POSITION: Housing Retention Specialist

REPORTS TO: Housing Retention Manager

SUMMARY:

This position on the Horizon House housing team exists to work with landlords/property managers and chronically homeless clients/families who are being matched with housing opportunities. Services are provided utilizing a Strengths-Based, Harm Reduction approach within a Housing First model. A key role of this position is to educate prospective landlords/property managers regarding support services available to homeless clients with the goal of developing a pool of landlords interested in renting safe, affordable housing to clients being matched with housing subsidies and services through the Indianapolis Coordinated Entry System. The Housing Retention Specialist will understand the needs and goals of property managers as well as clients with history of chronic homelessness and have the ability to work collaboratively with all parties including case managers to achieve successful application, move-in and housing retention for clients. Housing stability is a primary goal of Horizon House housing services team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary Responsibilities

• Meet and engage new and existing landlords/property managers to assist clients in securing safe, stable and affordable housing with rental subsidies.
• Work closely with clients and case managers to understand the unique housing needs of each household. Assist with housing search, application, approval, and move-in process.
• Maintain ongoing contact with landlords/property managers to address questions, concerns and any potential threats to the housing stability of clients; Work with landlords, clients and case managers to maximize housing retention for clients and low turnover rates for landlords.
• Collaborate with Indiana Housing Agency through entire housing process including application, inspection, move-in, and reporting household financial changes.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain documentation and client records in compliance with agency and external policies, procedures and applicable licensing standards.
• Follow agency policies and procedures for the obtainment of information and the provision of services to clients.
• Participate in and contribute to regularly scheduled supervisory and team meetings.
• Attend required education, and training activities. Participate in community training initiatives.
• Assist in training new staff, community partners, and others as appropriate.
• Maintain client confidentiality, client records, activity logs and tracking utilizing HMIS.
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Ability to engage and establish positive rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness who may be on the street or in other locations not intended for human habitation;
• Working knowledge of property management, leases, and fair housing laws;
• Familiarity with Indianapolis low income housing stock preferable but not required;
• Strong communication skills and commitment to a team environment;
• Minimum of one year experience working with homeless or low-income persons preferred;

• Proven record of attendance, dependability, and flexibility;

• Proficient in all Microsoft and Google applications and ability to master use of an electronic database;

• High School diploma required.

• MUST HAVE a valid Indiana operator’s license in good standing and proof of state-required auto insurance. Utilization of personal vehicle for daily travel within the community & client sites is required.

Horizon House is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity & inclusion in the workplace. We encourage qualified applicants to apply for open positions regardless of their race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or criminal background.