Housing Specialist - Srap; State Rental Assistance Program

Housing Specialist - SRAP

Housing Specialist – SRAP (State Rental Assistance Program)

Hourly Rate: $20 - $22

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Encompass Community Supports, formerly known as Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services (RRCS) is hiring a Housing Specialist – State Rental Assistant Program (SRAP). Encompass Community Supports is a Virginia State community services organization that improves the quality of life in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock Counties by providing comprehensive mental health, substance use, developmental disability, housing, children's, and aging services. As an organization of almost 400 employees and more than 80 programs, we lead with integrity and excellence and embrace collaboration, accountability, and innovation to respond to the ever-changing needs of our community.

Our non-profit organization qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, allowing eligible employees to potentially receive student loan forgiveness. ECS is also a registered site for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment plan.

Our benefits are highly competitive and include:

• Low employee cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 17 PTO days
• Enrollment in VA State pension and retirement plan
• Employee training and educational opportunities
• Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Plan
• Flexible Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

At Encompass Community Supports, our full-time employees work 37.5 hours weekly.

Our SRAP (State Rental Assistance Program) Housing Specialist administers rental subsidies for individuals with developmental disabilities in Virginia, often within the DOJ Settlement Agreement population. They manage caseloads, determine eligibility, calculate rent/utilities, and coordinate with landlords, acting as a bridge between consumers and housing stability. Work is performed under regular supervision. Reports to Housing Supervisor.

• Completes housing assessments by describing housing options and program, explaining lease and lease requirements, helping individuals understand rental subsidies and requirements as well as complete housing applications, and providing initial lease negotiations.
• Works with Support Services and families to locate and secure appropriate affordable housing, engaging with potential landlords, meeting and building relationships with private landlords and property managers throughout the community, and advocating with landlords on behalf of clients.
• Perform duties relating to the State Rental Assistance program by working in collaboration with Support Coordinators to ensure a smooth transition into permanent supportive housing.
  
  Maintains a supportive relationship with participants to assist them in sustaining permanent housing.
  
  Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing "client centered services" with all staff members participating in the program.
• Performs initial, annual and any special inspections for the SRAP program.
• Performs reviews of the rental assistance and tenant rent amounts.

• Complete all appropriate reports in a timely basis.
• Enter all housing data into housing database. Maintain and update information in a timely fashion. Keep database program compliant.
• Performs other duties as assigned including ability to cross train in other programs.

Knowledge of tenant's rights and responsibilities and Fair Housing practices. Knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords. Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills; strong organizational skill with ability to meet a demanding workload. Ability to adapt to different situations and environments. Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served. Ability to establish and set appropriate limits with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers and professionals. Knowledge of MS Office, to include Word and Excel and Housing Property Management Software a plus.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or associate degree in related field.
• At least one year of experience in housing rental assistance or related field.

Preferred:

• Experience with HUD and/or knowledge of housing quality standards preferred.

• This work light…