VOALA Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing programs, as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org. JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE The Housing Specialist is responsible for identifying suitable housing options for program participants and their families, and assisting the participants to achieve sustainable and healthy independent living. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Identifies and locates housing options suitable for homeless participants, including referral to VOALA shelters as appropriate; Creates and maintains a housing database linking tenants to apartments Communicates with landlords and familiarizes them with the VOALA programs and the unique needs of participants Conducts habitability and lead-based paint inspections of housing options as needed Works directly (One on One) with landlords on behalf of clients and program Develops support systems to meet individual client's housing needs; coordinates and facilitates move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as needed Facilitates the use of community resources to assist both tenants and landlords in the event of problems leading to potential eviction As a member of the program case management team, provides information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants Assists case managers in conducting the comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan Coordinates follow-up services with case management team Additional duties as assigned Qualifications REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment, and education verifications EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and work experience (four years) EXPERIENCE: One year of experience working with veterans, people in recovery, and/or homeless individuals PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal) Experience and familiarity using a HMIS (homeless database) J-18808-Ljbffr