Program Specialist (Rental Subsidy & Services Program)

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire a Program Specialist to join our Community Housing team's Rental Subsidy & Services Program (RSSP)! In this role, you will provide essential administrative and operational support to a program that helps individuals and families who have experienced homelessness obtain and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.

You will coordinate program intake, eligibility, enrollment, rental assistance, and administrative processes while working closely with participants, landlords, case managers, and community partners to ensure timely and effective services.

Why This Role Matters: Stable housing is essential to individual and family well-being and long-term stability. As a Program Specialist, you will play an important role in ensuring that eligible individuals and families receive timely housing assistance by coordinating enrollment, supporting accurate eligibility determinations, and maintaining efficient program operations. Your work will help strengthen housing stability, improve access to essential resources, and support individuals and families throughout Northern Virginia.

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

This position has a starting salary in the mid to upper high 40s and is a hybrid role.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

Coordinate Program Intake, Eligibility, and Enrollment

• Conduct initial screenings, intake interviews, and eligibility assessments to determine program eligibility and identify participant needs.
• Review and process applications, gather and verify required documentation, and coordinate timely enrollment into housing assistance services.
• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility in accordance with program guidelines, funding requirements, and agency policies.
• Conduct periodic eligibility reviews and recertifications to ensure continued compliance with program requirements.
• Explain program services, eligibility requirements, participant rights and responsibilities, and appeal procedures to clients.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-ups with participants, case managers, and community partners to support a smooth enrollment process.
  
  

Manage Rental Assistance and Financial Processes

• Calculate and process monthly rental subsidies and other authorized financial assistance in accordance with program requirements.
• Review leases, rental information, participant contributions, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and submit rental assistance, utility, security deposit, and other eligible payment requests for approval and processing.
• Collaborate with landlords, case managers, Finance, and program leadership to resolve payment discrepancies and administrative concerns.
• Track financial assistance and subsidy activity to support accurate records, budget monitoring, and program reporting.
  
  

Maintain High-Quality Program Operations

• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records, eligibility documentation, and program databases, including HMIS and Apricot.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, payment requests, and other administrative documents.
• Monitor program deadlines and ensure timely processing of applications, financial assistance requests, and required documentation.
• Support program reporting, data quality reviews, audits, monitoring visits, and other compliance activities.
• Collaborate with internal NVFS teams, Fairfax County, landlords, and community partners to support coordinated program operations.
• Assist with program meetings, trainings, workshops, and administrative process improvements.
  
  

Your Background: We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field preferred.
• At least one (1) year of related work experience in program support, eligibility determination, financial assistance, housing, or client or case coordination preferred.
• Experience handling confidential information and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, and program guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a diverse client base, landlords, government representatives, and community partners.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and accounting principles used in eligibility calculations.
• Ability to assess client situations, identify discrepancies, and determine appropriate actions in accordance with established eligibility guidelines.
• Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn HMIS, Apricot 360, and other electronic databases.
• Oral and written fluency in English required; bilingual fluency in Spanish or other client languages a plus. Additional language skills always welcome.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks upon hire.
• Work is primarily performed in an office and remote environment, with occasional travel to community locations, agency offices, and meetings.
  
  

Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.