Heather Garcia
Housing Specialist
Waukesha,Wisconsin
Summary
Tenacious Housing Specialist with 16 years of experience working with the homeless populations. Dedicated to finding options quickly and assisting clients in every step of the rehousing process. Successful at reviewing applications and negotiating rental agreements. Personable case manager committed to maintaining positive communications and relationships with clients, property managers, landlords and housing. Expertise in providing housing coordination services, supporting clients in maintaining independent housing goals and performing thorough housing inspections. Excellent intensive case management, recordkeeping and problem-solving capabilities. Seeking and maintaining full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Housing Specialist
Mindstar Counseling
Wauwatosa, WI
08.2021 - Current
- Explained rental and housing regulations to clients and helped each discover best options for housing.
- Assisted applicants in filling out housing applications and verifying assets.
- Conducted home and apartment inspections to identify safety issues and needed repairs.
- Answered client questions about lease and rental agreements and advocated on behalf of client needs.
- Sought out affordable housing options and residences for people in need.
- Helped clients find permanent or temporary housing.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
Property Manager
Bielinski Management
Pewaukee, WI
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Verified income, assets, and expenses, and completed file tracking sheet for each applicant.
- Monitored timely receipt and reconciliation of rent collections in accordance with landlord and resident statutes.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Communicated effectively with owners, residents, and on-site associates.
- Monitored and tracked payments and expenses, providing timely and accurate financial reports.
Housing Specialist
Community Action Coalation
Waukesha, WI
05.2014 - 04.2021
- Identified and recruited landlords and brokers to provide suitable and affordable units to meet clients' needs.
- Explained rental and housing regulations to clients and helped each discover best options for housing.
- Assisted applicants in filling out housing applications and verifying assets.
- Conducted home and apartment inspections to identify safety issues and needed repairs.
- Maintained database of housing resources, landlords and management companies.
- Met with housing residents and landlords to answer questions, address concerns and clarify policies and procedures.
- Oversaw housing plans for over 20 clients to promote timely transition to permanent housing and appropriate usage of housing subsidies.
- Negotiated with landlords and real estate agents to obtain vacant apartments for clients with histories of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, occupying over [Number] apartments by providing direct, hands-on support services.
- Answered client questions about lease and rental agreements and advocated on behalf of client needs.
- Sought out affordable housing options and residences for people in need.
- Calculated tenant rent amounts to prepare leases and contracts.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with community members to facilitate outreach activities.
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
- Developed and implemented programs to engage and empower underserved populations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance quality of social services.
- Monitored and evaluated impact of social services on community.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources.
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Waukesha Area Technical College
Pewaukee, WI 08.2012 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Ottawa University
Brookfield, WI 01.2014 - 07.2016
Skills
Social services
undefinedAccomplishments
Women of Distinctions award 2022
"Positively Milwaukee" news story
Waukesha Freeman
Best service in the Community from Ottawa University
Best in Human Services 2019
Given by Wisconsin Social Services Association
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.
Maya Angelou
Timeline
Housing Specialist
Mindstar Counseling
08.2021 - Current
Property Manager
Bielinski Management
04.2021 - 08.2021
Housing Specialist
Community Action Coalation
05.2014 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Ottawa University
01.2014 - 07.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Waukesha Area Technical College
08.2012 - 05.2014
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