Housing Coordinator

Description:

Who We Are

Since 2004, The Gathering Inn has compassionately reached out to individuals experiencing homelessness, aiming to welcome new beginnings and transform lives. Originally a winter-only shelter serving 40 individuals nightly, we have evolved into a multifaceted organization with multiple locations, serving nearly 500 individuals and families daily. Our mission is to meet people where they are, inspire hope, and walk alongside them on their journey to sustainable housing. Through our emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and medical respite care, we provide programs and support designed to empower guests toward self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

Position Overview

The Housing Coordinator works directly with individuals and families experiencing homelessness to identify, secure, and maintain safe and stable housing opportunities. This position is responsible for supporting guests throughout the housing process by coordinating services, identifying appropriate housing resources, assisting with housing applications and documentation, and promoting long-term housing stability.

The Housing Coordinator collaborates closely with guests, Case Managers, landlords, property management companies, housing authorities, and community partners to remove barriers to housing and facilitate successful transitions from shelter to permanent housing. This position requires a compassionate, trauma-informed, and service-oriented approach while maintaining compliance with organizational standards, funding requirements, and housing program guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Uphold the Mission, Vision, and Values of The Gathering Inn while maintaining a “guest-first” and trauma-informed approach at all times. 
• Conduct housing assessments to evaluate guests’ housing needs, barriers, eligibility, strengths, and appropriate housing options. 
• Assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness in identifying and securing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions. 
• Screen and assess potential program participants for eligibility for Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and other housing assistance programs. 
• Support guests throughout the housing process, including housing searches, application completion, documentation collection, and lease preparation. 
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and housing program representatives to increase housing opportunities for guests. 
• Actively recruit and engage landlords willing to rent to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including those with barriers such as limited income, poor rental history, or prior evictions. 
• Coordinate and attend housing viewings, inspections, lease signings, and move-in appointments as needed. 
• Educate guests regarding tenant rights and responsibilities, lease compliance, budgeting, housing maintenance, and successful tenancy practices. 
• Collaborate with Case Managers and other program staff to develop individualized housing stability and service plans for guests. 
• Provide ongoing housing stabilization support and follow-up services after placement to promote long-term housing retention and success. 
• Respond to housing-related crises or challenges by assisting with problem-solving, conflict resolution, mediation, and connection to supportive resources. 
• Advocate on behalf of guests facing barriers to housing, including discrimination, documentation issues, or other housing-related challenges. 
• Coordinate services with internal staff and external community partners to ensure a collaborative and streamlined approach to housing support. 
• Connect guests with community resources and supportive services, including rental assistance, utility assistance, legal aid, healthcare, behavioral health services, employment support, and public benefits. 
• Participate in case conferences, multidisciplinary meetings, and collaborative planning efforts to support guest housing outcomes. 
• Maintain accurate, timely, and organized documentation of guest interactions, housing progress, outcomes, referrals, and required program records. 
• Ensure guest information is entered into HMIS and other required databases in accordance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and confidentiality standards. 
• Monitor and maintain current knowledge of housing resources, funding opportunities, voucher programs, landlord incentives, subsidy programs, and affordable housing developments. 
• Utilize knowledge of local, state, and federal housing resources to assist guests in accessing financial assistance and housing support. 
• Prepare and submit required reports related to housing placements, program performance, guest outcomes, and operational activities. 
• Identify service gaps, barriers, and trends impacting housing access and retention, and provide recommendations to improve program effectiveness and guest outcomes. 
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable housing laws, fair housing regulations, landlord-tenant practices, and best practices related to homelessness and housing services. 
• Model professionalism, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and effective communication in all interactions with guests, staff, landlords, and community partners. 

Position Expectations

• Maintain punctuality and adhere to assigned schedules, attendance expectations, and organizational policies. 
• Complete work accurately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner, including proofreading all documentation and materials prior to submission or distribution. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer systems and software required for documentation, communication, reporting, HMIS, and recordkeeping. 
• Maintain strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace and work environment. 
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in all aspects of the position. 
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all interactions with guests, landlords, staff, and community partners. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing program, guest, and organizational needs. 
• Communicate regularly and effectively with management, co-workers, community partners, and service providers regarding relevant program and guest-related matters. 
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
• Demonstrate the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with diverse populations and individuals experiencing multiple barriers to housing stability. 
• Maintain working knowledge of homelessness, poverty, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, housing resources, and supportive service systems. 
• Remain calm, professional, and solution-focused during high-pressure situations, crises, or conflicts. 
• Demonstrate strong verbal communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and active listening skills. 
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with landlords, property managers, housing agencies, and community stakeholders. 
• Demonstrate persistence, creativity, and problem-solving skills in identifying housing opportunities and overcoming barriers to housing placement. 
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation and follow-through related to housing services, guest progress, and program requirements. 

Requirements:

• Associate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field required; equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered. 
• Experience working in a community-based, nonprofit, housing, or human services environment preferred. 
• Knowledge of social service systems, housing resources, and community agencies required. 
• Experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred. 
• Knowledge, training, and/or experience working with individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, chronic health conditions, or other barriers to stable housing preferred. 
• Experience with housing navigation, landlord engagement, case management, Rapid Rehousing (RRH), or housing assistance programs preferred. 
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, strengths-based practices, and housing-first approaches preferred. 
• Basic computer proficiency and experience with documentation systems, databases, or HMIS preferred.