What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at Madison Avenue Support Services, Inc.?
Job Title: Housing Specialist – HUD-VASH Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview:
Madison Avenue Support Services, Inc. (MASS) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Housing Specialist to support the HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program in Washington, D.C. The Housing Specialist will assist veterans experiencing homelessness in securing and maintaining permanent housing by building relationships with landlords, navigating housing resources, and supporting the voucher process.
Key Responsibilities:
- Housing Coordination: Assist veterans in identifying and securing suitable housing units that meet HUD-VASH program requirements.
- Landlord Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with property owners, landlords, and property management companies to expand housing options for veterans.
- Voucher Assistance: Support veterans with completing rental applications, submitting housing voucher paperwork, and understanding tenant responsibilities.
- Inspections Coordination: Coordinate housing inspections with local housing authorities to ensure units meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
- Case Collaboration: Work closely with HUD-VASH case managers and VA staff to address barriers to housing and provide ongoing support for housing stability.
- Resource Navigation: Assist veterans with accessing rental assistance programs, security deposit programs, and other housing-related resources.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of housing placements, landlord contacts, and services provided in accordance with VA and HUD requirements.
- Tenant Education: Provide housing counseling to veterans, including lease education, budgeting, and conflict resolution.
- Crisis Support: Assist in resolving housing-related crises, such as eviction prevention and mediation with landlords.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field. The degree must be in the Social Sciences.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing services, property management, or case management. Experience working with HUD-VASH or veteran populations is preferred.
- Skills: Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to mediate landlord-tenant issues.
- Licensure: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for housing searches and landlord meetings.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with veterans or vulnerable populations.
- Knowledge of Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and fair housing laws.
- Experience building and maintaining landlord databases.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
EDUCATION:
- Minimum Bachelors in Social Sciences
TECHNOLOGY SKIL.LS:
- Microsoft Office Suite.
We’re looking for candidates that:
- Demonstrate the ability to work with a wide variety of landlords and property management companies
- Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent and multiple case management and health needs
- Work just as well independently as on a team
- Exercise mature judgement, and are highly motivated, self-starting and proactive
- Are excellent at communicating, whether in writing or verbally
- Have a strong sense of prioritization and can coordinate multiple demands in a high-pressure environment
NOTE: Important information to know before applying:
- YOU WILL NOT BE DOING CASE MANAGEMENT. YOU'LL STRICTLY BE LOCATING PERMENANT HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETS.
- WE'RE LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE BUT ARE WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT PERSON.
- If you don't put down interview times, your resume will be automatically rejected.
- Interviews will be in person.
- This is not a remote/hybrid position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.00 - $35.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $32 - $35