Skip to content

Careers & Opportunities

We Are Currently Hiring

We are currently hiring for multiple positions.  For qualifications, skills, requirements, and how to apply, please review the positions below. 

Job Description: Development and Engagement Specialist

Position type: non –exempt, part time or contract Salary range: $25-$30/hr. negotiable, based on experience or accepting contract/consultant proposals Mission and Vision Statement/History Housing Solutions for the Southwest is a not-for-profit housing agency serving Southwest Colorado. Originally incorporated in 1981 as a community action agency, Housing Solutions currently focuses on housing needs as the cost of housing has exponentially outpaced the average wage in the region. The mission of Housing Solutions is “to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to our communities in Southwest Colorado.”

Position Summary:

Housing Solutions has received funding to implement a new initiative in Housing Stability to establish partnerships with local employers, the business community and potential donors. The goal of these partnerships is to secure and sustain long-term funding for Housing Solutions Housing Stability assistance programs. This benefits employers and employees by improving employee retention and increasing productivity. We are looking for someone who believes in the mission of Housing Solutions and has exceptional drive for furthering our fundraising efforts as well as strategizing, developing and implementing new ones. The Development and Engagement Specialist will develop strategic initiatives to support the Housing Stability programs to achieve long-term financial goals. The goal is to raise $150,000 annually in continuous funding avenues sustained by local business and other community partnerships. The ideal candidate will have established community relationships in La Plata County, be motivated, professional, and highly organized.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Form strong relationships with external stakeholders and cultivate a network of employer/business sponsorships, dedicated donors and community partners
  • Effectively convey the organization’s mission, vision, and programs to potential donors
  • Identify and implement sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
  • Ensure that the engagement/development efforts are successful according to identified goals and metrics.
  • Research and identify employer/businesses, individuals, community partners and foundations that are interested in financial sponsorships.
  • Strategize and successfully execute fundraising campaigns with the intent of reaching $150,000 annually through continuous funding avenues
  • Create an employer/business and community sponsorship program
  • Prepare financial reports, budgets and other documents in collaboration with the Housing Stability program team.
  • Work with marketing consultant and Housing Stability program team to develop communication materials (social media, etc.)
  • Required active participation in weekly Housing Stability program team meeting

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum three years of demonstrated success in managing and meeting fundraising goals
  • Ability to lead as part of a team and be self-directed
  • Foster a positive and productive work environment
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to successfully balance priorities while managing multiple tasks
  • Proficiency in software applications including Microsoft word, excel and outlook
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Background check required
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, business, public relations, or related field
  • Experience with donor management systems preferred
  • Experience in writing grant proposals, press releases, and fundraising letters
  • Confidence in public speaking
  • Legal, human resource or business experience desired
How to apply: We encourage applicants from all diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Please send to both: nschaufele@gmail.com and careers@swhousingsolutions.com. References: Candidates selected for an interview must provide two references from a direct supervisor.

AmeriCorps Position – Supportive Programming Specialist

Program Overview: Led by the United Way of SWCO (UWSWC), Team UP AmeriCorps places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Southwest Colorado. Through collaborative service, Team UP AmeriCorps members develop their own professional skills and passions, expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations, and ultimately support people to thrive. Team UP has been utilizing collective impact initiatives since 2015 to collaborate across sectors and promote communication towards common goals within rural Southwest Colorado communities. Team UP AmeriCorps members provide direct service to improve outcomes in Education, Economic Opportunity & Healthy Futures. AmeriCorps, often referred to as the “domestic Peace Corps,” provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country. Housing Solutions for the Southwest (HSSW) is a nonprofit based in Durango, Colorado focused on affordable housing programs and building housing stability in our communities. HSSW’s participation in the Team UP AmeriCorps program is an effort to expand the services offered to residents in our permanent supportive housing program at Espero apartments and Statewide Supportive Housing Expansion Pilot Project. Service Position Summary: The Supportive Programming Specialist will expand supportive services for tenants at Espero apartments and Emergency Housing Voucher program participants through the Statewide Supportive Housing Expansion Pilot Project (SWSHE). The member will provide direct services to Espero residents and people exiting homelessness and transitioning into housing. The member will identify tenancy-sustaining services for individuals with complex needs and work with program staff to find new and creative ways to deliver needed services. Duties and Responsibilities: Through hands-on-service, Team UP AmeriCorps members engage with organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that develop their own skills, expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations, and support local people to thrive. These duties include:
  • Provide direct service to people experiencing homelessness, including assessment, support, application assistance, and connections with additional community resources
  • Plan and facilitate recreation and socialization opportunities for Espero tenants and SWSHE participants
  • Engage Espero residents and SWSHE participants in volunteer opportunities Provide basic technological assistance to support Espero residents and SWSHE participants
  • Assess tenancy-sustaining services and identify gaps
  • Develop new and creative ways to fill gaps and deliver supportive services to Espero residents and SWSHE participants
  • Track host site and AmeriCorps data
  • Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings, cohort connection days, and Days of Service
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
  • Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a position
  • Ability to serve independently, take initiative, and be motivated by the projects they are doing
  • Compassion and awareness: self-awareness, awareness of cultural differences, social differences and understanding of implicit bias
  •  Strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
Desired Qualifications:
  • Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
  • High School Graduate required (GED accepted,) college graduate or equivalent work experience preferred
  • Ability to pass criminal history check
  • Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance
  •  U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
  • Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply
Term of Service – Time Commitment: This is a Half-Time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 900 hours during the year (approximately 20 hours/week.) The position begins September 7, 2023 and ends August 31, 2024. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Service on the following dates is required (note that\Days of Service dates are subject to change):
  • September 7-8: Team UP AmeriCorps Member Orientation
  • September 11-12: Host Site Orientation
  • Jan. 16th : MLK Jr. Day of Service Event
  • March/April TBD: Cesar Chavez Day of Service Event
  • Jan. 16th : MLK Jr. Day of Service Event
  • March/April TBD: Cesar Chavez Day of Service Event
Training and Support Provided: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable, approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by HSSW’s Espero Program Manager Kelsey Schumacher (kschumacher@swhousingsolutions.com), as well as by Team UP AmeriCorps program staff. The PY 23-24 cohort of Team UP AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other. Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at Espero Apartments. Additional other off-site engagement and partnership activities may be required. Benefits:
  • A living allowance of approx. $1,014.75/month. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account twice monthly.
  • An education award of $3,447.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
  • Health Insurance
  • Childcare Assistance, if qualifications are met
  • It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings, events, and days of service
  • Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need
Diversity and Equal Opportunity: United Way values the diversity of our community. In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board, staff, and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets. We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and any other protected category. To Apply: Step 1. Email a cover letter and resume to Team UP AmeriCorps Coordinator Lindsay Luttrell @ LindsayL@unitedway-swco.org. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you are interested in. Step 2. Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application for the https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=118408 Please complete BOTH steps to apply. _________________________________________________________________________________

