Reports To: Housing Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt or Exempt, based on organizational classification
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Miami, Florida
The Housing Specialist/Inspector is responsible for coordinating housing-related services for eligible clients participating in housing assistance programs, including HOPWA. This position assists clients with obtaining and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable housing; conducts eligibility screenings and recertifications; coordinates housing inspections; serves as a liaison between clients, landlords, case managers, and the City of Miami; and ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and program-specific requirements.
This role supports housing stability, retention in care, and positive health outcomes by ensuring clients are connected to appropriate housing resources, documentation is accurate and timely, and housing units meet applicable safety and habitability standards.
Coordinates with the City of Miami and applicable oversight entities regarding eligibility, approvals, housing assistance, household composition changes, income updates, rental adjustments, and terminations.
Ensures compliance with HOPWA requirements, agency policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.
Follows the HOPWA Policies and Procedures Manual and Empower “U” Community Health Center policies.
Prepares, submits, and tracks move-in, move-out, rental assistance, recertification, and termination packages.
Calculates utility allowances, tenant rent portions, and housing assistance payments.
Maintains an active caseload and ensures services are documented according to agency and funding standards.
Initiates recertification activities at least 120 days prior to certification expiration.
Conducts income verification, eligibility determinations, and annual recertifications.
Housing Inspections and Unit Monitoring
Coordinates and conducts housing inspections for move-ins, move-outs, and occupied units.
Arranges annual and special inspections as requested.
Requests emergency inspections when housing conditions are unsafe or noncompliant.
Conducts exit walk-through inspections and assists with security deposit documentation.
Conducts quarterly home visits to assess housing stability and review housing stability plans.
Documents inspection findings, deficiencies, corrective actions, landlord concerns, and follow-up activities.
Client Services and Housing Stability
Screens, certifies, and recertifies eligible clients within required timelines.
Conducts housing stability assessments and develops housing stability plans with the Ryan White Medical Case Manager or care team.
Provides program orientation, including rules, responsibilities, grievance procedures, and housing requirements.
Assists clients in identifying suitable housing options and understanding lease requirements.
Reviews leases for compliance with program standards.
Maintains monthly contact with clients to verify housing stability and occupancy.
Serves as a liaison between clients and Medical Case Managers to support retention in care and supportive services.
Maintains knowledge of community resources and referral options.
Meets with landlords and property owners to explain HOPWA requirements, inspections, and participation expectations.
Secures landlord participation agreements when appropriate.
Assists with resolving housing concerns, disputes, maintenance issues, and lease compliance matters.
Serves as a liaison among landlords, clients, Empower “U,” and the City of Miami HOPWA Program.
Assists with rental agreement discussions to ensure appropriate and sustainable housing arrangements.
Investigates program violations, misuse, abuse, or noncompliance involving clients or landlords.
Prepares summaries, documentation, and recommendations regarding corrective action or program termination when necessary.
Maintains accurate progress notes, inspection reports, eligibility records, recertifications, and supporting documentation.
Supports billing and reporting requirements through concurrent documentation in applicable systems, including Provide, EPIC, and client records.
Reports changes in household composition, income, assistance levels, eligibility, and terminations to required entities.
This position requires frequent interaction with clients, landlords, City of Miami representatives, Medical Case Managers, community partners, vendors, and internal staff. Professional communication, confidentiality, diplomacy, and sound judgment are required at all times.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field required.
Minimum two years of experience in housing services, case management, social services, inspections, homeless services, HOPWA, Ryan White programs, public health, community health, or a related field.
Experience working with individuals living with HIV/AIDS, housing instability, low-income households, or medically underserved populations strongly preferred.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of HOPWA, Ryan White supportive services, housing assistance, eligibility documentation, and recertification processes.
Ability to conduct inspections, home visits, and client assessments professionally.
Understanding of confidentiality, trauma-informed care, client rights, and cultural competency.
Ability to accurately calculate rent portions, utility allowances, and housing assistance.
Strong documentation, case note, reporting, and file maintenance skills.
Ability to work effectively with clients, landlords, agencies, case managers, and leadership.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain compliance.
Ability to identify housing risks, safety concerns, and stabilization needs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
Familiarity with Provide, EPIC, or similar systems preferred.
Ability to travel locally for inspections, home visits, and meetings.
Requires frequent hearing, speaking, telephone communication, computer use, sitting, driving, and in-person interaction. Occasional walking, standing, bending, and entry into residential units may be required. Work is performed in both office and community settings, including client homes and rental properties.
Participates in trainings, meetings, audits, quality improvement initiatives, and health center activities.
Maintains required certifications, trainings, and competencies.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Empower “U” Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
Employment may be subject to background screening, reference checks, exclusion checks, and other requirements applicable to healthcare, federally funded programs, and client-serving positions.
All employees are expected to maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards, comply with organizational policies, and support the mission of Empower “U” Community Health Center.
Must be able to pass Level I and Level II background checks as required.
Florida Clearinghouse: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Empower “U” Community Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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Empower “U”, Inc., d/b/a Empower U Community Health Center, is a registered nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center located in Miami-Dade County. Since 1999, Empower U has served as a trusted community healthcare anchor, providing affordable, compassionate, and comprehensive care to individuals and families regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The center offers primary care, pediatric care, dental services, behavioral health, psychiatric evaluations, chronic disease management, preventive screenings, immunizations, and supportive community services. Through its sliding fee scale, Empower U helps remove financial barriers so patients can access high-quality care at affordable rates. Empower U is committed to innovative, patient-centered care that promotes health, wellness, dignity, and access for the South Florida community.
