The Rental Assistance Program Specialist is responsible for processing applications for Rental Start-Up, Homelessness Prevention and Utility Assistance and provides system navigation to advocates/case managers and property owners/managers who serve low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in need of short-term housing and utility assistance.
Requirements
- Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence at all times, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality.
- Process Utility Assistance, Rental Start-Up, and Homelessness Prevention Program Applications
- Screen potential applicants for the Utility Assistance, Rental Start-Up, and Homelessness Prevention Programs for eligibility.
- Collaborate with and advise providers on how to determine RAP eligibility and fill out and submit applications on behalf of their clients.
- Act as a liaison between clients and landlords, property management companies, and housing authorities while maintaining client confidentiality.
- Work with Victory Programs Inc. staff and other outside providers to process applications, verify documentation, and prevent fraud.
- Create and maintain electronic and written records of rental assistance and utility requests, rents and allocations.
- Maintain an application tracking spreadsheet and a data entry tracking spreadsheet
- Ensure proper documentation procedures are maintained including data collection, storing, and labeling of client files in the department shared drive, and overall maintenance of client records and other paperwork required by the agency and or funding sources.
- Complete Mid-point check-ins and 6 Month Outcomes surveys.
- Answer and maintain the RAP phone line, email inbox, and incoming faxes.
- Answer each phone call in a cheerful and professional manner.
- Log information on calls received, where required and maintain detailed and accurate records.
- Respond to calls, voicemails, and emails within 3 business days of receipt.
- Sort and disperse incoming RAP postal mail.
- Print and prepare outgoing RAP postal mail.
- Provide clients, providers, and landlords with correct and accurate information regarding RAP services.
- Refer unusual or difficult situations to the RAP Director.
- Perform related duties and projects as assigned.
- Participate and support the agency in program holiday events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, HIV/AIDS rally and walk, and any additional functions.
- Attend weekly staff meetings, in-service training and agency workshops.
- Attend additional training as requested by your supervisor to enhance skills.
- Represent Victory Programs, Inc. in external meetings, as requested.
Benefits
- 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution
- 100% employer paid disability and life insurance
- Generous paid time off package
- 4 personal days
- 160 sick hours
- 10 holidays
- 3 1/2 weeks of vacation
