Housing Specialist

Description

The Housing Specialist is responsible for meeting the needs of The Independence Center (The IC)’s housing program consumers. This includes engaging with voucher program participants and other stakeholders, increasing consumer access to state and federal housing assistance, and advocating for affordable and accessible housing in our community.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Maintain a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and cross-disability perspectives, ensuring all coworkers and service users feel known, valued, and included.

· Accept incoming referrals for new housing participants, input them into the state system, and schedule and conduct applicant briefings to complete necessary paperwork and explain program rules.

· Determine eligibility for housing voucher holders and efficiently manage an active caseload, ensuring participants receive appropriate support.

· Maintain consistent communication and build strong relationships with participants, families, landlords/property managers, Division of Housing, IC staff, VA system case managers, and other partner agencies to support housing participants effectively.

· Complete all accurate documentation for the Division of Housing within specified timelines and promptly enter relevant actions into the ELITE system to meet State regulatory requirements, to include annual recertifications ensuring continued eligibility. 

· Attend Division of Housing educational webinars, affiliated partner meetings, tenant conferences, and Independent Center required meetings, trainings, and events to stay informed and engaged.

· Engage in regular email and verbal communication with participants, families, and other stakeholders to provide continual support and enhance access to housing and related services.

· Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership.

· Punctuality and consistent attendance are essential for maintaining operations efficiency, contributing to your team, and fostering a positive work environment.

· This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.

· Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

· Extraordinary customer service skills.

· Effective communication skills.

· Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.

· Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.

· Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.

· Takes responsibility for high-quality work.

· Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.

· Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

· The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.

· Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

Education and Experience:

· High School diploma or equivalent.

· Three or more years of experience working in case management or a related field. 

· Knowledge of housing accessibility standards preferred.

· Certified for Colorado Division of Housing HQS Inspector Certification Exam or willing and able to be certified upon hire.

· Experience managing housing vouchers preferred.

· Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.

· Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

· Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC related business and events may be required.

· Must have reliable transportation

Working Conditions:

· Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.

· Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 

· Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.