This is responsible professional in providing information and seeking housing for Division of Social Services (DSS) participants in the Alachua County Department of Community Support Services.
An employee assigned to this classification acts as the coordinator for housing information and resources; travels throughout Alachua County to locate rental resources; and trains both vendors and renters regarding tenancy skills and rights.
The work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of the results obtained.
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.
Communicates in-person, by phone, and electronically with landlord, brokers, and management companies regarding housing utilized by Division of Social Services (DSS) programs and development of new housing opportunities.
Seeks available housing units for housing matches proactively and diligently.
Maintains expertise on various housing programs and collaborates with DSS on the preparation of applications.
Coordinates securing and maintaining rental units for DSS participants.
Leads landlord recruitment efforts; builds a reliable pipeline of housing options through sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships.
Contributes to an internal data record of housing resources.
Assists with resolving crises or conflicts with landlords and management companies.
Works with clients and potential vendors to negotiate placement.
Assists clients with completing applications.
Assists with lease signing and move-in day.
Works as collaborative member to ensure DSS participants are living in a safe environment.
Conducts Housing Habitability Standards (HHS) Inspections for all potential units.
Conducts education workshops to support property owners on a variety of topics, including community resources, which increase awareness of programs that provide affordable permanent and/or supportive housing.
Conducts on-going tenancy skills training for all DSS participants.
Ensures relative staff are fully apprised of important information regarding rental units.
Maintains records updated in the Division’s case management system and enters all required documentation timely.
Participates in all required training.
Embraces outcome-based strategies and creatively responds to programmatic challenges.
Transports clients to and from units.
Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of current principles and practices of real estate and established rental methods/techniques.
Considerable knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations relating to tenancy.
Knowledge of the various services provided by community agencies for clients.
Strong interpersonal skills that result in effective relationships with clients and property managers.
Ability to work effectively in chaotic, unstable environments. Ability to be compassionate as well as firm in various situations.
Ability to demonstrate high-level customer service skills, understanding, and empathy.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, prepare reports, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to work independently with limited review.
Ability to utilize various types of technology and systems while traveling.
Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with colleagues, support staff, other County employees, community agencies, vendors, and the public.
Ability to efficiently and accurately input data into the computer systems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach, talk, and hear. The employee is consistently required to be mobile.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to drive locally and long distance with reasonable short-notice.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is moderately exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits
NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.
You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits.
*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.
Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.
Alachua County is located in north central Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2010 estimate for the county is 247,336. The county seat is Gainesville, home of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.?? The County is known for its diverse culture, local music, tourism and artisans.
Alachua County employees over 1010 full-time employees in a wide variety of areas.
Alachua County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Alachua County gives preference in initial employment to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans.