Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Housing Locator will provide field-based housing location services to homeless individuals who are enrolled in our new Rapid Rehousing Program. This program offers short-term rental subsidies combined with linkages to employment and other services in order to end clients’ homelessness as well as create longer term self-sufficiency. The Housing Locator will work with the Program’s Case Managers and their clients to identify affordable housing, develop strong relationships with landlords and rental properties, be a strong advocate for our clients in the rental process, assist clients with rental applications, and mentor clients on good tenant and neighbor practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1.Identifies appropriate housing for homeless and maintains a listing of available housing, landlords in the region.

2.Conducts housing searches which include finding housing, reviewing leases, and negotiating with landlords

3.Builds and maintains relationships with property managers and private landlords including education about and advocacy for our clients.

4.Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e. tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors and creditors).

5.Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants as well as between participants and neighbors.

6.Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.

7.Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.

8.Transport clients as deemed necessary. Transportation requirements should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visit to relevant social service agencies.

9.Obtain and retain all required documentation (e.g., leases, income verification) as required by the program.  

10.Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funders’ required data.

11.Respond to urgent requests for assistance from clients or landlords as needed.

12.Participate in all meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent experience including one year’s experience providing services to persons experiencing homelessness. Previous experience with housing location services for homeless individuals or under-served communities preferred.

Candidates must have demonstrated knowledge of case management principles and intervention techniques specific to homeless populations or other under-served groups. 

The position requires an ability to work flexible hours including some early mornings, evenings. A bilingual/bicultural background is a plus.

Status: Full Time/Non-Exempt

Salary: DOE

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume.  No phone calls please.

St. Joseph Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants for employment are invited to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status, by completing the EEO Information. Providing your EEO Information is voluntary and refusal to self-identify will not subject applicants to any adverse treatment. Similarly, applicants who do self-identify will not be subject to any adverse treatment based on the information they provide.