Now Hiring - Mercy House - Nonprofit And Ngo Housing Solutions Leasing Agent in Santa Ana, CA

Full description of the position

Introduction: This position is responsible for assisting homeless and at-risk families and individuals break free from the cycles of need toward greater economic opportunity, independence, and permanent housing. The objective of this position is to help households obtain stable housing by providing potential housing leads. This position requires a flexible work schedule including some weekend, morning and evening shifts and reliable transportation. This position is supervised by the Housing Solutions Leasing Supervisor and may work closely with the Housing Solutions Senior Manager in absence of the Housing Solutions Leasing Supervisor.

Requirements: Must have 2 years of office related experience. Detail-oriented and computer proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Self-motivation, the ability to stay on task, work independently and with a group, dependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully are mandatory skills. Must have reliable transportation to drive out in the field as needed.

Ability to:

• Work effectively with a diverse population
• Plan, organize and prioritize duties
• Speak effectively before landlords and/or small groups
• Clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form
• Drive out in the field as needed throughout the week in search of potential housing opportunities, to engage and network with landlords, perform habitability inspections, deliver rent checks
• Meet a weekly call quota of 50-150 calls per week (subject to change)
• Maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment while on duty
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Meet department and company expectations
• Enter units with program staff and assist with scattered site unit upkeep and turnover as needed
• Must be able to assist in tasks outside of role as needed to help the department

I. Housing Advocacy

Goal: Secure and maintain quality, affordable housing placements for clients

• Develop an understanding of the County's housing market and establish strong business relationships in the for profit and nonprofit sectors (i.e. landlords, property managers, real estate owners/brokers, and developers)
• Develop a strong understanding of the regional SPA housing market
• Work collaboratively with and share housing leads with case managers, navigators, leasing agents
• Assemble information packets for local landlords
• Maintain a list of potential housing opportunities for homeless and at risk of homelessness clients
• Locate and secure traditional housing options at market rate as well as affordable/low-income units.
• Make cold calls to landlords to inquire about housing opportunities
• Locate and secure non-traditional/creative housing options
• Match pending Rapid Re-housing clients to potential housing leads
• Answer and respond to phone queries, making referrals as needed
• Assist with housing inspections and rent reasonability standards processes as needed
• Assist at-risk households with maintaining their housing or relocating to more suitable housing
• Maintain effective relationships with landlords and/or property managers by resolving conflicts and providing necessary emergency support

II. Team Support

Goal: Provide support to Rapid Re-housing program staff

· Answer and respond to phone calls promptly

• Collaborate with and act as a resource for Rapid Re-housing program staff on housing issues
• Work closely with Rapid Re-housing case managers on their clients’ needs when looking for units
• Assist with the collection of documentation and coaching support of clients when necessary

III. Fair Housing and Legal Issues

Goal: Be knowledgeable of fair housing and legal issues for the benefit of both the agency and clients served

• Maintain an understanding of Fair Housing Laws and keep current on legal issues and regulations
• Consult with program staff on client related legal issues

IV. Miscellaneous

• Must participate in networking functions, community meetings, meet with funders and partnering agencies related to your job description
• Assist with program activities when necessary
• Attend staff/team meetings, training workshops, staff build events
• Develop new partnerships with other agencies to enhance our current services
• Enhance job performance by applying up-to-date professional knowledge gained by attending seminars and conferences and reviewing professional publications

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location