Housing Specialist

Company: First Place for Youth
Location: Hattiesburg
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video! *This Position is Part time for 20 hours per week. Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team. About First Place for Youth, We're a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. Why Work at First Place For Youth:Meaningful Impact:-- Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you'll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.POSITION SUMMARY: First Place is seeking an energetic property management professional to assist with managing the day-to-day operations of housing for a diverse population of young adults. The selected candidate will work closely with the Program Manager to secure a well-managed and well-maintained portfolio of master leased scattered site units throughout the community. This Specialist will oversee all daily property management functions which includes lease up, processing work orders, conducting inspections, issuing notices and lease violations, managing property management and tracking databases, maintaining electronic and hard copy files, posting charges and payments, managing a key system, processing invoices and timely and accurate reporting. The Specialist is also responsible for sourcing and securing new units on an ongoing basis. The Specialist will develop and preserve partnerships with landlords, be the point of contact for questions and issues, and ensure that master lease terms are followed and rent payments are timely and accurate. This part-time position is required to work onsite and in the community Monday - Friday.DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES: Operations and ManagementDevelop and maintain an inventory of appropriate units for program participants by networking with landlords, renter's associations, property management businesses, and permanent housing providers in assigned regions.Perform property and resident management duties for an assigned portfolio of master leased scattered sites within a specified region or county.Oversee and coordinate move and relocation activities including ensuring all paperwork for a landlord is complete, scheduling of lease signings and move-in dates, coordinating the delivery of furniture, turning on utilities, copying keys, turning units, and other housing-related duties as needed.Ensure properties are physically maintained and meet habitability and safety standards in accordance with program regulations and First Place guidelines.Conduct move-in/out, annual and special inspections including lead paint assessments and fire extinguisher expiration. Document the condition of units and work with landlords, vendors, and maintenance staff to perform necessary work.Submit to the Program Manager for approval proposals with budgets for any repairs, maintenance, improvements, materials, equipment, purchases exceeding $500, and all proposed appliance purchases.Oversee all maintenance, repairs, and unit turnovers in accordance with established Maintenance Policy and Procedure which includes receiving requests, opening work orders and tracking progress in the property management database, inspecting or verifying work is completed correctly, and closing out work orders documenting expenses.Assist with the eviction process in accordance with landlord/tenant laws including serving notices, preparing legal files, coordinating lockouts, and proper disposal of property.Source and maintain vendor relationships adhering to First Place requirements. Maintain master key system, update key log, track lock changes, and obtain new keys for all Youth and program staff. When applicable, manage rent collection process and damage charges for residents. Administration and Compliance Review and track all master leases at inception and ongoing. Determine lease terms are correct and acceptable and follow First Place lease routing requirements. Track and maintain a database of each lease obligation, rent, fees, and end and/or renewal dates.Maintain as current all electronic and hard copy resident, landlord, vendor and work order files in accordance with program regulations and First Place guidelines.Update daily/weekly property management software, tracking systems and program databases to support property, resident, and program evaluation and outcomes tracking. This also includes confirming program funding source is accurate and updated.Ensure timely and accurate resident, landlord, property, slating, and vacancy information, inspection and work order data, and housing issues and resolutions and notes.Review monthly landlord's and resident's rent rolls for accuracy and update to reflect all rent increases, prorations, and correct funding sources.Complete and timely process required department paperwork including leases, notices, tenant close-outs, landlord close-outs, check requests, invoices, and reports.Adhere to all fair housing, ADA, landlord/tenant and program laws/regulations.Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with the Program Manager.Participate in slating activities within a weekly Housing Coordination Meeting providing accurate information on units and vacancies.Assist in the negotiation of rents, collect and keep on file income certifications, calculations of subsidies, and lease approval for participants master leases/direct lease contracts. Provide notices of contract renewals and rental adjustments.Will be the point of contact for landlords responding to questions and issues.Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and within respective departments providing information and follow-up.Cultivate, preserve, and exercise professional and responsive external relations with vendors, landlords, neighbors, and other community partners.Other duties as assigned.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree preferred or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates a capacity to secure and manage housing in a supportive housing program serving former foster youth. Two years of experience working in affordable housing, housing navigation, and/or residential property management settings. A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.Working knowledge of landlord-tenant, fair housing, and ADA laws with the ability to comprehend regulatory and legal agreements, contracts, and the housing industry. publications. Subsidized housing regulation experience desired. Experience working with resident service providers preferred. Working knowledge of work order systems and basic apartment maintenance. Ability to organize and manage processes and facilitate schedules and logistics.Ability to deliver services through the lens of trauma-informed care, positive youth development, cultural humility and responsiveness, and harm reduction.Excellent customer service skills. Capacity to work independently in the field, and a willingness to work collaboratively. Must have a dependable car, a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance. Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check. Computer Skills-- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook, and Property Management or data tracking software. Experience with database systems is a plus. Strong communication Skills- Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner. Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.Commitment to cultural competency and diversity - Deep commitment to social justice and systems change that addresses barriers based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. *We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA. Compensation details: 20.85-22.08 Yearly SalaryPIa743beced003-25660-37475613

Keywords: First Place for Youth, Jackson , Housing Specialist, Other , Hattiesburg, Mississippi