Housing Specialist II

VOALA is a non-profit human services organization serving people in need in Los Angeles through Head Start, Upward Bound, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing, and substance abuse rehabilitation.

About the role

The Housing Specialist II identifies suitable housing options for program participants and families and helps them achieve sustainable, healthy independent living. As part of the services team, the Housing Specialist II provides experience-based leadership across client service stages—assessment, services planning, engagement, and delivery—and supports case management, outreach, and community engagement as directed.

Responsibilities

• Identify and locate housing options for homeless participants, including referral to VOALA shelters as appropriate
• Create and maintain a housing database linking tenants to apartments
• Communicate with landlords and familiarize them with the program and participants’ needs
• Conduct habitability and lead-based paint inspections of housing options as needed
• Work one-on-one with landlords on behalf of clients and the program
• Develop support systems to meet individual client housing needs; coordinate move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals
• Facilitate use of community resources to assist tenants and landlords facing potential eviction
• Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement
• Assist case managers with comprehensive screenings and assessments to develop Individual Service Plans
• Coordinate follow-up services with the case management team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Ability Acknowledgement

Ability to work with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients, including those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recent incarceration, and other challenges.

Requirements

• Pass fingerprint clearance and background check (criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications)
• Meet funder approval
• Current TB screening and immunization records (within 5 days of hire)
• Copy of current professional license, if applicable
• Current BLS certification (within 15 days of hire)
• Completion of all required trainings (within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to perform under emotional stress and conflicts with difficult clients

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related discipline
• Or equivalent combination of education and work experience (four years)

Experience

• Two years of general experience in case management, including helping homeless individuals navigate Los Angeles’ affordable and subsidized housing system

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish)
• HMIS (homeless database) experience

Pay

$24.86 – $26.17 per hour

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits