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.

Job Summary

The Housing Locator works as a team member with several social service professional and paraprofessional staff ensuring the delivery of quality care in accordance to the rules and regulations established for contracted agencies as well as adhering to the mission of St. Joseph Center. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide field-based housing location services to homeless individuals/families who are enrolled in our ICMS, HFSS and Rapid Re-Housing programs
• Work with each 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

Essential Duties:

• Identifies appropriate housing for homeless individuals/families and maintains a listing of available housing, landlords in the region
• Conducts housing searches which include finding housing, reviewing leases, and negotiating with landlords
• Builds and maintains relationships with property managers and private landlords including education about and advocacy for our clients.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.
• Transport clients as deemed necessary. Transportation requirements should be limited to housing and occasional visit to relevant social service agencies. 
• Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funders’ required data.
• Participate in all meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must have demonstrated knowledge of case management principles and intervention techniques specific to homeless populations or other under-served groups.
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.  The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including clients, community, and other staff.  Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast paced environment.   
• Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources.  Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.
• A bilingual background is a plus.
• The position requires an ability to work flexible hours including some early mornings and evenings.

Experience:

• One year experience providing services to persons experiencing homelessness.
• Previous experience with housing location services for homeless individuals or under-served communities preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services or a related field; a combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Direct Reports:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. 

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Valid automobile liability insurance.

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. 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.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located here.

Veteran Friendly Employer

 https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf