Position: Eligibility Specialist - HPS
Location: San Jose, CA
Reports to: Program Manager
Status: Regular, Full Time, Non-Exempt
Compensation: $32.20 Hourly
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
OUR VALUES
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Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
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Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
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Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The goal of the program is to support households experiencing or at risk of homelessness through rental assistance administration (RAPA). The Eligibility Specialist – RAPA Programs is responsible for completing enrollment, eligibility determination, and ongoing compliance activities to ensure participants meet program and funding requirements.
This role supports the timely processing of enrollment documentation, income verification, recertifications, and required notices, ensuring all activities are completed in accordance with agency, funder, and regulatory standards.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
This role reports to the Program Manager.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Services (70%)
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Complete participant enrollment processes, including collection and review of all required documentation
- Verify eligibility in accordance with program and funding requirements (CoC, ESG, HOME-ARP, and other applicable sources)
- Conduct income verification and calculate participant rent portions, as applicable
- Prepare and issue required eligibility documentation and participant notices, including approvals, denials, and terminations
- Ensure all eligibility documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant prior to the issuance of financial assistance
- Track and complete recertifications, interim income adjustments, and program updates within required timelines
- Coordinate with Housing Navigators and program staff to ensure alignment between eligibility and rental assistance processes
- Maintain communication with participants to obtain missing documentation and ensure timely processing
Documentation (20%)
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Maintain thorough, accurate records of eligibility and enrollment activities in HMIS, as required by grant contracts and internal compliance
- Document all eligibility-related activities within required timelines
- Maintain all other case file paperwork and documentation, including eligibility verification and notices
- Support file reviews, audits, and monitoring requirements
General (10%)
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Attend all meetings and trainings relevant to the position, including program and agency-wide sessions
- Assist with other duties as assigned
- Know and implement agency and program policies and procedures
- Maintain professional relationships and conduct at all times
QUALITIES:
The Eligibility Specialist is passionate about serving others and is committed to supporting participants through accurate and timely enrollment and eligibility processes. They have a strong attention to detail and are able to review and verify documentation while maintaining compliance with program requirements.
They are highly organized and manage their time effectively, balancing multiple deadlines and priorities. They demonstrate accountability in completing tasks and maintaining accurate records, and are able to problem-solve when documentation is incomplete or discrepancies arise.
With the support of program leadership, the Eligibility Specialist participates in our culture of learning and increases their knowledge of program requirements, compliance standards, and best practices over the course of their employment. Together, we model the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community.
HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Eligibility Specialist seeks to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. They are a collaborative member of the team and contribute to a supportive and team-oriented work environment.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
QUALIFICAIONS
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People with lived experience of homelessness are encouraged to apply
- One year of experience in human services required
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field preferred
- Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to be approved under the agency’s vehicle insurance policy required
- Ability to travel throughout Santa Clara County to conduct unit inspections and landlord coordination activities
- Bilingual in Spanish and/or bicultural preferred
