Human Services Specialist III-Housing Initiative Programs (6619)

Overview Of Athena

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability, and getting the job done.

Department: Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – SEPH

Program: Housing Initiative Programs (HIP)

Location: 1301 Piccard Drive, 4th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850

Employment Type: Full-Time, Contract (40 hours per week)

Assignment Period: Funded through June 30, 2026

Rate: $25.00/hr

Travel Eligible: Yes

Telework Eligible: No

Overtime Eligible: Yes

Position Overview

ATHENA Consulting is seeking a qualified Human Services Specialist III to support Montgomery County’s Housing Initiative Programs (HIP) within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), SEPH division.

This position is responsible for determining eligibility for housing assistance programs serving low-income, vulnerable households in accordance with Federal, State, and County regulations. The role requires strong knowledge of landlord-tenant rights, housing inspections, and housing program compliance standards.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Eligibility Determination & Benefits Calculation
• Determine eligibility for Housing Initiative Programs (HIP) by reviewing household documentation and adhering to Federal, State, and County regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Calculate monthly income and determine benefit amounts using established regulatory formulas and criteria.
• Prepare correspondence notifying applicants of eligibility status and requesting required documentation.
• Client Communication & Appeals Support
• Communicate eligibility decisions, customer rights, and program requirements to applicants.
• Respond to customer appeals and complaints by reviewing pertinent facts and taking corrective action when necessary.
• Data Management & Record Maintenance
• Enter client data into multiple databases and spreadsheet applications.
• Maintain accurate and compliant client records.
• Housing Coordination & Landlord Engagement
• Work with HIP participants and the HIP Service Coordinator to match participant needs and preferences with appropriate housing units.
• Identify housing that meets participant needs and complies with County Rental Code, rent reasonableness standards, housing availability standards, and lead-based paint requirements.
• Contact landlords and property management companies to facilitate tenant placement.
• Move-In/Move-Out & Compliance Support
• Facilitate expedited move-in and move-out processes.
• Conduct HIP inspections and collect security deposits.
• Ensure submission of all required HIP documentation.
• Apply knowledge of residential lease agreements to educate clients on their rights and responsibilities.
  

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Rights
• Experience with Unit Inspections
• Strong understanding of housing program regulations and compliance requirements
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines
• Proficiency in database and spreadsheet applications
  
  

Successful Athena Employees Will

• Strive to be the best in their field
• Represent ATHENA with professionalism
• Approach challenges with solutions
• Be proactive and accountable
• Deliver excellent customer service
• Work well in diverse, mission-driven teams
• BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR ATHENA
  
  

Supportive Team Environment

A professional, committed team dedicated to your success.

Health & Wellness Coverage

• Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligible after 60 days)
• Long- and short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Supplemental insurance through LLH (via Recuro)
• Recuro virtual health services (free)
• Pet insurance
• Financial Benefits
• 401(k) with employer match (eligible to contribute after 4 months, on the 1st of the following month)
• Paid Time Off
• 15 days PTO accrued weekly
• PTO covers vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Recognized Unpaid Holidays (PTO optional)
  
  

New Year’s Day

MLK Jr. Day

Presidents’ Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Tools and Resources

• Employee self-service HR portal
• Paid weekly
• Medical and dependent FSA accounts
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  
  

This posting describes the general nature and scope of work expected. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request. Employment with ATHENA Consulting LLC is at-will.

ATHENA Consulting LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any category protected by law.