SCOPE:

Develops relationships with landlords throughout Palm Beach County educating/advising of the benefits of renting units to non-profits and/or government entities to assist in ending homelessness. Secures units based on om participant's/organizations' need and/or the need in the community, following HUD guidelines in relation to Fair Market Rent/Rent Reasonableness.

Assists the Housing Specialist with overflow of Housing Quality Standards Assessments. Contributes to the mission of Goodwill by helping to maximize the opportunities for persons with disabilities and other ba!1'iers to become more independent, working within limits of established policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Must become an expert on affordable housing in Palm Beach County
• Research available affordable and supportive housing options.
• Engages landlords to create housing opportunities.
• Works with the organization's shelters and homeless residential programs (covering the entire County to include Belle Glade/Pahokee) to secure housing units in Palm Beach County that are safe, affordable, and decent according to HUD guidelines.
• Must understand HUD guidelines regarding Fair Market Rent/Rent Reasonableness and be able "sell" landlords the idea of renting to our participants/agency providing education on the positive aspects of renting to a non-profit and/or governmental entity.
• Engages in negotiation of leases with landlords. Reviews all leases and works with Chief Administrative Officer to sign leases. Tracks expiration of all leases and works with landlords in advance of expiration to renew leases, as appropriate. Ensures all leases are kept current.
• Must be able to develop positive working relationships with landlords and/or brokers; maintain/sustain those relationships over time; working closely with our housing programs and maintenance department to ensure landlords concerns are being addressed.
• Develops and facilitates landlord appreciation events at least semi-annually.
• Must become familiar with and fully understand Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Housing First models.
• Represents the organization at community meetings regarding housing issues for disabled and homeless populations; assists with educating the community on changing policies as they related to access to affordable housing.
• Troubleshoots technical housing issues as they arise with landlords, staff, and/or advocates.
• Attends the monthly Homeless and Housing Alliance meetings as well as the monthly pem1anent housing pillar meetings.
• Acts as the agency's liaison in all things related to affordable housing.
• Assists the Housing Specialist in conducting HQS assessments for HUD Habitability Standards, ADA Compliance and Rent Reasonableness.
• Maintains a spreadsheet of landlord contacts, outcome of contact, units secured, location of units secured, HQS inspections completed, rental amounts, etc. This information will be reported monthly to the Vice President of Human Services.
• Establishes strong collaborative working relationships with Shelter Directors, Case Managers, service team members and Program Directors.
• Works with homeless individuals to assess their preferences fo1• housing and provide choice (when able) for housing options.
• Provides assistance with other general department activities.
• Perform any range of departmental assignments or special projects as requested.

OTHER DUTIES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Demonstrate by words and actions a commitment to the Goodwill mission to help people experiencing homelessness to become self-sufficient, working members of the community.
• Perform or assist with any duties or operations, as required to maintain workflow and to meet schedules and quality requirements.
• Maintain safe work area and comply with safety procedures and equipment operating rules, keeping work area in a clean and orderly condition.
• Participate in any variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals , resolve problems, and maintain specified level of knowledge pretaining to new developments, requirements, and policies. This may be in addition to meetings outlined above in the scope of work and/or as assigned.