Housing Specialist

Position: Housing Specialist Classification Non-Exempt Supervised By: Central Housing Program Manager Home Start’s vision is for every child to have a safe, stable, and nurturing home. Guided by our mission to assure the safety and resiliency of children by strengthening families and their communities, Home Start, Inc.

, a non-profit child abuse prevention, and treatment agency has strengthened and developed San Diego’s Families and communities since 1972. Home Start, Inc. operates programs designed to prevent homelessness, interrupt the cycle of homelessness, and promote self-sufficiency. Our programs are designed to ensure homelessness in San Diego is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Job Summary

The Housing Specialist supports individuals and families in securing and maintaining safe, stable housing through housing navigation, landlord engagement, tenancy support, and coordination of housing resources. This role primarily serves survivors of domestic violence, transitional-age youth, and pregnant and/or parenting adults.

Working collaboratively with Case Managers and community partners, the Housing Specialist helps remove barriers to housing and promotes long-term housing stability and independent living.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Navigation and Placement

• Conduct housing assessments and support participants in developing individualized housing stability plans.
• Support participants with housing search activities, applications, documentation, budgeting, move-in readiness, logistics, and lease-up processes.
• Identify and address barriers to housing placement.
• Conduct field-based work, including unit viewings and meetings.
• Process and manage rental assistance documentation, including agreements, payment requests, and supporting materials Landlord Engagement and Housing Stability
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords and property managers to expand and sustain a pipeline of available housing opportunities.
• Educate property managers and landlords about program supports and proactively address concerns related to tenancy and participation.
• Serve as liaison between participant, landlords, and property managers to support housing placement, tenancy stabilization, and conflict resolution.
• Provide coaching on tenant rights and responsibilities. Collaboration and Participant Support
• Collaborate closely with Case Managers to coordinate housing-related services and support participant stability goals.
• Participate in a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Escalate clinical, safety, or high-risk concerns to the appropriate Case Manager or supervisor. Documentation, Reporting and Compliance
• Track housing placements, services delivered, retention, and landlord engagement outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records and housing documentation in required databases.
• Contribute data and documentation for reporting, evaluation, and grant compliance. Schedule and Other Duties
• Maintain flexibility to conduct field visits and occasional evening availability based on participant or program needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered. Experience

• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence or other vulnerable populations including transition-age youth, foster youth, pregnant or parenting youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, or at-risk of homelessness required.
• Experience in housing navigation, property management, outreach, landlord engagement, or rental assistance initiatives preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of housing resources, landlord-tenant practices, and community service systems in San Diego County.
• Ability to build relationships with landlords and community partners
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently in community settings and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, inclusive, and collaborative service delivery.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of participant information.
• Strong oral and written communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with computers, databases, and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to maintain composure, professionalism, and sound judgment in fast-paced or unpredictable situations. Preferred Language Capacity Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language reflective of the populations served preferred. Additional Requirements
• Valid California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel throughout San Diego County.
• Must pass a criminal background check. Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit for extended periods while completing documentation and attending meetings.
• Frequent travel by car to meet with participants and attend agency or community meetings.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Work Environment
• Combination of field-based work and shared office environment.
• Use of standard office equipment.
• Noise levels vary from quiet to moderate.

Benefits

That Support You At Home Start, we invest in the people who make our mission possible. Eligible employees enjoy:

• Medical coverage: Up to 100% of employee medical premiums paid by Home Start.
• Additional insurance: Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Retirement savings: 401(k) with an employer match of up to 4%.
• Paid sick leave: Full-time employees accrue up to 96 hours annually.
• Paid vacation: Full-time employees accrue 80 hours during their first year.
• Paid holidays: 10 observed holidays, plus three additional paid days off between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Benefits

are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms. Home Start, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel because of gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or gender expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.