Eligibility Specialist Jobs

ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (Salary Range: $60,000 – $70,000)

HCS is a non-profit agency founded in 1972 to provide training, counseling and technical assistance to homebuyers, homeowners, tenants and the homeless. HCS works to build the capacity of individuals and groups to preserve their homes, seek their highest level of housing independence and support the economic and social development of their neighborhoods. Housing Counseling Services, Inc. seeks an energetic self-starter to conduct eligibility determination activities and provide support and referral services to households seeking housing services in the D.C. Metropolitan region.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Determine household’s eligibility for programs based on established program regulations and policies;
• Conduct outreach to educate residents, community, organizations, and stakeholders about HCS programs and services;
• Maintain accurate written and computer based files;
• Apply federal, state, and local regulation towards determining eligibility for housing and support services programs;
• Assist applicants develop housing plans towards preventing future housing emergencies/financial crises;
• Perform other HCS tasks as requested.
• Respond to emergency needs of clients along in collaboration with program social worker and case manager;
• Advocate on the behalf of households with landlords, social service agencies, etc.;
• Provide accurate and complete monthly reports;
• Complete applications and eligibility determinations for consumers and/or households applying to HCS for financial and/or housing assistance;
• Communicate with applicants/program participants regarding the status of their application via written and oral communication;
• Refer households to appropriate services to address their various needs such as food, utility assistance, clothing, medical care, etc.;

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain federal, local, and state laws and regulations.
• Ability to respond to multiple emergency needs with patience and diligence;
• Ability to work in a faced paced environment;
• Spanish speaker is a plus;
• Bachelor’s degree preferred. At least four years of specialized professional experience and/or education related to eligibility determination, case management, housing education/counseling, or other related fields;
• Ability to translate technical information into layman’s terms;
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate with variety of professionals including case managers, real estate, medical, and attorneys as well as with low and moderate income families from a variety of cultures;
• Knowledge of housing law or capacity to learn;
• Strong computer skills.
• Must demonstrate an ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Experience working with special needs populations;
• Sensitive to the needs within the community and to individual clients;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Must be versatile in order to handle a wide variety of duties;

HCS is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. HCS recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, sex, age, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.

Resumes and cover letters should be sent to [email protected]. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.