in Business or related field
   • At least one-year experience in housing services, real estate, sales or a combination of education and experience.
   • Strong ability to network and negotiate with housing providers a must.
   • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required.
   • Solid organizational skills/strong communication and writing skills required.
   • Willingness to attend occasional events outside of normal business hours, including Veterans Day.
   • High energy level to complete assigned work and meet deadlines.
   • Ability to work independently or as a team.
   • Position is hybrid; must be able to work remotely as well as in the field throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
   • Must have valid NYS Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Certified Financial Coach credential strongly preferred;
• Experience with homeless families and/or veteran services highly desirable