Program Assistant / Housing Assistant

Job Title: Program Assistant / Housing Assistant

Location: Toms River, NJ 08753

Pay Rate: $25.05/hr. without benefits

Duration: 6+ months

Shift Timing: 8:30am-4:30pm Lunch: 1 hour (unpaid)

Job Description:

• The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of NJDCA participants, applicants and referrals to locate, secure, and retain permanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of NJDCA. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. This position also serves as a general housing resource for households served in other NJDCA programs.

Essential Functions:

• Identifies and places participants and applicants into appropriate housing with the goal of housingin fewer than 90 days of acceptance into the program
• Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio. Provides participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences
• Helps participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility
• Assists participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services, and accompanying 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
• Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions
• Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval
• Explains and reviews the lease agreement with the incoming participant.
• Works with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment
• 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
• Assists clients with moving(help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.)
• Conducts regular in-person post-placement visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention
• Attends collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions
• Actively participates in staff meetings and trainings
• Maintains and reports complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county and NJDCA guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Knowledge and Experience:

• ?Minimum of one year of experience in real estate, property management, or housing assistance programs.
• STRONG verbal and written experience communication skills, proficient in Microsoft office.
• A minimum of two years' related professional experience
• Prior experience working with low-income individuals and families including, but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults
• Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness
• Extensive knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e. Section 8, , VASH, etc.)
• Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources including housing options, locations, and availability, as well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources, among others.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations.
• Proficient in use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track service delivery
• Proven ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

• Requires an Associate's degree in a related field or 2 years on job work experiences.

• Valid drivers' license and clean driving record. Personal vehicle for business use.