Housing Specialist-Naz Partnership

Accepting Applications until Filled

Who We Are

Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income people to become self-reliant through integrated services. When joining PPL, you become a part of a diverse team whose goal is to assist our residents and communities with the groundwork they need not only to survive but also to thrive. We are eager to welcome others to our team who are dedicated to serving our residents and pursuing our mission to build the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families who have lower incomes by providing transformative, affordable housing and employment readiness services.

Job Summary

The Hosuing Specialist will work with NAZ families to set and achieve housing goals so that they have increased economic and housing stability, and their children can succeed academically. Provide housing search and placement, landlord recruitment, rehousing, and tenancy-sustaining services to help NAZ families find and keep housing in the North Minneapolis community. Collaborate closely with NAZ staff and partners.

The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. NAZ and partner organizations walk side-by-side with low-income families as they put their children on a path to college. NAZ has a game-changing approach that is closing the achievement gap. NAZ's wraparound framework effectively supports low-income children of color so they will graduate from high school prepared for college.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Integrate empowerment principles, training, and strategies into their work with families to develop trusting relationships with NAZ families and provide "high-touch" support and resources.

• Act as a link between families, other NAZ staff, and partners to ensure effective collaboration and monitor progress toward goals. Collaborate positively and effectively with NAZ Family Achievement Coaches, who refer families to the Specialist. Keep Coaches informed about family achievements and work with them to track progress toward family goals.

• Develop individualized housing goal plans with families on caseload.

• Assist families with identifying their housing preferences and needs and helping them resolve barriers to improve access to resources such as Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, private landlords, rental assistance, emergency funds, security deposits, moving costs, furnishings, homeownership, etc.

• Cross-train with Employment Specialists to complete intakes and provide coordinated services to families.

• Coordinate rental assistance program. Assess program eligibility for families by completing required housing intake paperwork and partnering with the Compliance Team.

• Maintain timely and accurate case notes and program activities for all case files, including paper files and online databases: Apricot, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and NAZ Connect.

• Provide tenancy-sustaining services, including understanding the lease, communicating with the landlord, managing neighbor conflict, paying rent on time, and addressing other behaviors that may jeopardize housing.

• Locate new landlords; build positive relationships with landlords and property managers.

• Work with the team to plan and facilitate tenant education housing workshops and engagement with the larger community.

• Develop a household budget and assist in connecting families to financial services and working in partnership with PPL Financial Coaches.

• Help participants navigate transportation needs, including access to bus or gas cards and driving residents to appointments in personal or PPL vehicle.

• Attend staff and partner meetings as identified.

Minimum Requirements:

• A devotion and ability to build close relationships with families and the ability to motivate them through positive interviewing, feedback, and reinforcement.

• Knowledge of Twin Cities' housing affordable housing programs is preferred.

• Knowledge of north Minneapolis and the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with NAZ families

• Possess strong time management and documentation skills as well as written and verbal communication skills.

• Self-starter and ability to work independently as well as work collaboratively.

• Strong knowledge of community programs and resources and the post-secondary education system.

• Experience in partnering with economically disadvantaged populations.

• Strong commitment to the expectation that children growing up in north Minneapolis can succeed in academics and college.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and boundaries in all interactions with residents, staff, volunteers, and the public.

• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and a good driving record.

Ability to use:

• Office equipment including telephone, smartphone, voicemail systems, copier, printer, scanner, and fax machine.

• MS Word, Outlook, and Excel

• The Internet and electronic timecard system

• Computer Network (files, drives, and folders)

• Apricot or other database systems

Education and/or Experience:

• A course of study in a health or human services-related field leading to a Bachelor's or Associate's degree.

• 1-3 years of experience with the target population served.

• Experience working with housing in low-income communities is strongly preferred.

Salary/Wages: $22.00-$24.00 Hr., DOQ

Benefits: Health & Dental; Employer Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance, Employer Paid Life Insurance; Paid Parental Leave; Voluntary Life Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA); PTO and paid Holidays; 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match; Summer half-day Fridays; Two weeks of comprehensive onboarding, 20 hours of field-specific training, and $300 of yearly professional development funds-learning opportunities, including the Intercultural Development Inventory, Courageous Conversations about Race, and Affinity Spaces.BSW/MSW candidates can gain practice hours and supervision toward their licensure; an impactful presence in an organization that makes a difference in many lives.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates can apply online. Include a cover letter and resume. The hiring process includes phone screens and in-person interviews, references, and background checks for final candidates.

PPL strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization committed to elevating the voices of the communities we serve, particularly those disproportionately affected by systemic inequities. Persons of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PPL is an EEO/AA employer. PPL participates in the federal E-verify program to confirm all newly hired employees' identity and employment authorization.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.