Centralized Wait List Specialist

Centralized Wait List Specialist

We are seeking a dynamic professional to serve as a Centralized Wait List Specialist in our Leased Housing Department. This position administers the Centralized Wait List (CWL) for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) in compliance with all applicable federal (HUD) and state regulations. The Centralized Wait List Specialist provides operational and administrative support for CWL management in accordance with program requirements and the memorandum of understanding between the Public Housing Authorities of Rhode Island (PHARI) and participating member agencies.

This is a hybrid position based in Providence, Rhode Island, where you will be an integral part of our Leased Housing team. The role is designed for face-to-face collaboration and direct involvement in our office environment.

What you'll do daily:

• CWL Operations & Data Management: Manage the daily operations and maintenance of the centralized wait list, including updating applicant records, maintaining the CWL database, and preparing required reports for internal and external partners.
• Annual Waitlist Updates: Collaborate with the Housing Choice Voucher Program Supervisor to conduct the annual update of project-based and Housing Choice Voucher waitlists, confirming applicant interest and eligibility.
• Partner Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact for PHARI and participating agencies regarding CWL requests, approvals, updates, and procedural guidance.
• Training & Technical Assistance: Develop training materials, user guides, and reference tools; deliver training sessions to PHARI partners; and monitor partner selections to ensure accurate waitlist outcomes.
• Public Education & Outreach: Educate applicants and community members on how to access and navigate the waitlist; represent the agency at presentations, resource fairs, and community events.
• Professional Standards: Maintain a positive and professional presence, manage competing priorities effectively, and work independently to complete assigned tasks in a dynamic environment.

What you'll bring to the team:

• Apply a thorough understanding of Housing Choice Voucher Program wait-list regulations and stay current with federal and state policy changes to ensure compliant and effective CWL operations.
• Provide excellent customer service to applicants and the community at large, offering education on the centralized waitlist at events, trainings, and meetings with external agencies.
• Compile special reports and perform special projects as assigned.

What success looks like in this position:

• Three years of experience with Yardi or other similar platforms
• Three years of experience in HUD, assisted housing, and/or property management is preferred but not required
• Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy working environment
• Bilingual, Spanish-speaking, required

Why RIHousing:

• Mission-Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of "Best Places to Work" 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 2026
• Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Worksite Health Award 2013 2025
• PBN's Healthiest Employers of RI 2025

About RIHousing:

RIHousing works to ensure that all people who live in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs. RIHousing provides loans, grants, education, and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build, and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a self-sustaining corporation and receives no state funding for operations.