Housing Specialist

Job Summary:

One of the clear service gaps faced by all basic needs providers in Milwaukee is the critical connection needed between homeless service providers and property owners/managers.The Housing Specialist is a new position to Cathedral Center. Responsibilities will be focused on establishing relationships with property owners and management companies, building trust within those relationships, and supporting them as partners. In addition to supporting tenants to be successful, program components will include managing expenses related to client housing; incentives; public recognition for compassionate partnership; and property owner input to agency and community initiatives specific to homeless services. The Housing Specialist will be responsible for building relationships with area property owners/managers in order to increase housing options for clients served through CCI programs. CCI will focus on property owners/managers of all means and sizes and build partnership with Milwaukee’s Housing & Homelessness Coalition, who has also identified this as a critical step.

All staff and volunteers at Cathedral Center are expected to communicate professionally and respectfully with vendors, guests, partners, donors, and co-workers. This position is primarily first shift hours but may be required outside of first shift for staff meetings and trainings. Specific schedules (such as on-call calendars) are determined by the program directors.

Specific Job Duties:

• Lead program development through collaboration with program leadership, thoughtful client and partner input and research into effective strategies.
• Recruit and approve property owners/managers interested in partnering with CCI to provide stable housing opportunities for housing insecure unaccompanied women and families with children.
• Join program leadership in development and facilitation of staff orientations and continuous improvement.
• Ensure smooth service flow, taking initiative to fill gaps when needed.
• Problem solving with property owners/managers to ensure timeliness of cleaning and repairs to move in new tenants.
• Oversee the effective and accurate collection of data and outcomes, facilitating timely and effective reporting to the program team and fund sources.
• Actively participate in community meetings and consortiums relative to the homeless provider and youth development network, collaborating effectively to coordinate service delivery.
• Collaborate with team to ensure a broad list of rental options for clients of various incomes.
• Complete accurate, timely documentation of client and partner interactions.
• Maintain budget expectations of the position.
• Attend weekly case review, monthly team meetings, and other staff meetings as necessary.
• Assist with program evaluation and planning.
• Supervise and support volunteers as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Directors and/or Executive Director.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have earned a bachelor degree in management, social services or related fields, as well as possess working knowledge of property management and/or case management practices. This candidate must be able to communicate effectively and professionally via written word, phone, and in person, as well as utilize Microsoft office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).

Attention to detail and ability to work effectively with the public as well as diverse, vulnerable populations in a respectful and dignified manner are critical qualities. Someone who remains confident and level-headed in times of crisis and is an effective, unsupervised multi-tasker is ideal for this position. Background in mental health services and trauma-informed care practices and/or education preferred. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) a plus. The nature of this position requires that the candidate must have reliable and insured transportation.

This position is open to all qualified internal and external candidates. Candidates must be able to sit, stand, stoop, and walk for extended periods of time and be able to lift 30 pounds.   All staff at the Cathedral Center are expected to work effectively both independently and in a team environment and to become familiar with and utilize a trauma-informed approach.

Cathedral Center is a mission focused organization, committed to supporting employees, while supporting our clients and living our mission. We have a strong benefits package, including health, dental, vision and LTD/Life, retirement plan, paid vacation, sick, personal and holiday time, as well as a newly developed tuition reimbursement policy.

Candidates for all paid and volunteer positions at the Cathedral Center must have been separated from services here for at least one year. All candidates for paid and volunteer positions must be willing to have a background check conducted.