Resident Resource Specialist - Habitat America

Summary of Duties:

The Resident Resources Specialist works collaboratively in the property management office to encourage residents' housing stability and lease compliance. The Resident Resources Specialist will work closely with residents to address lease violation notices and proactively reduce situations that may lead to eviction. This position will focus on connecting residents to resources that reduce their barriers to remaining stably housed, i.e. eviction prevention, financial budgeting, utility assistance, employment and education resources, food assistance, clothing resources, and other benefits and entitlements.

The Resident Resources Specialist is responsible for managing all aspects of the community's activities and engagement programs, from planning to execution. The programs and events must be creative, engaging, and tailored to enhance the quality of life for residents and their families.

The successful candidate for this position will support a diverse group of residents in affordable housing, requiring a motivated, resourceful, and empathetic individual who can effectively coordinate services and referrals, work collaboratively within a team, and excel in an independent work environment.

In addition, Resident Resources Specialist collaborates with property management to promote programs and events, while also assisting in community outreach efforts. The Resident Resources Specialist is responsible for producing the community newsletter and coordinating resident events in partnership with the Community Manager.

This position requires adherence to Landlord/Tenant laws, Fair Housing policies, and community standards. Physical requirements include periods of sitting, standing, and walking, often for extended durations.

Skills, Knowledge and Personal Characteristics:

The Resident Resources Specialist must demonstrate cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. This role requires sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by residents, while maintaining strict confidentiality of personal and sensitive information. Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills are essential to successfully navigate challenging situations.

Strong organizational skills are required, as well as proficiency in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail in following up on tasks. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is crucial, as is resourcefulness, initiative, and sound judgment.

The Resident Resources Specialist must thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be capable of managing stress in a calm and composed manner. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with a commitment to providing high-quality customer service. The role also requires proficiency in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and the use of internet-based tools.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Housing Stability and Resource Referrals

• Encourage housing stability by referring residents to community resources and assisting them with obtaining benefits and entitlements
• Reduce rental delinquency and lease violations through coordination with property management and community-based resources.
• Build and maintain community partnerships to bring relevant workshops to encourage housing stability, focusing on health/wellness, employment, financial fitness, and education.
• Help foster positive resolutions during landlord and tenant meetings by serving as an advocate for all parties.

Program Planning and Implementation

• Develop and distribute local community resource guide for residents.
• Plan, schedule, and implement activities, programs, and educational events tailored to residents' interests, needs, and abilities.
• Conduct New Resident Orientation on an individual basis.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with residents and their representatives.
• Create and distribute event flyers and special event notifications.
• Decorate rooms and spaces for community events.

Community Networking & Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with non-profit organizations and vendors, ensuring proper memoranda of understanding and compliance with accounting and risk management.
• Facilitate best practices and clear communication with all community partners.

Administrative Support

• Create and distribute monthly newsletters and event calendars.
• Maintain confidential documentation of resident needs, concerns, and interactions.
• Keep a photo journal of events and activities.

Facility Management

• Oversee the use and upkeep of community spaces, ensuring cleanliness and proper equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate technical support for community computer equipment, ensuring necessary repairs and upgrades.

Organizational Relationships:

The Resident Resources Specialist directly reports to the community manager. The Resident Resources Specialist is also supervised by the management specialist and/or regional manager assigned to the community.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Habitat America, LLC believes that each employee makes contributions to the success of this company. Those contributions should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this description of the Resident Resources Specialist position is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope. However, the description does not limit the employee in this position and does not limit Habitat America to the work identified in this job description. Additional duties or job functions that can be performed safely may be required, as deemed necessary by supervisory personnel and/or management. It is our expectation that every employee will offer his or her services, efforts and talents wherever necessary to ensure the ongoing success of the company's endeavors.

Education and/or Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Resident services or engagement in a housing/community setting
  • Property management, especially in affordable or public housing
  • Community outreach and program development
  • Social work or case management
  • Experience working with diverse populations (ethnically, socioeconomically, and culturally)
  • Experience with conflict resolution, crisis management, or eviction prevention
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred to effectively serve our diverse resident community.
• Experience in event planning and coordination, especially involving community activities, educational workshops, and wellness programs.
• Familiarity with housing policies and regulations, such as Fair Housing laws, Landlord/Tenant laws, and affordable housing guidelines, is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as social work, human services, community development, psychology, sociology, public administration, property/real estate management
• A high school diploma with significant relevant experience may sometimes be accepted in lieu of a degree.

EOE.