Housing Specialist

About Us

Action Wellness started as ActionAIDS in 1986 when a group of dedicated volunteers came together to support their community at the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Today, staff provide a range of trauma-informed services to help persons with HIV and individuals with substance use disorders at risk of acquiring HIV achieve physical, emotional and economic well-being.

Job Summary

The Housing Specialist provides comprehensive direct services to individuals and families facing housing instability. This includes identifying housing resources, navigating homeless services, and assisting with rental and utility assistance programs. The role also serves as a key support for clients residing in subsidized housing, helping them maintain stable housing, set goals toward permanent housing, and monitor progress. The Housing Specialist works collaboratively with clients and service partners to promote housing security and long-term self-sufficiency.

Essential Functions

• Conduct intake and face-to-face needs assessments with clients, collecting eligibility documentation including verification of disability, proof of homelessness, housing demographics, and informed consent.
• Collaborate with clients and their support teams to develop individualized housing plans, while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Consult with homeless service providers during intake to enroll clients, expedite transfer requests and for discharge planning.
• Provide specialized housing counseling and advocacy for individuals who are disabled due to HIV disease, who identify housing as a primary concern, managing an active caseload.
• Assist clients in locating housing within local Fair Market Rent guidelines, and connect them to housing services, utility assistance programs, and budget counseling.
• Monitor rental and utility payments monthly, reassessing client needs and adjusting plans as appropriate.
• Engage with landlords to support lease negotiations, lease signing and housing inspections.
• Complete required rental calculations, program agreements, lease addendums, annual re-certifications, along with rental suitability where applicable.
• Ensure all client contacts, referrals, and service documentation are completed in accordance with timelines outlined in the Direct Service Policy and Procedure Manual and funding requirements.
• Provide training to Action Wellness staff and volunteers on housing-related topics, and maintain updated agency resources on housing and utility programs.
• Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities, housing programs, and available resources.
• Offer referrals and educational support to clients and their families as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local housing providers, community development organizations, and public housing agencies at the city and state level.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing resources, benefits, and entitlements to effectively refer clients and advocate for their needs.
• Meet the agency’s minimum standard of 450 units of service per month (measured in 15-minute increments).
• Complete all intake documentation in Case Worthy and HMIS, along with related paperwork within 24 hours of client encounters.
• Maintain and document minimum required contact with each client on the caseload, following agency standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized documentation in both hard copy and electronic formats using CaseWorthy and ClientTrack/HMIS systems, in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Complete all required check requests, monthly reports, and progress notes, ensuring compliance with reporting standards and deadlines.
• Provide intake coverage as assigned, supporting seamless access to housing services for new and returning clients.
• Participate in staff and supervisory meetings at Action Wellness.
• Attend required trainings and professional development sessions through OHS, DHCD, DHH, HUD, and other relevant entities.
• Actively participate in weekly individual supervision meetings to review cases and receive guidance.
• Engage in monthly group supervision meetings to support collaboration and case review.
• Attend required agency meetings, including Direct Service, In-Service, General Staff meetings, as well as outside provider meetings. 
• Participate in CoC mandated activities, such as the unsheltered Point in time count 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Urban Studies, Public Health, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree preferred, especially in Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or Public Administration.
• Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of experience providing direct services in housing counseling, case management, or advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Prior experience conducting home inspections, lease negotiations, and landlord engagement is highly desirable.

 EEO and ADA Statement

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

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employee(s) with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Work Location, Hybrid Information, and Salary

Based out of our Center City office, Hybrid remote after 90 days 

Full time, Non-Exempt, Salary range: $44,000-49,000