Housing Engagement Specialist

As the third-party administrator of the Flexible Housing Pool, the Center for Housing and Health (CHH) is charged with maintaining a portfolio of quality, readily accessible housing for program participants. The Flexible Housing Pool is a multisector investment in housing that aims to expand the number of units available to people in Chicago and Cook County experiencing homelessness. The Housing (Landlord) Engagement Specialist will work closely with the Landlord Engagement Team to secure housing units in varying Chicago neighborhoods. With training and support, the Housing (Landlord) Engagement Specialist will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with property owners.

The Housing (Landlord) Engagement Specialist will develop expertise in housing inspections and assure that all units identified for the program meet the highest quality standards. The Housing (Landlord) Engagement Specialist will also coordinate with the Housing Specialist Team to ensure program participants experience a seamless transition to housing. CHH is a supporting organization of AIDS Foundation Chicago.

The salary range for this role is $40,000 to $45,000.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Increase and Maintain a Robust Housing Portfolio

• Research and identify a broad range of safe and affordable rental housing throughout the city of Chicago and/or Cook County suburbs for young individuals (18 – 24 years old) and families experiencing homelessness

• Outreach to and engage landlords/property managers to secure safe, affordable rental units that meet the needs and preferences of program participants

• With support from the Landlord Engagement Manager, conduct unit inspections that follow housing quality standards

• With guidance from the Landlord Engagement Manager, facilitate leasing agreements, including master leases

• Work collaboratively with landlords/property managers to monitor unit remediation and repair activities prior to move-in. Intervene with landlords on significant repair or safety issues after tenant move-in

• Support coordination and monitoring of program participant move-in to temporary (“bridge”) housing

Program Support

• Respond in a timely manner to inquiries from landlords, partner agency staff, and CHH staff

• Support the Landlord Engagement Manager to promote the program at community engagement events, and landlord appreciation events

• Be available on a rotating basis for the 24/7 landlord crisis line to address landlord issues

Quality Assurance

• Complete master lease agreements and related documents correctly for approval by the Landlord Engagement Manager

• Enter and track assigned housing inventory data in the landlord portfolio database

• Update missing or incorrect inventory data on a monthly basis

• Track monthly and quarterly progress towards annual goals

Meetings and Trainings

• Participate in annual internal trainings regarding fair housing laws and tenant-landlord rental ordinances

• Participate in agency, department, and team meetings

• Participate in applicable system-wide (external) committees and workgroups, as assigned

Other

• Assist with agency-wide activities as directed, including Annual Meeting, AIDS Run & Walk, and others

• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, trainings; conferences, and/or professional membership organizations

• Protect organization’s values and manage risk by keeping information confidential

• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social service or related field, Business Administration, Communications or 1 or more years of Housing/Homelessness or Business/Real Estate experience

OR

• 1 or more years of Housing/Homelessness or Business/Real Estate experience

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable vehicle insurance

• Reliable vehicle transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 or more years in Housing/Homelessness or a related field

• 2 or more years of Real Estate experience

• Bi-lingual, Spanish-speaking

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional time management skills

• Strong ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

• Strong attention to detail

• Strong communication skills to work with and address different constituencies (staff, landlords, program participants)

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable housing/rental laws, with training and guidance

• Openness to learning about a variety of Chicago neighborhoods/wards and suburban Cook County suburbs

• Basic knowledge of Outlook applications

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position requires being out in the community approximately 60% of the time, along with operating a car and traveling throughout the city of Chicago. Task may include walk, climb stairs, and navigating seasonal elements.

The position includes approximately 40% of the time being in a work environment representative of that found in a general office environment. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 10 pounds.) Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and on the telephone.

https://aids-foundation-chicago.breezy.hr/p/72b48f8569f1-housing-engagement-specialist?state=published