Community Organizer: Code Enforcement Outreach Program

About This Position

The CEOP Community Organizer assists tenants of the Tenderloin and South of Market (SOMA) neighborhoods with habitability problems by conducting community outreach, and by working closely with the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and other government agencies in accordance with Tenderloin Housing Clinic’s (THC) Mission, Core Values, and Customer Service Philosophy.

Job Duties

• Work closely and coordinate with CEOP Program Coordinator on day-to-day tasks and responsibilities with client caseload and follow-ups.
• Conduct client outreach in apartment buildings and/or privately-owned single room occupancy (SROs) residential hotels on habitability issues.
• Work with tenants to improve living conditions in designated Tenderloin and SOMA buildings.
• Learn and keep abreast of San Francisco Building and Habitability Codes and Rent Board Regulations in order to effectively advocate on behalf of clients.
• Respond to client complaints about housing and/or habitability received by phone, on a walk-in basis, and through on-site inspections, and advocate for clients around tenant/landlord disputes and habitability concerns. This includes, but is not limited to, writing letters to landlords, building managers, and/or hotel operators requesting repairs for code violations, and then monitoring cases until abatement.
• Oversee and train client volunteers, called Code Enforcement Outreach Workers, in outreaching and door-knocking efforts; create and implement work plans and monitor outreach schedule.
• Provide code enforcement workshops to organizations serving in the Tenderloin and SOMA areas.
• Conduct monthly/bi-monthly tenant rights and habitability trainings for apartment and SRO tenants.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations (CBO) on housing and habitability campaigns.
• Organize meetings in clients’ places of residence, as necessary.
• Educate and assist clients in filing San Francisco Rent Board Petitions and act as a non-attorney representative at mediations and/or arbitration hearings as needed.
• Collaborate and refer cases to DBI, Department of Public Health, and San Francisco Apartment Association, as needed.
• Participate in creating multi-lingual forms, flyers, and informational documents needed for the program.
• Maintain appropriate documentation to demonstrate that all contractual requirements are met. Participate in timely and accurate filing of progress reports required by the funder(s).
• Stay abreast of services and programs being provided by other CBOs and government agencies by fostering working relationships with them.
• Provide referrals to clients and connect them to relevant services offered by CBOs and government agencies.
• Respond to all phone messages, client requests, staff requests, and emails as appropriate and in a timely manner.
• Attend all meetings as scheduled and participate in meetings as requested.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• High School degree required; BA/BS degree preferred.
• Must have a minimum of 1 year of experience working with and on behalf of low-income tenants.
• Must be committed to social change through developing leadership in SRO tenants and in low-income residential communities.
• Must have a thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have an ability to complete paperwork accurately and write business correspondence.
• Must have demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Must have a strong working knowledge of mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Must have an ability to read, understand, and apply language from governmental regulations, manuals, policies, technical procedures, and instructions.
• Must have demonstrated customer service skills.
• Must read, communicate orally, and write in English and in one additional language represented widely in the designated Tenderloin and SOMA tenant population (eg., Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, etc.)
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail.
• Must pass all post-contingency offer background checks, reference checks, and TB screening clearances.
• Experience working with diverse, homeless and/or formerly homeless population strongly preferred.
• Experience in the fundamentals of researching, planning, and participating in community campaigns strongly preferred.
• Community organizing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working in non-profit or public sector preferred.

Required Behavioral Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrates professional behavior that is consistent with THC’s Mission, Core Values, and Customer Service Philosophy.
• Adapts well to change, and remains professional, respectful, and composed at all times.
• Must be, honest, dependable, and accountable.
• Establishes and maintains effective and appropriate relationships and boundaries, and communicates with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and external parties in a manner that fosters respect and trust.
• Exercises good judgment in using and/or keeping information regarding clients and co-workers, and adheres to THC’s confidentiality policy.
• Works well independently, collaboratively, and as a team member.
• Follows instructions completely and asks for help and/or guidance from supervisors when needed.
• Has good time management skills and is punctual to work, THC meetings, and events.
• Refrains from actions that may result in conflict or may be determined as aggressive, threatening, or violent.
• Takes pride in work and performs all assigned duties diligently, efficiently, and effectively.

How to apply

To apply for any THC position you see here:

• Online: Upload your resumé online using the Apply button below
• By email: Email your resumé and cover letter to employment@thclinic.org
• In person: Stop by our 449 Turk Street office to drop off your resumé

We look forward to hearing from you!