LEONARD CALLANDS
The Bronx
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven Housing Specialist, Licensed Realtor, and customer relations professional with over 12 years of experience spanning housing services, financial services, real estate, account management, and client advocacy. Skilled in helping vulnerable populations, including veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness, secure stable housing and access critical resources. Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients, landlords, community partners, and stakeholders while delivering exceptional service and positive outcomes.
Experienced Housing Specialist with background in property management, affordable housing programs, and tenant relations. Strengths include knowledge of federal housing laws, strong communication skills, and ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Contributions include streamlining processes, improving tenant satisfaction rates, and advocating for affordable housing initiatives.
Resourceful Housing Specialist known for productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in tenant relations, housing regulations compliance, and financial assistance programs management. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring successful navigation of complex housing issues and effective support for diverse client needs.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Housing Specialist
HELP USA
Bronx
03.2026 - Current
- Assist veterans, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness in securing permanent housing.
- Conduct housing assessments and develop individualized housing plans.
- Build and maintain relationships with landlords, brokers, and community partners.
- Coordinate housing searches, lease signings, apartment inspections, and move-ins.
- Assist clients with housing vouchers, rental assistance programs, and supportive housing applications.
- Advocate for clients facing barriers related to income, credit, and housing history.
- Collaborate with social service providers and community agencies to support long-term housing stability.
Account Associate
B&H Photo & Video
New York
03.2022 - Current
- Manage customer accounts and resolve complex service issues.
- Coordinate with internal departments to ensure successful order fulfillment.
- Review customer documentation for accuracy and compliance.
- Build long-term customer relationships through responsive service and problem resolution.
Customer Service Representative
Delta Children’s Products
New York
03.2019 - 07.2021
- Managed high-volume inbound and outbound customer communications.
- Coordinated shipment logistics and resolved customer concerns.
- Maintained customer accounts and ensured customer satisfaction.
Sales Representative
Infinity Marketing
Raleigh
10.2017 - 12.2018
- Generated new business through business-to-business sales initiatives.
- Educated customers on products and services while maintaining strong client relationships.
- Processed billing inquiries and payment collections.
Team Lead
DataStaff / CSRA
Raleigh
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Supervised and coached customer service representatives.
- Verified insurance eligibility and reviewed Medicaid claims for compliance.
- Maintained customer records, reports, and operational documentation.
- Ensured adherence to quality assurance and regulatory standards.
Night Auditor
Motel 6
Raleigh
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Performed financial reconciliations, auditing, and reporting functions.
- Resolved accounting discrepancies and maintained accurate records.
- Trained new staff and provided exceptional guest services.
Telephone Banker
First Citizens Bank & Trust
Raleigh
05.2012 - 11.2014
- Assisted customers with banking products, loan applications, and account servicing.
- Coordinated with borrowers, underwriters, title companies, and attorneys.
- Facilitated consumer lending transactions and maintained regulatory compliance.
- Supported checking, savings, IRA, CD, and mortgage-related accounts.
Telephone Banker
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Columbia
05.2010 - 03.2012
- Handled inquiries related to consumer accounts, loans, and credit products.
- Processed payments, disputes, and account maintenance requests.
- Ensured compliance with banking regulations and privacy requirements.
Education
Organizational Leadership & Psychology
Monroe College
High School Diploma -
New Rochelle High School
Skills
- Housing Navigation & Placement
- Veteran & Homeless Services
- Housing Stability & Retention
- Landlord Relations & Outreach
- Client Advocacy & Case Coordination
- Real Estate & Housing Resources
- Customer Relationship Management
- Financial Services & Mortgage Knowledge
- Regulatory Compliance
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Conflict Resolution
- Community Engagement
Certification
- Licensed Realtor – HGAR Association
- NMLS Certified
- SAFE Act Certified
- HIPAA Compliant
- NC MMIS Certified
Additional Qualifications
- Extensive experience working directly with diverse populations and community stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of housing resources, real estate processes, and client advocacy.
- Knowledge of healthcare insurance guidelines, CPT, ICD-9, ICD-10, HCPCS 1500, and UB04.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Professional Highlights
- 12+ years of customer-facing experience across housing, banking, real estate, healthcare, and sales.
- Licensed Realtor with strong knowledge of housing placement and landlord engagement.
- Experienced advocate helping individuals overcome barriers to housing and financial stability.
- Proven ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and deliver client-centered solutions.
Timeline
Housing Specialist
HELP USA
03.2026 - Current
Account Associate
B&H Photo & Video
03.2022 - Current
Customer Service Representative
Delta Children’s Products
03.2019 - 07.2021
Sales Representative
Infinity Marketing
10.2017 - 12.2018
Team Lead
DataStaff / CSRA
10.2015 - 10.2017
Night Auditor
Motel 6
01.2015 - 01.2017
Telephone Banker
First Citizens Bank & Trust
05.2012 - 11.2014
Telephone Banker
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
05.2010 - 03.2012
Organizational Leadership & Psychology
Monroe College
High School Diploma -
New Rochelle High School