Job Description: Housing Case Manager /Landlord Liaison Coordinator (bilingual)

Position type: Non-exempt, part-time/full-time, negotiable. Salary range: $22.00 – $25.00 hourly depending on experience Mission and Vision Statement/History Housing Solutions for the Southwest is a not-for-profit housing agency serving Southwest Colorado. Originally incorporated in 1981 as a community action agency, Housing Solutions currently focuses on housing needs as the cost of housing has exponentially outpaced the average wage in the region. The mission of Housing Solutions is “to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to our communities in Southwest Colorado.”

Position Summary:

The Bilingual Housing Case Manager/Landlord Liaison provides trauma informed care and ongoing case management to support vulnerable individuals and families obtain and maintain stable housing. This position involves working together with clients to establish and achieve goals to address barriers that affect a person’s ability to remain housed including, access to resources, health and wellness, employment and education. The Bilingual Housing Case Manager/Landlord Liaison will also engage with landlords to provide education about Housing Solutions programs, tenant rights, coordinate services to avoid tenant evictions and create a landlord consortium.  Reports to Programs Director and based in the Housing Solutions office, not remote.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Housing Case Management and Navigation
  • Utilize the Housing First model and a strength-based assessment to assist participants develop and achieve goals.
  • Provide case management to households identified for eviction prevention assistance
  • Provide information and education on fair housing, safe housing, lease agreements, tenant rights and responsibilities and relevant community resources
  • Refer participants to needed community resources to further eliminate barriers and improve housing stability including integrated health services, including behavioral, physical health, optical and dental.
  • Work with community partners engaged with client(s) for the coordination of resources and care to assist participants attain self-sufficiency, such as childcare, TANF, Medicaid, WIC, and all eligible mainstream benefits.
  • Assist participants to attain employment, vocation and career counseling.
  • Conduct home visits (at least one time per month).
  • Assist with housing applications and appeals to obtain affordable housing.
  • Ensure quality documentation of client/case manager work
  • Ensure program compliance. Complete required program reports and data entry into HMIS.
Outreach
  • Conduct community outreach and build strong relationships with business partners and human services providers to prepare presentations, provide education and establish a referral process for those who are facing potential eviction.
  • Serve as an interpreter for the emergency assistance and other HSSW programs.
  • Develop materials in Spanish, including applications for emergency assistance program.
  • Work together with Housing Stability Team to coordinate bilingual services
Landlord Engagement
  • Develop outreach materials for landlords and property mangers
  • Partner with Intake Coordinator to develop and maintain a list of landlords and property managers in counties
  • Provide landlord-tenant mediation and education
  • Establish consortium meetings with landlords, legal aid, etc. for the purpose of education and updates
  • Survey landlords to identify needs and questions to support their shared tenet relationships (vouchers, RR and HP)
  • Work with legal aid in potential eviction hearings as needed
  • Provide up-to-date information on tenant rights

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish
  • Preferred training or experience providing trauma informed care and utilizing the Housing First model
  • Preferred experience working with landlords
  • Understanding and compassion for individuals of diverse cultures and backgrounds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Proven ability in conflict mediation, de-escalation, negotiation and problem solving
  • Demonstrated clear, professional boundaries
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Organized and self-directed
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • BA or BS Degree and 1 year of case management experience in providing direct services in a human services or health field; will substitute relevant years of experience and training for degree.
  • Proficient with technology including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage time.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s License
  • Ability to pass a background check 
How to apply: We encourage applicants from all diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Please send to both: nschaufele@gmail.com and careers@swhousingsolutions.com. References: Candidates selected for an interview must provide three (3) references including one from a current direct supervisor.

Want to Learn More

Reach out and contact us and we will get back with you soon.

Contact Details

Hours (by appointment)

8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday – Thursday

phone

970-259-1086 Fax: 970-259-2037

email

housing@swhousingsolutions.com