The Housing Specialist works closely with the Montgomery County PSHP Team and the management staff to ensure appropriate tracking and a timely response to all housing related issues. The Housing Specialist works closely with The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness and Montgomery County housing contracts. They will also be responsible for finding and securing apartments for additional housing contracts as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Locate and secure apartments in accordance with contract standards, HUD and, agency standards;
• Inspect all potential apartment units according to HUD housing quality standards;
• Remain current with HUD rules and regulations as it pertains to Pathways housing contracts;
• Update and maintain database (HMIS and Credible) to track referrals and leasing information for HUD contract;
• Work closely with Finance Department to ensure payment of security deposits and rents;
• Conduct Housing intakes (shared);
• Prepare statistical client reports on a monthly basis and more frequently upon request;
• Act as agency liaison with the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness; Related duties include, but are not limited to:
• provide weekly/as needed updates regarding status of intakes to ensure availability of apartments;
• facilitate coordination and ensure thorough completion of housing related paperwork;
• distribute weekly unit listings to PSH Teams and Program Director
• point of contact for The Community Partnership and landlords on matters related to issues, complaints, and concerns related to housing;
• review and submit all HCV, Section 8, and Shelter Plus Care applications;
• Submit all HCV and SPC required reports;
• Complete client applications for HUD subsidies (shared);
• Conduct pre-move in, move out, annual and random inspections as needed (shared);
• Maintain client subsidy files (shared);
• Liaison with landlords;
• Work with SPH Team to coordinate move-in efforts for new consumers, including:
• requests for security deposits;
• arranging lease signings
• rent determination
• setting up utilities
• Monitoring consumer maintenance concerns;
• Compilation and completion of home visit reports;
• Maintain consumer housing charts;
• Schedule appointments with various entities on an as needed basis;
• Conduct and schedule lease signings;
• Complete weekly reports as required;
• Represent Pathways to Housing DC at community events and informational meetings;
• Perform other related work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Non-credentialed individuals or consumers with appropriate experience may qualify;
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and other minority populations;
• Career experience in social services, supported housing, or with persons with disabilities;
• Significant experience working in housing services such as rental agent, public housing provider, property management, etc;
• Excellent communication, writing, and computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point);
• Team player and team builder;
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus;
• Drivers License required;