Housing Specialist

About Lao Family Community Development, Inc.

Lao Family Community Development, Inc. (LFCD) is a community-based non-profit organization established in Richmond, Contra Costa County, California, in 1980. Since then, LFCD has expanded its operations to Alameda and Sacramento counties with its headquarters located in Oakland, California. 

LFCD delivers programs and services from seven locations in more than 35 languages. The organization provides community development, affordable real estate, workforce development, education, and human services that primarily support low-income individuals and families, refugees, immigrants, transitional-age youth, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations. 

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, we are seeking a strategic and relationship-focused Housing Specialist to lead efforts in expanding and maintaining a network of housing opportunities across the region. This role is dedicated to developing housing inventory, engaging landlords and property managers, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to increase access to safe and stable housing options. The ideal candidate excels at building partnerships, understanding the local rental market, and navigating the dynamics of property management and housing development. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Identify and cultivate new housing opportunities through targeted outreach to landlords, property owners, and real estate professionals.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive housing inventory database, including unit availability, rental terms, and landlord contact information.
• Conduct outreach to the Department of Probation Satellite Offices throughout Contra Costa County to build strategic partnerships and facilitate housing placements.
• Meet in person with landlords to collect required documentation for housing placements—such as rental lease agreements—and to complete monthly housing quality assurance visits.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with housing providers to ensure ongoing access to safe and affordable housing units.
• Educate landlords and property managers about rental assistance and subsidy programs, addressing concerns and dispelling myths to increase program participation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to match available units with client needs and eligibility criteria.
• Negotiate lease terms and rental agreements in accordance with program guidelines and clients' financial capacity.
• Provide ongoing support to landlords and property managers after placement, serving as a liaison to resolve issues and promote housing stability.
• Monitor and analyze local rental market trends to adjust outreach strategies and identify emerging housing opportunities.
• Plan and participate in landlord engagement events, including educational forums, workshops, and appreciation activities.
• Collaborate with housing authorities, developers, and advocacy organizations to advance broader housing access initiatives.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the CalAIM program and leverage cross-sector partnerships to support positive housing and health outcomes for participants.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

Requirements and Qualifications: 

• A bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, or equivalent in a related field is preferred; must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in housing assistance in serving justice-involved, homeless, and low-income populations. 
• Self-starter, ability to work with minimal supervision; excellent communication, multi-tasking, community relations, networking, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families, women, and children without discrimination towards people of diverse cultures, races/ethnicities, socio-economic positions, ages, religions, genders, physical/mental challenges/disabilities, and sexual orientations.
• Must have reliable transportation to meet with landlords and clients as needed.
• Understand, explain, and apply complex local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Able to travel to meet with service providers and participants; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; must have a flexible schedule on some evenings and weekends.
• Proficient in computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database management, and Internet Explorer.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Must pass a background check. 
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and work on the computer; use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear; and move objects up to 25 pounds.

Compensation: Salary is based on experience and education, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health plan/vision, dental, paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and employer-contributed pension/group life insurance. 

Direct applicants only. We welcome applications submitted directly by qualified candidates through the designated application process. No agencies, no unsolicited resumes, no employee contact, and no obligation for fees.

Recruitment Agencies: Lao Family Community Development is conducting this search directly and is not accepting unsolicited candidate submissions or recruitment-agency solicitations. 

Please do not contact the CEO, hiring managers, Human Resources, or other LFCD employees regarding this position. LFCD will not be responsible for fees related to unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals. Any agency engagement must be approved in advance and in writing by LFCD Human Resources.

To Apply: Submit your cover letter and resume. This position is open until filled and may be closed at any time.  

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Lao Family Community Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age (40 and over), disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

LFCD complies with all applicable federal and California employment laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California's Fair Chance Act.