Housing Navigation Coordinator

The Housing Navigation Coordinator is responsible for providing resource (i.e., human and material) triangulation in a variety of issues related to housing, in collaboration with the Resident Advisement Team. Reporting to the Housing Manager, the coordinator oversees the distribution and management of rental assistance funds; builds and maintains partnerships with local agencies, landlords, and community organizations; and provides information and resources to participants regarding their rights, housing options, and available assistance to secure and stabilize their housing.

Like all AMAAD employees, the Housing Navigation coordinator should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of AMAAD and possess substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility. Join an organization celebrating a decade of unapologetically offering quality programming and services for the LGBTQ+ community in South Los Angeles.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies and places participants into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants in fewer than 14 days of acceptance into the program, ensuring a swift and efficient process.
• Develops and maintains an accurate and current housing portfolio with meticulous attention to detail. Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.
• Helps participants mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues that may impact housing eligibility.
• Assist participants in their housing referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services and accompany participants to apartment viewings as needed.
• Assists participants with housing applications, including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status.
• Advocates on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing, demonstrating a supportive and caring approach.
• Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions.
• Determines whether the rent is reasonable for inspected units before rental assistance and lease approvals.
• Explain and review the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant(s)/sub-tenant.
• Works with resident advisors to address any emerging housing and community adjustment issues.
• Conducts 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 subsidies.
• Assist participants with moving (help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture, and other move-in essentials.
• Conducts regular in-person post-placement visits to assess the living conditions, address any emerging issues, and provide support to help improve the likelihood of housing retention.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills required: Spreadsheet Software (Excel), Word Processing Software (Word), Electronic Mail Software (Outlook), and Presentation Software (PowerPoint).
  • Other skills required:
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Demonstrated ability to make successful presentations to individuals and/or groups at all levels of an organization.
• Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.

COMPETENCIES:

• • Customer Service -- Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
  • Interpersonal Skills -- Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Oral Communication -- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Written Communication -- Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
  • Teamwork -- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• • Occasionally required to lift items up to 25 pounds
  • California Driver’s License Required