Tenant Rights Program Lead

About Us

Inquilinos Unidos (IU) is a Los Angeles-based tenant’s rights organization with over 45 years of experience advancing safe, decent, and affordable housing for underserved tenants. We primarily serve low-income, immigrant, and Spanish-speaking communities through direct tenant services, community education, organizing, leadership development, and policy advocacy.

Our work is rooted in the belief that tenants should not only understand their rights, but also have the knowledge, confidence, and collective power to exercise them. We partner with tenants, public agencies, legal service providers, and community organizations to strengthen housing stability while advancing long-term housing justice throughout Los Angeles.

As a growing organization, our staff can develop deep expertise, collaborate across multiple program areas, and contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Tenant Rights Program Lead is a hands-on program leadership position responsible for overseeing tenant navigation and case management within assigned tenant rights programs, while supporting the implementation of government- and publicly funded contracts. The Program Lead will manage complex tenant cases, help tenants navigate housing and public systems, identify barriers to resolution, coordinate services and referrals, and provide direct advocacy when needed.

The Program Lead will also serve as a key organizational resource on tenant rights and housing protections, staying current on laws, ordinances, policies, programs, and agency procedures and translating that knowledge into effective tenant services, staff guidance, and training. Working closely with the Program & Operations Manager, the position will help strengthen IU’s tenant navigation and case management practices, monitor contract requirements and program performance, and identify opportunities to improve service delivery.

The ideal candidate is an experienced tenant rights professional with strong case management and systems navigation skills, experience implementing government or publicly funded contracts, and a solutions-oriented approach to complex tenant and program issues.

Core Responsibilities

Tenant Navigation, Case Management & Systems Advocacy

• • Manage a complex caseload involving tenant rights, including landlord harassment, habitability concerns, eviction and displacement risks, rent and tenancy issues, and other housing-related concerns.
  • Guide tenants through housing and public systems from assessment through resolution or appropriate referral, helping them understand their rights, options, and next steps.
  • Develop a strong understanding of relevant agencies, housing programs, legal systems, and community resources to identify barriers, navigate available remedies, and develop strategies to move cases forward.
  • Empower tenants to advocate for themselves through education, coaching, and practical guidance while recognizing when direct advocacy or intervention is necessary to remove barriers, protect tenant rights, or advance a case.
  • Advocate within housing and public systems on behalf of tenants, including communicating with agency staff, landlords, property managers, legal service providers, and other stakeholders to clarify issues, address barriers, obtain information, and pursue appropriate next steps.
  • Support, and when appropriate, accompany tenants in meetings or interactions with government agencies, legal service providers, and other institutions.
  • Coordinate internal and external referrals and maintain appropriate follow-up to help ensure tenants successfully connect with needed services and resources.

Program & Contract Leadership

• • Lead the day-to-day implementation of assigned tenant rights programs and government or publicly funded contracts in alignment with scopes of work, deliverables, timelines, and program requirements.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of assigned contracts and translate requirements and funder guidance into clear program practices and priorities.
  • Work with the Program & Operations Manager on work plans, reports, invoices, supporting documentation, and other contract requirements.
  • Identify practical improvements to program workflows, documentation, and service delivery.

Tenant Rights Expertise & Staff Training

• • Serve as a key internal resource on tenant rights and protections, maintaining current knowledge of landlord-tenant laws, ordinances, housing programs, agency procedures, and emerging issues affecting renters.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on tenant rights and protections and assigned programs, providing staff with clear guidance on applicable laws, program requirements, and effective practices.
  • Research complex or emerging tenant rights questions and identify reliable legal, government, and community resources, recognizing when attorney consultation or referral is appropriate.
  • Develop and facilitate staff training on tenant protections, housing programs, tenant navigation, case management, and assigned program requirements.
  • Help strengthen IU’s tenant navigation and case management practices and maintain current internal resources, procedures, and referral information.

Community Partnerships, Outreach & Education

• • Build and maintain active relationships with government agencies, legal service providers, community-based organizations, and social services providers, maintaining direct points of contact to coordinate services, strengthen collaboration, and support tenant needs.
  • Maintain working knowledge of partner services, eligibility requirements, intake processes, and contacts so tenants can be connected effectively to needed resources.
  • Identify gaps in available resources and cultivate new partnerships that strengthen support for tenants and housing stability.
  • Conduct field-based tenant engagement, including door-to-door outreach, property visits, tenant meetings, workshops, clinics, and community events.
  • Identify opportunities to improve workflows, strengthen documentation practices, and enhance program effectiveness.
  • Represent IU at relevant meetings, trainings, working groups, and partner convenings.

Documentation, Data & Reporting

• • Maintain accurate and timely case, outreach, workshop, referral, and program records in organizational databases, CRM systems, and required funder platforms.
  • Track program activities and contract deliverables and support accurate, timely reporting.
  • Help identify and address documentation, data quality, performance, and compliance gaps.

Qualifications & Skills

• • Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience, with at least four years of relevant experience in tenant rights, housing advocacy, legal services, case management, or program implementation.
  • Tenant Rights & Case Management: Strong knowledge of tenant protections and demonstrated experience managing complex cases, navigating housing systems, and advocating for tenants.
  • Contract Experience: Experience implementing government or publicly funded contracts, including tracking deliverables, maintaining documentation, and meeting reporting requirements and deadlines.
  • Professionalism and Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and emotional intelligence; receives feedback with openness, communicates concerns directly and constructively, and focuses on solutions rather than assigning blame.
  • Initiative and Judgement: Takes ownership of their work and demonstrates initiative, confidence, and sound judgement in carrying out established priorities and direction; proactively identifies next steps, solves problems, and follows responsibilities through to completion.
  • Communication and Training: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex tenant rights and program information, provide guidance and training to staff, and communicate effectively with tenants, agencies, and community partners. Bilingual English/ Spanish is strongly preferred.
  • Technology & Other Requirements: Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn CRM systems, databases, spreadsheets, and common office software. Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance required.

Working Conditions

This is a field-based position requiring regular travel throughout Los Angeles for door-to-door outreach, property visits, tenant meetings, workshops, community events, and partner meetings. Field work may involve extended walking and standing outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including direct sunlight and heat. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $36.00- $38.00 per hour, commensurate with experience

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter describing your commitment to housing justice and your relevant experience to Katty Pollicino at katty.pollicino@gmail.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please include the position title in the subject line.

For more information, visit www.inquilinosunidos.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

Inquilinos Unidos (IU) is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in the communities we serve.

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Bilingual English/ Spanish is strongly preferred.