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Position: Housing Specialist Gilroy CWSP

Location: Gilroy, CA

Reports to: Program Manager

Status: Regular, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $32.20 Hourly

ABOUT HOMEFIRST 

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort. 

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Housing Specialist meets with our program participants and assists them in locating, securing, and maintaining permanent housing in the community. They play a key role in representing agency and program participant interests to landlords, developing strong working relationships with property managers and owners. To this end, the Housing Specialist participates in our collective effort to end and prevent homelessness.

QUALITIES:

The Housing Specialist is passionate about serving others and sees themself in a helping profession long-term. They have a knack for winning people over through their strong persuasive abilities and balance their natural creativity with nuts and bolts of problem-solving.

They manage their time well and demonstrate strong organizational abilities. With the support of program leadership, the Housing Specialist participates in our culture of learning and increases their knowledge of evidence-based practices over the course of their employment. Together, we model the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community.

HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Housing Specialist seeks to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. They are a highly collaborative member of our participant services team and enjoy a team-oriented work environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a caseload of 20-30 participants in an active housing search.
• Provide comprehensive Housing Specialist services. This may include:
  • Landlord outreach and support
  • Housing search
  • Application assistance
  • Advocacy
  • Housing mediation
  • Financial assistance administration
  • Crisis de-escalation
  • Risk assessment and mandated reporting
  • Connection to community resources, i.e., eviction prevention
  • Other direct service provision
• Meet with participants at a frequency and location determined by their needs.
• Engage in the consistent application of evidence-based practices.
• Support internal case management and program support specialist activities as needed. This may include:
• Street-based or community outreach efforts
• Conducting joint participant meetings
• Workshop coordination
• Participate in case conferencing and collaborative care coordination.
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• Maintain compliance with contract, agency, and licensing requirements.
• Achieve identified program and position deliverables.
• Adhere to task completion deadlines.
• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of participant services in accordance with agency and contractual standards.
• Attend all job-related meetings, including program staff meetings and agency-wide meetings.
• Participate in opportunities for learning and skill maintenance/development.

• Utilize supervision appropriately, maintain open lines of communication, and provide updates on activity.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS 

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer. 

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT 

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level. 

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law. 

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

• One year of paid or volunteer experience in social work or related human services
• It may be substituted by two years of customer service experience and lived experience with homelessness
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Valid CA driver’s license and insurance, able to be added onto company insurance (required) and reliable transportation