Jobs at HopeWell Inc (Now Hiring) — 2 open

ABOUT THE JOB 

HopeWell supports transition-age youth with child welfare involvement in a variety of community-based environments as they work towards their goals around healthy living, housing stability, sustainable employment, and educational achievement. HopeWell offers a continuum of transition-age youth services that offer community-based case management and individualized education and employment support.

Through My First Place™, youth ages 18 and older receive these services while residing in stable, safe and affordable housing provided by HopeWell. Youth who have exited the child welfare system and obtained an FYI voucher through their local Public Housing Authority, we also help them find housing that will accept their voucher. And My Next Step is for youth ages 16 and older who are typically living in foster care, with extended family, or independently in the community.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

HopeWell owns and leases apartments to house youth in the My First Place™ program, and supports youth with FYI vouchers, or who are exiting My First Place™ or My Next Step, in securing housing in the community.

The Housing and Property Manager is a dynamic, collaborative, and results-oriented service provider who will secure and maintain a portfolio of owned and rented scattered site units throughout the community. HopeWell offers a unique approach in a highly collaborative environment. The Housing and Property Manager will be excited about working as a unified team with staff who directly support program youth.

We are seeking someone who has the knowledge, skills, and motivation to oversee daily property management functions in both owned and rented units, grow housing inventory when needed, and use effective, collaborative strategies (e.g. active listening, conflict management) to address issues that surface between landlords and youth.

THE IMPACT YOU'LL CREATE

Youth often face uncertainty as they enter adulthood — and this is especially true for those with child welfare involvement. To help them reach their full potential at a pivotal time in their lives, HopeWell’s continuum of services for transition-age youth provide support that prepares them for independence as they launch into adulthood. HopeWell’s transition age youth services are steadily expanding, and this is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and engaged team to support youth comprehensively.

YOUR IMPACT WILL INCLUDE (Job Responsibilities)

• Ensure properties are physically maintained and meet habitability and safety standards in accordance with housing regulations and agency guidelines. Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to property ownership, leases, landlord/tenant relationships, fair housing, and ADA.
• Continuously inspect and assess building safety and any need for repairs, modifications, or renovations by traveling to various housing locations. Inform supervisor of need, urgency, and estimated costs at a pace that is appropriate to the acuteness of the need.
• Track and manage all routine and unexpected building care needs. Independently conduct routine and basic building care when possible, sourcing and contracting with vendors (for owned properties) and collaborating with landlords (for rented properties) as needed for repairs, maintenance, and general upkeep.
• Oversee and coordinate all logistics involved in youth moves and relocations, unit turnover activities, and lockout practices.
• Respond directly and/or collaborate by phone with on-call staff as needed when after-hours or weekend emergency maintenance needs or major emergencies (fire, flood, etc) occur.
• Develop and manage relationships with landlords, acting as a primary point of contact and collaborating closely with other program staff when landlords have concerns or youth are in violation of housing agreements.
• Maintain an inventory of appropriate units for program participants. Review and track all leases and renewal/termination dates and ensure all lease terms meet program needs.
• Network with landlords, renters’ associations, property management businesses, and permanent housing providers to build resources and connections to support housing inventory growth when needed.
• Track and submit receipts, invoices, and requests for use of funds in accordance with program and finance requirements
• Complete documentation including but not limited to leases, notices, work orders, inspections, and progress notes.
• Provide direct support to youth or the staff who support them related to housing needs while in or preparing to transition out of program.
• Work collaboratively with other program staff to support current and emerging program and youth needs at all program locations, which may include providing housing supports in a range of geographic areas.
• Other duties as assigned. HopeWell’s service continuum is evolving, and as such, the roles and responsibilities of various team members will likely adapt and change over time to most comprehensively and effectively meet youth needs.

THE EXPERTISE WE CAN'T DO WITHOUT (Qualifications)

• This is a comprehensive list of qualifications that we believe will lead to success in the role. We strongly encourage candidates with lived experience with the foster care system to apply.
• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates a capacity to manage housing and property logistics in a supporting housing environment.
• 5 years of experience working in affordable housing and/or residential property management setting.
• Working knowledge of landlord-tenant, fair housing, and ADA laws with the ability to comprehend regulatory and legal agreements, contracts, and housing industry publications.Subsidized housing regulation experience desired. Experience working with resident service providers preferred.
• Working knowledge of work order systems and basic apartment maintenance.
• Ability to organize and manage processes and facilitate schedules and logistics.
• Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings.
• High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work and demonstrated ability to effectively organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• A high level of professionalism in work and interpersonal interactions with both internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identifying youth.
• Demonstrated flexibility and collaborative spirit; thoughtful, curious, and open-minded approach to learning, growth, and change.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions.

OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will possess:

• This role involves some home-based and community-based work, some office-based work, and some remote opportunities. During home and community visits there are possible environmental exposures including pets.
• Daily access to an automobile is required.
• Driving is required in and out of the catchment area.
• A valid MA State Driver’s License.
• Clearing of background checks as required by state and federal law.
• Remain current in all required trainings.
• Other duties as assigned to support quality care.