Job Description

Commonspace - Portland, ME

Occupancy Specialist

Job Title:

Occupancy Specialist

Location:

Portland, Maine

Role Presence

: This is a Full-Time onsite position.

Reports to:

Director of Programs

Summary

The Occupancy Specialist plays a key role in supporting residents' successful transitions into and continued stability within Commonspace's Permanent Supported Housing programs. As a member of the Housing Supports team, the Occupancy Specialist works closely with residents, property management, and the agency's HOME Services Housing Navigators to promote housing retention, safety, and community integration.

This position supports residents through all stages of tenancy -- from lease-up and move-in to ongoing stabilization and transition planning. The Occupancy Specialist assists residents in obtaining and maintaining housing vouchers and subsidies, connecting with community resources, and developing the skills needed to maintain housing successfully. The role also contributes to the day-to-day operations of each housing site, ensuring a safe, supportive, and well-functioning environment, while maintaining accurate data and performance reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support and Housing Transitions

Guide residents through lease-up processes, including completion of applications, documentation, and coordination with property management and case management staff. Support residents during move-in and move-out processes, ensuring smooth transitions and clear communication around lease expectations and program policies. Provide individualized, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented support to residents to help sustain housing stability and promote independence. Assist residents in identifying and addressing barriers to successful tenancy, including budgeting, maintenance issues, or neighbor relations.
Vouchers, Subsidies, and Financial Supports

Assist residents with applying for, renewing, and maintaining housing vouchers, rental subsidies, and related benefits. Coordinate with housing authorities, landlords, and property management partners to ensure timely processing of required documentation. Track rent payments, subsidy renewals, and lease compliance as appropriate to support residents' housing stability.
Community Resource Connections

Support residents in accessing and navigating community resources such as behavioral health services, healthcare, recovery supports, employment, and benefits. Work collaboratively with the HOME Services Housing Navigators and other service providers to ensure coordinated, wraparound supports. Promote engagement in community and pro-social activities that build connection and resilience.
Program Operations and Safety

Contribute to the safe, inclusive, and respectful functioning of each housing program site. Collaborate with the Housing Supports team and property management to address concerns related to occupancy, safety, and resident well-being. Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and ongoing supervision. Maintain professional boundaries and model positive, solution-focused communication and behavior.
Data Tracking and Reporting

Guide residents through lease-up processes, including completion of applications, documentation, and coordination with property management and case management staff. Support residents during move-in and move-out processes, ensuring smooth transitions and clear communication around lease expectations and program policies. Provide individualized, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented support to residents to help sustain housing stability and promote independence. Assist residents in identifying and addressing barriers to successful tenancy, including budgeting, maintenance issues, or neighbor relations.

Qualifications

Required:

Experience working in housing, human services, or property management. Understanding of permanent supportive housing principles and the Housing First model. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to build supportive relationships with individuals with diverse experiences, including those living with mental health or substance use challenges. Proficiency with computers and data entry systems. Valid Driver's License and personal vehicle for work use.
Preferred:

Experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or co-occurring conditions. Familiarity with HUD programs, Section 8 vouchers, and local housing authorities. Knowledge of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approaches. Certification as an Intentional Peer Support Specialist and/or Recovery Coach.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Purposeful Work: Be part of a team changing lives through housing and hope. Supportive Culture: Collaborative, peer-led, recovery-oriented environment. Professional Growth: Ongoing training and career development opportunities. Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive pay, health coverage, and time-off benefits.

Role Presence

This is a Full-Time onsite position, with most time spent at each of Commonspace's supported housing programs. You can expect to work solely at the central office in Portland, as well as in the community. This position's schedule is 40 hours per week and can be flexible.

Physical Requirements

Some of Commonspace's requirements include:

Must be able to work outside for most of the day in all weather conditions. Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to ambulate up and down stairs. Must be able to lift 15 pounds as necessary.
This may vary depending on the position, as some positions are more physically demanding than others.

Working Environment

This position requires working with individuals who may be under the influence of substances, exhibiting mental health symptoms, or presenting challenging behaviors. Medical and other emergencies may occur in the working environments, including substance overdoses, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, physical and/or verbal violence; when such events occur contacting emergency services for assistance is essential and required.

Our Mission

Commonspace is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to help improve the lives of community members who have been impacted by mental illness, substance use, homelessness, trauma, and poverty. Commonspace works to create shared spaces of care, justice, and recovery in all its forms. We witness and celebrate recovery every day, working towards a society where all people are valued, nourished, loved, and appreciated for their unique contribution to our shared and mutually dependent existence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Commonspace is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, creed, disability status, protected military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:

Fair Housing regulations: 1 year (Preferred) Section 8: 1 year (Preferred) Recovery: 1 year (Preferred) HUD: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:

Portland, ME 04101 (Required)
Work Location: In person