Eviction Intervention Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

Job Title: Eviction Intervention Specialist
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time, 40 hrs/week
Shifts: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM 4:30 PM (occasional nights and weekends may be required, flexibility required to meet the needs of the program and position)
Supervisor: Eviction Intervention Program Manager
Location: Remote and Specified Courthouse Location

WHO WE ARE:
YWCA Tri-County Area is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YW serves more than 3,000 people annually in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties as a leader in advocating for girls, women, and families. YWs quality programs and services focus on education, designed to build individual, family, and community success: early childhood education; Youth Empowerment Programs that include enrichment, STEM learning, and recreation; adult education and English as a Second Language; workforce development; Foster Grandparent Program; and holistic wraparound services. Mission-based advocacy efforts raise awareness, offer issue education, and build social capital around women's empowerment, racial and social justice, and safe and healthy communities.

YWCA Tri-County Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering competitive salaries and benefit packages.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
YW3CA is seeking an Eviction Intervention Specialist to provide housing stabilization, and eviction support to households served through the Eviction Prevention & Intervention Coalition (EPIC). The ideal candidate will be able to assist in the prevention of homelessness for households potentially facing eviction and/or housing instability by working closely with the EPIC team, project attorneys, court partners, tenants, and landlords. The Eviction Intervention Specialist also plays a crucial role in supporting the eviction intervention efforts by conducting thorough visual inspections of rental properties.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING:

• Advocate on behalf of households.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all EPIC participating Montgomery County magistrate court proceedings
• Provides assessment or problem-solving information to individuals and families facing possible eviction, referred by courts or Montgomery County Your Way Home.
• Determines and facilitates linkages to other services, as appropriate.
• Determines appropriateness for access to restricted funding and administers restricted funding per program policy for such cases, as appropriate.
• Maintains client information in the Clarity Human Services (HMIS) database for all EPIC clients.
• Weekly data entry to EPIC tracking system for all disbursement of restricted funding.
• Operate within an established partnership of community partners.
• Provide in-person assessment with the client facing eviction, using established assessment tools.
• Engage and mediate tenant/landlord relationship, as able, during/outside court times, while advocating for tenant needs.
• Perform detailed visual inspections of rental properties to assess living conditions.
• Identify and document any notifiable issues or violations.
• Utilize inspection checklists and tools to record findings accurately.
• Engage with tenant to explain the inspection process and address any concerns.
• Interview tenants about their housing conditions or concerns.
• Ensure all inspections comply with applicable regulations and guidelines.
• Serve as a liaison between residents and EPIC team.
• Participate in program planning, development, and evaluation for EPIC services and supportive services area, as appropriate.
• Interacts with staff, volunteers, and clients in a courteous, respectful manner.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information related to clients.
• Direct tenants to local resources that meet their needs.
• Provide timely reporting.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations.

WHAT YOULL BRING TO THE POSITION:

• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to dress appropriately in business professional attire when appearing for court hearings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of case details and documentation must be stored in a safe place that locks to prevent a breach of confidentiality.
• Understanding of YWCAs mission, goals, and objectives and ability to work independently with a high level of energy and contribute as a part of a larger team.
• Knowledge of fair housing laws and tenant rights, regional housing market and familiarity with social, health and benefit resources in Montgomery County preferred.
• Willingness to travel daily for court hearings. Able to go into the office at least once a week to drop off and pick up case documentation.
• Willingness to work required non-traditional hours based on operational needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, families, and members of the community.
• Strong sense of professionalism is necessary, as work includes interactions with the public and the local judicial system.
• Exceptional ability to multi-task in short time periods. Gregarious & persuasive personality and interest in cultivating new connections with clients, landlords/property owners, and other providers.
• Outstanding oral, written and computer skills.
• Capable of working independently and managing time efficiently
• Must have a valid drivers license and ability to travel from site to site daily.

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in human services or a related field, bachelors preferred. Two years of experience in direct human services/housing practice required.
• Must have a valid drivers license with current auto insurance and reliable transportation.
• Child abuse clearance and criminal background check required.
• Knowledge of local housing codes and federal regulations is a plus.
• Previous experience in housing inspections, property management, or a related field is highly desirable.