Housing Stabilization Specialist

Housing Stabilization Specialist

Classification: Full Time Exempt

Reports to: Manager, Prevention and Diversion

Program: Homeless Prevention

Department: Prevention and Diversion

Division: Adult and Family Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

About HopePHL™

HopePHL is the result of the joining of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI) in January 2023. Together, we achieved a greater impact in Philadelphia. HopePHL inspires Philadelphia's children, youth, families, and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being. We are looking for vibrant and compassionate people to join our team! Learn more at www.hopephl.org.

Summary:

The Housing Stability Specialist provides immediate support to individuals and families at risk of eviction or housing loss, helping them maintain current housing or secure alternative options through the Homeless Prevention Program. Working under the Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Services program, the Specialist assists a minimum of twenty-five (25) individuals and families at a given time. This position provides housing-related problem-solving, direct service navigation, and connection to community-based resources. The Specialist plays a critical role in preventing homelessness by identifying barriers to housing stability, facilitating access to rental assistance and supportive services, and coordinating closely with landlords, property managers, and partner organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engagement and Intake

Schedule and complete initial interviews within 5 business days of referral.

Upon review of program eligibility, conduct solution focused, trauma-informed intake assessments to understand participants’ housing situations and potential risk factors (e.g., income, benefits, employment, criminal history, health).

Complete a financial screening to determine eligibility and level of financial assistance needed.

Service Delivery

Provide short-term housing-focused case support and financial assistance to prevent eviction or loss of housing.

Assist participants with landlord engagement, conflict resolution, and retention strategies.

Support housing search efforts for households needing to relocate, in collaboration with the Housing Counselor.

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Connect participants to community resources such as legal aid, food programs, domestic violence support, employment services, and public benefits.

Collaborate closely with landlords, partner agencies, and internal programs to promote housing stability.

Landlord and Partner Coordination

Maintain proactive, ongoing communication with landlords and property managers to resolve housing issues, negotiate payment arrangements, and coordinate support.

Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to connect clients with wraparound services (e.g., legal assistance, employment support, child care, and behavioral health services).

Conduct regular follow-ups with clients and landlords to ensure the timely submission of all necessary paperwork.

Retrieve and organize required documentation from clients, landlords, and third parties to support service delivery and eligibility verification.

Documentation and Compliance

Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of all participant interactions in internal and external systems (e.g., CARES, HMIS).

Ensure that all required documentation is collected and case files remain audit-ready.

Meet all program and funder reporting requirements, including timely data entry and monthly deliverables.

Organize and track all paperwork, proactively following up with clients and landlords to ensure timely collection of necessary documents.

Uphold confidentiality and data security in compliance with agency, funder, and legal requirements.

Professional Expectations

Attend supervision bi-weekly and arrive prepared with updated case documentation.

Share weekly schedule with supervisor and maintain regular communication.

Attend all required team and agency meetings and adhere to agency attendance policies.

Perform other related duties as assigned to advance the mission and goals of HopePHL.

Core Competencies

Relationship Building

Problem Solving

Trauma-Informed Practice

Organizational Skills

Resource Navigation

Communication

Crisis Response

Documentation

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in social services or a related field

2 years of experience in housing assistance, human services, advocacy, or related direct service roles.

Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and housing-first principles.

Familiarity with rental housing systems, landlord engagement, and eviction prevention preferred.

Proficient with Microsoft Office, case management systems, and electronic documentation.

Work Environment:

This position is a hybrid (three days in the office, two remote), with flexible schedule options. Occasional travel to the offices of foundation officials or off-site locations will be required. The candidate for this position will routinely use computers, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other standard office equipment

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Physical Demands:

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

HopePHL is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19104