Job Description
United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC) seeks one person as a Tenant Organizer to work with Detroit tenants in privately owned, multifamily developments and developments subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Tenant Organizer will work with low-income Detroiters to assist with issues around displacement, educate tenants in HUD housing about their rights, and help tenants preserve and improve their homes. This position reports to UCHC’s Director of Tenant Organizing.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Work with large and small groups of tenants in low-income buildings and communities to assist them in asserting their rights to decent and affordable housing.
Assist tenants in properties that are at risk for displacement due to sale or building conditions.
Advocate for tenants’ right to return and or relocation assistance.
Develop a relocation plan for tenants, either temporary or permanent.
Provide case management for tenants to assist with housing needs; refer tenants toappropriate resources as identified by need.
Create and maintain files and database as directed by the program director.
Establish ongoing working relationships with landlords and property managementcompanies, residential service providers, and vendors.
Meet with fellow staff, landlords and service providers to help resolve conflicts thatmight arise with referred participants.
Maintain an inventory of program resources.
Work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
Maintain all required documentation in an orderly and timely manner.
Participate in all team and staff meetings.Participate in program and operational planning as needed.
Must have flexibility to work on assigned projects as needed.
Specifics
Applications are now being accepted and reviewed for a July-August start date.
Position open until filled.
Requirements
Tenant Organizers must be thoroughly committed to UCHC’s mission. In addition, qualified candidates must have:
Experience related to resource development or housing advocacy.
Higher education training that resulted in an associate degree or undergraduate degree,or a high school diploma or GED will be useful for the reporting and communicationscomponents of this position.
Knowledge of housing, employment and other human services is required.
Communication Skills: Ability to work effectively with both private and public sectormanagers and direct service staff.
Create and use spreadsheets, database tracking, and understanding grants management.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries, etc.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete personal variablesthat reflect client needs and capacity.
Knowledge of Detroit neighborhoods and lived experience a plus
Physical Considerations:
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle will be useful for this position.
The Tenant Organizer may need to enter properties that do not yet comply with ADA accessibility standards. Accommodations can be made to enable the selected candidate to perform the essential functions of this position.
Job Specifics
This is a full-time position with benefits. Hourly rate commensurate with experience. Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, though some additional time may be required depending on court filings.
Offers generous medical benefits and time off.
Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule of both in-office and work-from-home conditions.
Expected start date: Applications are now being accepted and reviewed for a July-August start date.
Position open until filled.
Employment Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and group life
Generous PTO program
Generous holiday program
A focus on work/life balance
About the Organization
The United Community Housing Coalition provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, United Community Housing Coalition complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, and termination. Consistent with state and federal laws, UCHC is committed to maintaining a workplace free from the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
Interested candidates should send an employment application, cover letter, and position-specific résumé to employment@uchcdetroit.org.