A career at SupportWorks Housing, formerly Virginia Supportive Housing is a choice. We are here because we are driven to make a difference. We serve our most vulnerable neighbors by removing the barriers that have prevented them from maintaining stable housing, health, and wellness. We meet people where they are and treat them with dignity and respect. We support them through their unique challenges and traumas resulting from homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We give them support even when they don't know they need it. We don't give up.
This work can be hard, but the impact is real. If you are committed, caring and resilient and looking to make a difference, a career at SupportWorks is for you.
The Role: Housing Specialist, HomeLink
What You'll Do: You'll support participants in SupportWorks' scattered-site permanent supportive housing programs in obtaining and maintaining safe, affordable, and stable permanent housing. You'll coordinate housing navigation, landlord engagement, housing placement, inspections, recertifications, rent calculations, moves and relocations, and other housing-related activities in close collaboration with participants, case managers, landlords, property managers, and community partners.
-
Complete comprehensive housing barrier assessments and develop individualized housing plans with program participants.
-
Assist participants with identifying housing preferences, addressing barriers, and developing realistic strategies for securing and maintaining permanent housing.
-
Assist participants with locating, applying for, and securing safe, affordable, and appropriate permanent housing - applications, lease-up, move-in, transfers, relocations, and other housing transitions.
-
Develop and maintain productive relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community partners to expand housing opportunities for participants.
-
Conduct required intake, housing, eligibility, and annual/interim recertification activities in accordance with program and funder requirements.
-
Calculate rent/rental assistance based on income changes, recertification, rent changes, and program requirements, maintain eligibility documentation.
-
Conduct, coordinate, and document housing inspections in accordance with applicable HUD and program standards.
-
Complete documentation in HMIS and other required systems in accordance with HUD, funder, and SupportWorks requirements.
What We Offer: A comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision plans starting after one month of employment. Short term/long term disability and life insurance at no cost, plus voluntary life insurance. An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and a 403b retirement plan with a company match. A generous PTO plan including vacation, sick and personal days, and 14 paid holidays!
What you'll bring to SupportWorks:
-
Bachelor's degree and professional experience in housing counseling and property management preferred
-
One year's experience working with low-income and/or homeless adults required
-
HQS inspection training/certification within 3 months of hire
-
Knowledge of homeless population, resources, and Fair Housing and Tenant-Landlord laws preferred
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet SupportWorks driving requirements is required, ability to travel locally
-
Good computer skills, with working knowledge of the primary Microsoft Office programs
-
Good human relation skills with a demonstrated ability to deal with landlords, collateral agencies, residents, site personnel, regional support services staff, property managers and owners, inspectors, volunteers, peers, and supervisor
-
Detailed oriented with the ability to plan, prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
