Housing Specialist for Rental Relief - Catholic Charities of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

About the Job

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Catholic Charities is one of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive nonprofit human services organizations in Northern California, annually reaching more than 60,000 vulnerable individuals of all faiths in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin Counties. With a staff of approximately 450, reaching peaks of nearly 600 with seasonal hires, a budget of $54.3 million, and a current governing board of 27, this venerable, fully-accredited, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit addresses some of the most pressing community needs – homelessness, generational poverty, immigration, inequality, hunger, aging in isolation, and communicable disease -- to name a few – with compassion and services of highest quality.

PROGRAM & POSITION SUMMARY

The Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), a program of Catholic Charities, provides homelessness prevention assistance to families and singles in San Francisco to help them maintain or obtain permanent housing. HPP assists families in permanent housing who are in danger of eviction or who need help to move to a more sustainable rental situation. Service components provided include needs assessment, budget planning, landlord mediation, referrals to tenancy counseling and legal assistance, short-term case management, necessary referrals, and access to financial/rental assistance.

The Housing Specialist is responsible for overall advocacy and support services to eligible families and individuals for a caseload of 20-25 clients regualrly. Also, he/she will provide housing assessment and stabilization services to families who qualify, and is responsible for crisis intervention counseling and extensive coordination between the family, the landlord and all other housing-related community resources. This position will work extensively with the community agencies which are collaborative partners with our program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with families and individuals to confirm eligibility and conduct assessments of needs over the phone.
Coordinate a housing stabilization plan for families which includes:
- A financial cover sheet of budget information to help the qualified families.
- Develop a balanced family budget to guarantee future payment of rent
- Recommend payment plan for families
- Obtain the proper documentation from the Landlord
- Communicate with the Landlord and explain procedures of our intervention
Help client obtain permanent housing through accessing security deposits and housing referrals.
Provide crisis intervention and/or short-term case management services to clients including:
- Accurate and timely referrals
- Mediate for family with landlords or property managers to obtain the necessary paper work
- Mediate with Landlords and/or Landlords Counselors/Attorneys to obtain the necessary paperwork and avoid the eviction Process.
- Redirect Legal Cases to the appropriate agencies, and continue the follow up until case is settled.
- employer advocacy
- Maintaining good and clear communication with client’s attorney or legal representative to get a better success when case is are already in court
- Access to public benefits such as CalFresh, MediCal, etc.
- Do immediate intervention to assist family when they are facing eviction at the level of Lawful Detainer or dealing with attorneys or client’s attorneys with other agencies to expedite the case and immediately request to issue a RUSH check.
Assess, assist and close cases annually in order to meet program service objectives.
Maintain proper client notes and program documentation.
Submit the Check Request on timely manner with Program Director/Manager.
Verify Clients information on CARES and City System Program to avoid duplication cases.
Complete data entry of new clients’ information in CC Systems as well as the City System, also update information of duplicate clients’ in both systems.
Scan complete client’s signed and Excel file and uploaded to the RAP Intake Form in the CC System
Follow Up payments status with Accounting Department.
Compile reports as requested.
Conduct follow-up to monitor ensure housing stability.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

BA degree and one year of experience preferred or AA degree and three years related experience.
Previous experince locating and maintaining affordable family housing.
Experience working with families in crisis.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Strong coordination skills.
Knowledge of community resources for families transitioning from homelessness.
Strong knowledge of substance abuse and mental health issues and treatment models.
Ability to assess emergency situations and react accordingly by accessing appropriate medical/social systems.
Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.
Ability to speak Spanish or Cantonese required.
Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements for people working with children.
Knowledge of issues facing homeless families.
Must be able to read and write English
Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written forms.
Ability to prioritize tasks with strong organizational skill.
Ability to design systems and processes to track data and monitor progress.
Achievement oriented
Teamwork and cooperation
Client-centered
Organizational awareness

Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.

Clearances Required Prior to the First Day of Employment:

Fingerprints: Required
TB Screening –
Negative Tuberculosis Test: N/A
First Aid
Certificate: N/A
COVID-19
Proof of Vaccination: Required

Council on Accreditation (COA) roles

Is responsible for accurate and timely data entry that aids Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) reporting and case record reviews.
Is responsible for accurate and timely submission of case records.
Serves on a quarterly case record review committee for Performance and Quality Improvement
Serves on department or program Performance and Quality Improvement PQI Committee responsible for monitoring goals and reporting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent Bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
Frequent Lifting, pushing, and pulling.
Frequent Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.

Driving is not required for this position.

If driving a car is required for the position, incumbent must have a valid California driver's license and be able to provide proof of DMV record and personal insurance (if required.)

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.

May need to enter private residences during the course of client home finding/housing search.
Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
Noise level in work environment is usually moderate.
May include contact with clients with mental health issues who demonstrate behaviors such as use of profanity, shouting, running away, self-harm and violence.
The worker is occasionally exposed to perfume or scents in personal care products used by employees, clients, and visitors.
The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions: No effective protection from weather.
The worker is subject to noise: Noise level in work environment can be moderate to excessive.
Occasional need to interact with clients that may be expressing anger both appropriately and inappropriately, and to manage the client environment in a way that will avoid further escalation of any inappropriate behavior
The work environment includes traveling using various modes of transportation.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), Catholic Charities SF does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Furthermore, Catholic Charities SF does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under title I of the ADA

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, legal domicile status, veteran status, disability or AIDS/HIV status or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Source : Catholic Charities of San Francisco