Housing Acquisition Specialist

Reports to
: Director of Housing

Location
: Porchlight, Inc., Dane County, WI

About Us
At
Porchlight, Inc.
, our mission is simple yet powerful: to reduce homelessness in Dane County and ensure everyone has a safe, stable place to call home. As a dedicated nonprofit, we provide essential services like emergency shelter, housing assistance, and advocacy to those in need. Our team is passionate about supporting individuals in overcoming barriers to housing, health, and stability.

What We Offer
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and more. You'll be part of a collaborative and compassionate team, making a direct impact in the lives of individuals seeking a brighter future.

Position Overview
As a
Housing Acquisition Specialist
, you will be at the heart of Porchlight's mission, helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness find their path to stability and permanent housing. Your work will be driven by empathy, respect, and a commitment to uplifting others through trauma-informed care. In this role, you will assess individual needs, connect guests to vital resources, and guide them toward long-term housing solutions, all while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a Compassionate Welcome: Greet every guest with empathy, creating a warm, judgment-free space where they feel respected and valued.
• Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Assess guests' needs-including housing, mental health, substance use, and more-and connect them to the appropriate services and care they need.
• Empowerment and Orientation: Help guests understand and access the resources available to them through orientation, fostering a sense of control and hope for their journey ahead.
• Crisis Intervention: Remain calm and composed in times of crisis, quickly identifying urgent needs and connecting guests to immediate stabilization services when necessary.
• Support Daily Essentials: Ensure that guests' basic needs-meals, hygiene, clothing, and transportation-are met with dignity and respect, helping them feel safe and cared for.
• Build Trust and Relationships: Cultivate strong, trusting relationships with guests, offering daily encouragement, emotional support, and a trauma-informed approach to de-escalation.
• Maintain Safe Operations: Support the smooth running of the shelter by adhering to safety protocols, managing mail and communications, and ensuring the facility remains in good condition.
• Facilitate Personal Growth: Encourage guests to engage in case management, set achievable goals, and take active steps toward achieving housing stability and independence.
• Connect to Resources: Educate and connect guests to mental health and addiction services, supporting their treatment, recovery, and overall well-being.
• Bridge the Gap to Housing: Assist guests in navigating applications for housing, benefits, and employment, helping to bridge the gap between temporary shelter and permanent housing solutions.
• Collaborate with Service Providers: Work closely with local agencies, utilizing tools like HMIS to ensure a person-centered, coordinated approach to service delivery.
• Respond to Emergencies: Take swift action when safety concerns arise, such as suicidal ideation or legal issues, ensuring that every guest is protected and supported.
• Track Progress and Outcomes: Document guest services, track their progress, and provide feedback to strengthen programs and improve outcomes for future guests.

What We're Looking For:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Respect and Compassion: A genuine understanding and respect for individuals experiencing homelessness and the challenges they face.
• Strong Communication Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams; experience with HMIS is preferred.
• Flexibility: Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to best support our guests.
• Background Check: Must pass a comprehensive background check.

Why Porchlight, Inc.?
At Porchlight, you'll find more than just a job-you'll find a mission that matters. You'll be part of a team that believes in the power of compassion and the importance of second chances. We offer a supportive work environment where you can grow both professionally and personally, all while making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.If you're ready to make a lasting impact and help individuals and families achieve lasting stability, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has a place to call home.