HOUSING SPECIALIST

Essential Job Responsibilities

Coordinates with the City of Miami. Responsible for upholding policies as outlined in the HOPWA Policies and Procedures Manual. Computes utility allowances, tenant rent and housing assistance. Submits package to City for client approval and approves moving-in/out when authorization from City is received. Investigates alleged incidents of program rule violations and/or abuse by clients or landlords. Ensures that re-certification process begins at least ninety (120) days prior of expiration of certification date. Reports to the City of Miami, changes to client's household composition and income; adjustments to rental assistance and client terminations. Coordinates with Landlords Meets with property owners and interested property owners to review Federal and local HOPWA rules and regulations, program paperwork and secure owner's written agreement to participate in the program when appropriate. Assists clients with identifying suitable housing and negotiating rental agreements, including reviewing lease for compliance with federal, state and local laws. Assists tenants and landlords in resolution of housing-related issues as appropriate and serves as a liaison between the landlord and the City of Miami HOPWA program. Requests emergency inspections when conditions are considered to be unsafe. Performs exit walk through to ensure that the client's deposit is returned to client and/or City of Miami upon client's move. Coordinates Housing Services Maintains an average annual active caseload as required by manager. Screens, certifies and re-certifies prospective clients/current clients for entry into or continuation in the HOPWA long-term rental assistance program within program timeframes. Conducts income verifications and eligibility determinations based on City requirements for certification/recertification yearly. Performs client's orientation to the program including rules and expectations, obligations and rights including grievance processes (both Care Resource's and City of Miami's). Arranges and monitors inspection of properties for clients that are moving in/out or upon client's request and coordinates annual inspections. Conducts initial housing stability assessments, develops housing stability plan as a result in concert with the Ryan White Case management plan. Acts as liaison between client and Medical Case Manager to ensure client's continued housing stability and access to necessary services. Makes monthly contact with clients to ensure continued client occupancy, well-being and good relationships with landlord and neighbors. Conducts quarterly home visits to monitor client's housing stability and condition of housing unit and assist the client in reviewing and updating his/her housing plan. Prepares chronology and supporting documentation regarding continuation or termination of participation in the program in event of program rule violations by either client or landlord. Maintains progress notes and progress reviews in client records as specified in agency policy, program guidelines and performance standards. Maintains comprehensive knowledge of community services in order to apply knowledge of services to individual client needs. Supports billing through concurrent documentation of service provided and budget activities as required (i.e. reconciling billing across data systems including: Provide, CareWare, CASEWATCH and client records). Culture of Service: 3 C's Compassion Greets internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) with courtesy, making eye contact, responding with a proper tone and nonverbal language. Listens to the internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) attentively, reassuring and understanding of the request and providing appropriate options or resolutions. Competency Provides services required by following established protocols and when needed, procure additional help to answer questions to ensure appropriate services are delivered Commitment Takes initiative and anticipates internal or external customer needs by engaging them in the process and following up as needed Prioritize internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) requests to ensure the prompt and effective response is provided Safety Ensures proper handwashing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Understands and appropriately acts upon the assigned role in Emergency Code System. Understands and performs assigned roles in the organization's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

Travel Required

Yes. Own transportation is required. Local travel as needed.

Skills

Achievement Expert Caring Expert Checking for Accuracy Expert Collaboration Expert Comforting Expert Commitment Expert Compassion Expert Continuous Learning Expert Cooperation Expert Coordination Expert Courteous Expert Customer Service Expert Documentation Expert Integrity Expert Interpersonal Skills Expert Microsoft Office Expert Multitasking Expert Patience Expert Planning & Organizing Expert Problem solving Expert Telephone Expert Verbal Communication Expert Written Communication Expert

Behaviors

Team Player: Works well as a member of a group Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Education

Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field.

Experience

2 years: Two years of related experience are required. One year of HIV/AIDS experience is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

HIV 501 Certified HIV 500 Certified HIV 104 Certified