Housing Acquisition Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Folsom Salvation Army Building - San Francisco, CA 94107Position Type: Full-Time TemporaryEducation Level: High School Diploma or Equivalent Req.Salary Range: $29.00 - $31.00 HourlyJob Shift: Schedule may vary; M-FMission Statement

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

Five Keys Overview

Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.

Our Core Competencies

A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.

What it’s really like to join our agency…

At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We’ve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.

BENEFITS

We offer very low monthly costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous time off! Various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403(b) are available. We provide annual reimbursements up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation, and weight loss programs. Annual athletic event participation and annual massages are reimbursed up to $50. Other Company-paid benefits, including free wellness-related apps, an Employee Assistance Program, and a comprehensive mental health care platform, are available to you and your dependents.QualificationsJOB SUMMARY

The Housing Acquisition Specialist position reports to the Rehousing Acquisition Manager and is accountable for identifying and securing market-rate rental units to support innovative housing solutions for the local unhoused community. Leveraging program tools such as holding agreements to minimize vacancy loss, attractive rental subsidies, and damage mitigation funds, the Housing Acquisition Specialist actively seeks out, negotiates, and maintains listings of suitable available units.

In addition to landlord acquisition, this role provides direct client support throughout the housing process, ensuring smooth transitions, informed decision-making, and successful tenancy. Coordinators conduct field work, home visits, and ongoing check-ins to support clients throughout their housing journey.

We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. If this job is for you, you are a proactive, solutions-oriented professional who is passionate about improving housing outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, while creating value for local property owners. You also bring a strong understanding of the local rental market and housing practices, and you are ready to put your communication and relationship-building skills to work by engaging landlords and encouraging them to participate in our housing initiatives.

This is a full-time, temporary position anticipated to last approximately two (2), based on business and operational needs.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Market program and build and maintain strong relationships with prospective landlords, property managers, and associations
Maintain regular communication with landlords to support positive participant-landlord relationships and work collaboratively to proactively address concerns and resolve issues
Ensure participants fully grasp program requirements, responsibilities, and expectations, and offer opportunities for questions to foster transparency and informed decision-making
Maintain accurate and timely records of all participant interactions, appointments, and housing-related activities in the designated program system
Assist participants with move-in logistics, including utility setup and reviewing lease terms, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and obligations
Provide participants with information and guidance, empowering them to make informed housing decisions without making executive decisions on their behalf
Communicate with participants in a supportive and empowering manner, providing information and guidance that enable them to make independent and informed housing decisions
Conduct field visits activities, including canvassing to identify suitable neighborhoods, scout rental units, attend unit viewings and build relationships with property owners/managers
Conduct inspections of housing units prior to participant move-in to ensure safety, habitability, and readiness
Conduct regular home visits after move-in to monitor participant adjustment, address concerns, and support successful tenancy
Identify and resolve issues related to housing acquisitions, working with landlords, case managers, and other stakeholders
Work closely with case managers and other internal staff to ensure continuity of services and smooth program operations
Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Advanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Excel, PowerPoint and databases
Able to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information
Proficient understanding of housing policies and procedures, including fair housing laws
Ability to leverage strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage a diverse group of people
Excellent problem solving, organizing, and verbal and written communication skills
Ability to utilize critical thinking skills in decision-making situations, good organizational and recordkeeping skills, and good independent judgment
Proficient in knowledge of housing policies and procedures, including fair housing laws
Ability to tactfully resolve/mediate issues between landlord and tenants
Ability to be flexible when scheduling and prioritizing of tasks
Ability to work independently, frequently in the field for onsite meetings with tenants and landlords across the Bay Area

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent required
Access to reliable transportation, a valid California driver’s license, a clean driving record, and automobile insurance required
Two years of experience working with supportive housing programs or similar housing initiatives
Background in leasing, real estate, or property management preferred and experience with local rental markets, city planning, public policy, and housing subsidy programs preferred
Strong sales and negotiation skills are highly desirable

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
Frequent talking and hearing conversations
Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer station
Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is contingent upon: 

Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

Moderate to high noise level
Work environment varies from site to site
Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).