Housing Specialist

Description

WHO WE ARE:

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in-need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, Volunteers of America changes the lives of more than 140,000 vulnerable Coloradoans each year. VOA services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve. VOA integrates compassion with highly effective programs that build and strengthen communities.

WHAT MAKES VOA SPECIAL?

Volunteers of America Colorado believes unique challenges require unique and thoughtful solutions. VOA creates specialized programs to meet the critical needs of the communities we serve—our programs across Colorado look different because each community is distinct. We engage faith, relationship-building, and volunteers wherever we go to lift up and support Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.

** The Housing Specialist will coordinate and oversee the implementation of the VOCA Housing for Crime Victims Special Project and DVP TANF Flex Funds project, as well as provide mobile advocacy to crime victims as they transition to and/or maintain independent housing. Program participants will be adults who are homeless due to domestic and/or family violence, sexual assault, or stalking, who may or may not have mental health or chemical dependency issues, and are low-income. The purpose of the Housing for Crime Victims Special Project will be to create or enhance a housing program for eligible program participants that will first focus on helping survivors increase access to and retain safe, long-term housing and then provide tailored supportive services 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

· Serves as the primary contact for housing assistance for both crime victims and community partners.

· Responsible for understanding and implementing the Housing for Crime Victims Special Project and DVP TANF Flex Funds projects according to VOCA, DVP and VOA standards and expectations; maintains a clear understanding of the Project Grant Agreements.

· Determines the housing needs and available resources for persons seeking aid and works with them to determine what is available to them.

· Provides trauma-informed care.

· Refers crime victims in need of short-term rental assistance and additional housing case management to Housing Solutions for the Southwest and, when appropriate, provides collaborative case management. 

· Coordinates VOCA funding available to assist crime victims on a variety of needs to promote long-term housing stability.

· Provides community-based mobile supportive services to crime victims. Examples of supportive services include emergency shelter assistance, utility and moving expense assistance, etc.

· Coordinates process of lease-up, landlord negotiations, and contracts, along with partner agencies such as Housing Solutions for the Southwest.

· Generates resources in the area of housing, including researching available affordable and supportive housing options; developing relationships with landlords, brokers and housing programs.

· Triages and assesses all information and referral inquiries to assure effective advocacy and financial support.

· Engages landlords and develops partnerships with housing and community providers to increase housing opportunities for crime victims.

· Responsible for intake interviews of new program participants, completing necessary documentation, and determining if client is appropriate for the program.

· Attends staff meetings weekly, in-service training as required and meets periodically with the Program Manager for input and exchange of information.

· Responsible for providing supervision and training of new employees and volunteers as assigned. Collaborates and trains other advocates on housing program and mobile advocacy, as needed.

· Gives educational presentations to community groups and attends professional meetings when requested. In particular, represents the organization at community meetings regarding housing issues for homeless populations and assists with educating the community on changing policy as it relates to crime victim access to affordable housing.

· Maintains case notes, completes financial assistance documentation and billing, and other paperwork as required.

· Performs all work in a culturally appropriate manner consistent with Volunteers of America’s mission and philosophy.

· Performs job responsibilities in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.

· Ensures guest voice is incorporated into programmatic evaluation and improvement.

· Performs all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Mobile Position requires daily short-distance travel to meet with clients and operate at both the Southwest Safehouse and the Durango Community Shelter. Bending, Climbing, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching, Crouching, Squatting, Lifting (30 to 50 pounds), Balancing, Standing, Sitting, Hand/Foot motions, Walking, Seeing (Close and distant vision, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Assess, Estimate), Depth Perception, Hearing/Listening, Speaking/Shouting (Communicate, Discern, Convey, Express, Exchange),  Use of Hands/Fingers (Grasping, Holding, Touching), Thinking, Calculating, Memory/Recall, Exposure to Indoor and Outdoor environments

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

· Full-time, 40hrs per week during business hours, 8am-5pm Monday through Friday.

Location 

· Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter- Durango, CO

Pay Range:  $22.00-$23.00/hr

Benefits (eligibility is based on job type/status)

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Volunteer/Wellness Day

Tuition Assistance

Pension and 403b Retirement Plan

Health, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurances

Life Insurance (Including Accidental Death & Dismemberment)

Accident Insurance

Employee Assistance/Work Life Balance Program

Employee Discount Program

LifeLock with Norton

Volunteers of America is an EEO/AA Employer

POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply

VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT OFFERED FOR THIS ROLE

Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Employee will perform job according to applied laws. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform this role, please contact [email protected] to begin the Interactive Process.

Requirements

Competencies

· Models core culture attributes of VOAC that include “AIRS” (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service). 

· Models and pursues with vigor VOAC’s three strategical critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).

· Demonstrates servant-leadership and models open communication. Commits to providing a nourishing, truthful, approachable, joyful and healthy environment.

· Demonstrates compassion for helping those that are the most vulnerable in our community. Demonstrates knowledge of or a strong willingness to learn about poverty, human service government programs, VOAC solutions and services, homelessness, aging, veterans, at-risk youth and helping those most vulnerable in our society.

Minimum Qualifications of Position

· Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in human services or a related area.

· Two years of human service experience.

Preferred Qualifications of Position

· Direct experience with relevant population and with housing and homelessness issues preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

· Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and Windows environment

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Strong organization and problem-solving skills

· Must be able to use own automobile, possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.