Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

We are looking for a Housing Services & Operations Coordinator to join our team!

Downstreet Housing and Community Development is a private, mission-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering social justice through the power of affordable housing. We pride ourselves on connecting people to the resources they need to thrive and creating equitable opportunities for everyone in Central Vermont to access safe, healthy homes. Through our work, we strengthen the health and future of our local communities.

Downstreet is seeking a mission-driven professional to work directly with guests at the Speranza Inn, our homeless services hotel. The Coordinator will provide individualized case management, coordinate with community service agencies, support consistent site operations, and step into site-management functions on a regular basis when the Director is unavailable or when assigned to be on-call. The successful candidate will balance relationship-based work with clear follow-through, documentation, problem-solving, and operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Case Management & Housing Stability

  • Proactively engage new and current guests through personal introductions, scheduled meetings, door knocking, and other outreach methods needed to maintain consistent contact.
  • Work with guests to identify strengths, needs, barriers, and goals, and support the development and implementation of service plans focused on housing stability and life skills.
  • Assist guests with required housing applications, eligibility documentation, and other paperwork related to housing and supportive services.
  • Help guests identify and access appropriate services and resources offered by community partners; provide information and referral assistance.
  • Advocate for guests when appropriate while also supporting Speranza Inn policies, program expectations, and community standards.
  • Provide education, coaching, and practical support that strengthens self-sufficiency and successful transitions to permanent housing.
  • Coordinate guest intake and exit activities with State and local agencies and Speranza Inn staff.
  • Support guests moving into housing or transitioning out of the hotel, so immediate needs, referrals, and continuity of services are addressed.
  • Complete all required guest, case-management, and program documentation accurately and within established timeframes

• Guest Relations, Safety & Program Support

  • Work closely with the Director, and Speranza team to address guest concerns, policy or rule violations, and conflicts with the goal of preventing discharge whenever possible.
  • Use trauma-informed, person-centered, and de-escalation practices when responding to challenging situations.
  • Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive living environment for guests, staff, visitors, and community partners.
  • Participate in weekly Speranza Inn team meetings and contribute information needed for coordinated service delivery and consistent operations.
  • Participate in community partner meetings and case coordination activities as needed.

• Site Operations & Backup Leadership

  • Serve as the primary backup to the Director and assume designated site-management responsibilities during absences, schedule gaps, emergencies, or other assigned periods.
  • Provide day-to-day guidance and operational support to on-site staff within the scope delegated by the Director.
  • Help coordinate shift coverage, workflow, guest-service priorities, and communication across the site to maintain continuity of operations.
  • Support consistent implementation of program policies, procedures, safety practices, and documentation expectations.
  • Respond to operational issues, guest concerns, incidents, and urgent site needs; escalate matters to the Director, or appropriate emergency resource when required.
  • Assist with incident documentation, internal communication, follow-up actions, and coordination with partner agencies or emergency services as appropriate.
  • Monitor routine site needs and communicate concerns related to supplies, building conditions, maintenance, security, or guest services to the appropriate staff.
  • Support onboarding, orientation, and practical coaching for staff on established site procedures and guest-service expectations, as assigned.
  • Help maintain clear, timely communication between case management, front desk, facilities, leadership, and community partners.

• Community Partnerships

  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships and ongoing liaison with community organizations, including Washington County Mental Health Services, Family Center of Washington County, Good Samaritan Haven, Mosaic, Turning Point, and other relevant providers.
  • Maintain current knowledge of community resources and referral pathways that can support guests’ housing, health, income, recovery, transportation, legal, and basic-needs goals.
  • Represent Speranza Inn professionally and collaboratively in meetings and service coordination activities.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor's degree in social work and two years of experience in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education, employment, and life experience.
• Experience providing case management or direct services to people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health challenges, or other significant barriers.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate day-to-day operations, respond calmly to urgent situations, and provide leadership or staff guidance when needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn other relevant software and documentation systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and a commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed services.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate boundaries, and manage competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication, active listening, conflict-resolution, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social and economic justice.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer
• Must be able to climb stairs and lift 25 pounds at a time
• Ability to move throughout the site and respond to operational needs as they arise.

Compensation

Salary: $65,000 annually

Benefits: Competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid time off

Application Instructions 

Downstreet is strongest when we have a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or Veteran status are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please complete the form below. Please include a resume and a cover letter explaining why you would like to be a part of the Downstreet team. Applications submitted without a cover letter will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.