What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA SOUTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA?
Title: Housing Coordinator (HOPWA)
Summary
The Housing Coordinator – HOPWA is responsible for coordinating housing assistance services for persons living with HIV/AIDS through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program. This position oversees participant eligibility, housing inspections, recertifications, rental assistance, landlord engagement, housing placement, and program compliance to promote housing stability and successful housing outcomes. The Housing Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between participants, landlords, community partners, and agency staff while ensuring compliance with HOPWA regulations and agency policies.
Position Type
Exempt or Non-Exempt/Full Time or Part Time
Essential Functions
- Coordinate the day-to-day administration of the HOPWA Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program.
- Determine participant eligibility and complete enrollment and recertification activities in accordance with program requirements.
- Maintain participant files, waiting lists, and housing records to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Conduct housing inspections and review leases, income documentation, and supporting records for compliance with HOPWA regulations and agency policies.
- Calculate participant rent portions and subsidy amounts in accordance with program guidelines.
- Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers, including a preferred landlord network.
- Coordinate rental assistance payments and maintain required payment and program documentation.
- Prepare reports and supporting documentation for audits, monitoring visits, and program reviews.
- Collaborate with the Housing Case Manager and community partners to support participant housing stability.
- Ensure compliance with HOPWA regulations, agency policies, and confidentiality requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Competencies
1. Communication Proficiency
2. Accountability for Others
3. Balanced Decision Making
4. Leading Others
5. Flexibility
6. Initiative
7. Analysis of Data
8. Problem Management
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field required. Experience in housing services, rental assistance, supportive housing, or grant-funded programs is preferred, particularly HOPWA or other HUD-funded programs. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a valid driver's license with reliable transportation are required.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit, use hands, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee can sometimes be exposed to weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Other Duties
Please note 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.
Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefit package to include: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 403-B Pension Plan, Short and Long Term Disability Insurances, Life Insurance, paid annual holidays, Vacation and Sick leave.
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, Inc. considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any legally protected status. We will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.