Landlord Engagement Specialist - $20+ - Full Time

Do you feel strongly about helping and empowering people? Are you at a point in your life where you're hoping to learn new skills? Does helping to train volunteers sound rewarding? DVSSP is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn't match every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be a great fit and just the candidate we are looking for! If any of those sound like a fit - then we've been looking for you! This position will be hybrid/home office based and will include regular weekly attendance of required meetings and collaboration at any of our Agency locations. The Benefits of being a Housing Advocate:Flexible SchedulingPaid TrainingCompetitive PayAnnual education opportunitiesInternal AdvancementAll employment levels enjoy a Comprehensive Benefit package including PTO, Sick Time, and Agency Vehicle use for work related travel!Full time employment and certain levels of part time will enjoy the following additional benefits: Pension, Life Insurance, Extended Paid Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision, and eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program! Like what you hear? Then let's get into more detail! Job DutiesConducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events. Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidiesIdentifies and places clients of the emergency shelter into appropriate housing with the goal of housing clients in fewer than 90 days of acceptance into the programDevelops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio. Provides clients with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferencesHelps clients to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibilityAssists clients in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services, and accompanying clients to apartment viewings as neededAssists clients with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application statusAdvocates on behalf of clients to expedite their access to housingCompletes timely inspections and arranges any necessary landlord corrective actionsDetermines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approvalCompletes landlord certificationExplains and reviews the lease agreement with the incoming clientTogether with other housing team members, assists clients with moving (help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.)Conducts required in-person post-placement home visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention by providing resources including but not limited to budgeting, efficient use of utilities, maintaining a clean, safe home, information on utility programs, and Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP).Participates in Coordinated Entry by completing CE assessments, attending case conferencing, and educating clients on the process.Maintains proficiency in PCADV RRH regulations and guidelinesPossesses understanding in Fair Housing regulations and makes referrals to Summit Legal Aid as appropriate and necessaryDistribute relocation funds and other flexible funding to eligible clients as neededUsing an educative/supportive/trauma-informed model: provide direct services including: telephone hotline counseling, safety planning, information and referrals, accompaniment, individual advocacy, individual empowerment counseling, legal advocacy, transportation, support groups, and victim compensation assistance as relevant to work site.Report child abuse as mandated by law, reinforcing to volunteers that they are mandated reporters and required to report child abuse as directed by the requisite process in place.Assist clients with goals and life skillsMaintain detailed and timely electronic counseling records in any and all Agency, Program specific, and Funding required Client Databases. Prepare and submit all statistics and reports as instructed.Maintain facility, staff, volunteer, and client confidentiality at all times.Participate in all required RHAB, LHOT, and Housing Coalition meetings and conferences.Complete necessary continuing education training as relevant to domestic violence and/or housing. Required Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience Translatable work experienceExcellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skillsAbility to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional developmentCollaborate with peers and other departments within the agencyWorking knowledge of community resourcesAbility to maintain confidentialityProficient computer, Internet, and email skills Preferred Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience B.A., or B.S. in related field, (M.S.W. or M.A. preferred) OR equivalent work experienceExcellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skillsAbility to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional developmentCollaborate with peers and other departments within the agencyWorking knowledge of community resourcesAbility to maintain confidentialityProficient computer, Internet, and email skills Clearances, Licenses, and Physical RequirementsFinal determination of suitability for employment will be contingent upon a successful:Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint processed in accordance with Public Law 92-522 and the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Pa C.S. Chapter 63), Federal Criminal History Background Check.Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.PA State Police Report of Criminal History Clearance.Reference CheckPossess current PA driver's license, insurance, and reliable vehicle DVSSP is a Equal Opportunity Employer