Housing Specialist

The Delaware HIV Consortium (DHC) works to improve the lives of people living with and vulnerable to HIV through leadership, services, and advocacy. Founded in 1991, DHC has a long history of serving as one of the State of Delaware's primary administrators of services for people living with- and vulnerable to HIV. By collaborating with community partners and by providing direct programs itself, DHC ensures that Delawareans living with HIV have access to support services necessary to access and maintain engagement with HIV medical care, that those at-risk for HIV understand what risk reduction option are available and that they maintain the freedom to choose the strategy or strategies that is best for them, that the diverse stakeholders of Delaware’s HIV community are organized and prepared to advocate for their collective best interest, and that the wider community has the educational resources required to work to end Delaware’s HIV epidemic. In 2023, DHC had an operating budget of $3.6 million, and offered a comprehensive continuum of direct HIV prevention, care, educational and advocacy services including: HIV testing, HIV prevention education, condom distribution, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Navigation, HIV community and system planning, HIV case management, tenant-based rental assistance, emergency financial assistance, emergency food and hygiene services, and prescription copay assistance. DHC provides services statewide through offices in Wilmington and Milford, Delaware.

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This role provides administrative support to ensure the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) is operating effectively. The position focuses on supporting the day-to-day functions of the program, including maintaining client records, coordinating communication between all parties involved in the program, and ensuring clients are able to access the services they need.

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DHAP Responsibilities: (Primary Focus)

• Coordinate and track the status of clients within DHAP, ensuring that the program is functioning smoothly.
• Activate clients from the wait list into the program, reviewing program eligibility, calculating rent subsidies, reviewing leases, and assisting with the housing placement process.
• Maintain and update client records, including eligibility documentation and housing placements.
• Manage communications with clients, landlords, case managers, and other service providers to ensure timely processing and delivery of services.
• Assist in the preparation and management of client intake, ongoing documentation, and eligibility recertification processes.
• Ensure accurate data entry and maintenance of housing program databases and records.
• Perform ongoing administrative tasks, such as scheduling meetings, sending reminders, and following up on client progress.

Transition Planning:

• Explore available housing resources through outreach and engagement with Delaware’s affordable housing providers, including public housing authorities and subsidized apartment complexes, private landlords, and property managers.
• Meeting with DHAP program participants to create customized housing transition plans that would ensure a seamless exit from the DHAP program to other suitable housing.
• Guide program participants through the application process for alternative housing options.
• Contact clients regularly to track progress in their transition plans.
• Communicate regularly with case managers, landlords, property managers, and others who provide services that promote housing stability.
• Report on transition outcomes.

Client Support and Reporting:

• Distribute information regarding housing options to clients seeking assistance in Delaware.
• Ensure clients are being supported in their housing applications and provide assistance with understanding program requirements.
• Track and report on client progress and other program outcomes to ensure compliance with program goals and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of a High school diploma or GED equivalent required, with knowledge of and experience with housing assistance programs, and a minimum of 2 years of experience providing direct social services.
• Strong understanding of housing issues, homeless prevention strategies and available resources.
• Familiarity with local housing markets, rental laws and relevant regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of HUD housing standards and compliance regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Dependable and flexible, with a strong work ethic and personal integrity, as well as possessing the ability to maintain a high level of confidence.
• Dependable & flexible as well as possessing the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Physical demands are minimal and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations.
• Work environment is representative and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations.
• May be required to move materials weighing up to fifteen pounds.

Special Conditions:

• DHAP is a statewide program, and as such, requires statewide travel. The person holding this position must hold a valid driver’s license and have a reliable vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is offered for appropriate work-related travel.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $41,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $38,000 - $41,000