Housing Specialist Rental Assistance I/II

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

JOB SUMMARY:

The Housing Specialist, Rental Assistance (RA) I/II is responsible to provide initial and ongoing financial assessments, coordinating financial aspects and services to individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Proactively engages participants of the PSH program in a comprehensive array of financial aspects such as rental calculations and lease negotiations; works with served individual as well as members of housing team to secure and obtain critical financial documentation to formulate accurate rental subsidies; ensures housing adherence to rent reasonableness, and fair market standards for each service area; works with landlords to ensure reasonable accommodations as well will operate as liaison and support for individuals through lease negotiations; obtains income verification as well will engage individuals in re-evaluation based on program operation guidelines and will formulate rental violation notices, terminations and appeals. Position has responsible for being a liaison between property owners and PSH participants through providing financial assistance and guidance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Annually or as needed, gathers, organizes and synthesizes verified income documents to then properly formulate and complete rental calculations for subsidy payments.
• Communicate rental subsidy information to landlord, served individual and respective housing team, obtaining written verification and acknowledgement of subsidy from landlord (subsidy letter).
• In collaboration with Behavioral Health Housing Coordinator, oversees all financial aspects of subsidy payments, rental and utility security deposits, as well as utility back-payments (if applicable).
• Review and ensure legal viability of lease agreements; engage landlord and served individuals in lease negotiations as well ensures tenant comprehension of lease terms.
• In conjunction with Behavioral Health Housing Coordinator, work to reconcile any subsidy payment issue with landlord, tenant and administrative staff.
• Intervene and provide guidance in times of rent assistance violations, or terminations.
• If applicable, completes required paperwork for Auxiliary Grant funding, communicates with Department of Social Services (DSS), and track/record auxiliary grant payment information.
• Conduct High Quality Standard (HQS) inspections as assigned for potential and current leased properties annually and as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attend regular group or individual supervision as required.
• Provide high quality customer service, serving as a positive representative for the Agency.
• Provide direct interventions to build financial management skills, and daily/community living skills.
• Be available on short notice.
• Must maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Obtain ongoing understanding of Virginia landlord/tenant laws.
• Complete SOAR certification and assist individuals as assigned.
• Perform such other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of general principles of accounting.
• Strong ability to manage diverse duties and multiple priorities.
• Effective oral and written communication; knowledge of general principles of recordkeeping.
• Functions and contributes as a member of a treatment team.

Job Requirements

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Housing Specialist I (Level NE10):

High school diploma or equivalent education GED required.

Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) is preferred, as defined by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Services Office of Licensing.

Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Housing Specialist II (Level NE12):

Bachelor’s degree is required.

Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) is preferred, as defined by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Services Office of Licensing.

Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.