Housing Specialist

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist plays a critical role in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in achieving their housing goals and living successfully in the community. The Housing Specialist provides individualized housing navigation, tenancy support, housing stabilization, and advocacy services while promoting self-determination, independence, and community inclusion.

• Meet with individuals and support teams to identify housing goals, needs, and preferences.
• Develop individualized housing support plans.
• Assist with housing applications, documentation collection, and eligibility processes.
• Monitor housing waitlists and communicate with housing authorities.
• Support housing searches, property viewings, lease processes, and move‑in activities.
• Conduct tenancy training and housing stabilization services.
• Complete all required documentation and reports.
• Collaborate with DDA, landlords, property managers, support coordinators, and community partners.
• Maintain compliance with all organizational, Medicaid, DDA, and housing program requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, training activities, and quality assurance reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Housing Services, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Maryland housing assistance programs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and case management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

• Experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of Maryland DDA waiver services.
• Experience in housing navigation, tenancy support, or community-based case management.

• Person-Centered Thinking
• Advocacy
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Cultural Competency

• Timely completion of housing plans and support documentation.
• Successful housing placement and stabilization outcomes.
• Compliance with all regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Positive working relationships with housing providers and community partners.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Acceptable driving record required.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment screenings.

This position includes office, community, and remote work. Frequent travel throughout Howard County and surrounding areas is required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and travel throughout the community.
• Ability to operate computers, phones, and office equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, electronically, and by telephone.

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data information and documents; analyze and solve non-routine and complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions;

and interact with the community stakeholders including elected and appointed officials, staff, people served, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

This position is full-time (40 hours per week). A typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with some flexibility to accommodate occasional meetings or calls outside regular hours.

The Arc of Howard County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic…