Central Center
670 Waiale Road
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-242-7600

Westside Center (Temporarily Closed)
15 Ipu'Aumakua Lane
Lahaina, HI 96761
808-662-0076

Housing Retention Specialist

Compensation: Depending on Experience
Department(s): 
Programs
Location:  Wailukuu
Employment type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

  1. The Housing Retention Specialist assists with housing search and placement along with leveraging supportive services that will assist the participant household to maintain permanent housing.
  2. Summary of Essential Job Functions.
  3. Assess housing barriers of individuals and families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
  4. Develop a housing procurement, financial, and self-sufficiency case management plan with participants. This includes intake interviews to determine the participants needs, goals, and eligibility.
  5. Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
  6. Assist participants in locating and securing housing of their choice.
  7. Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (ie. tenant, landlord referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors, and creditors).
  8. Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and tenant participants as well as between participants and neighbors.
  9. Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/ or community programs.
  10. Assist in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through proactive housing and budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payment plan for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing.
  11. Assist participants in development of strength-based/solution-focused individualized goals and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, and timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
  12. Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants in reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.
  13. Provide follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem-solving, and identification of resources to assist with the reintegration of participants into the community.
  14. Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
  15. Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, and files for each client.
  16. Collect and report program data, including but not limited to HMIS reporting and funders’ required data.

Minimum Educational Requirements

  1. Bachelors degree in human services preferred; related experience may be substituted.
  2. Minimum three (3) years experience working with “hard to serve” individuals, including homeless, substance abusers and those with mental health issues in areas of housing stabilization, placement and retention.

Abilities Required

  1. Knowledge of local area housing resources
  2. Valid Driver License
  3. Excellent written and communication skills
  4. Ability to work both independently as well as a team member
  5. Basic computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office applications and email
  6. Ability to perform all functions of this position within what would be deemed reasonable accommodations
  7. Must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of personalities and be comfortable working with an at-risk client population.
  8. Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities
  9. Demonstrate knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords

Benefits include: Paid Time Off, Paid Federal and State Holidays, Medical & Dental Insurance, Retirement, and many more!

COVID-19: As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

KHAKO is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. We seek employees from all backgrounds including people of color, LGBTQ community, Veterans, and people who have lived homeless experience. We will not discriminate against age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran Status. We support and celebrate all employees to be their best, authentic selves for the benefit of our employees, our community, and our company.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Return to Careers Opportunity page

If you are interested in this position, please fill out the form below:

Application Form
  • Page 1
  • Next
  • Next

Personal Information