Housing Assistant

About the role

The Housing Assistant reviews, processes, and approves applications for housing assistance under the STRMU, SDAP, and TBRA programs. They coordinate with referring case managers to ensure applications meet HOPWA standards, facilitate financial assistance payments, and work directly with the Housing Coordinator to help eligible members maintain housing or prevent utility cessation.

Responsibilities

• Process, verify eligibility, and select member applications for financial assistance.
• Complete required documentation, tracking, monitoring, and reporting for grant purposes.
• Communicate with case managers, group managers, and members regarding application outcomes.
• Maintain proper record-keeping (current and archived) in compliance with HIPAA standards.
• Conduct 6-month reviews for financial assistance recipients.
• Obtain updated billing information and verification from members, landlords, utility companies, and medical providers.
• Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely processing of financial assistance payments.
• Interface with other HOPWA-funded agencies to prevent service duplication.
• Conduct internal quality assurance chart audits.
• Ensure transportation assistance is available as budget permits.
• Maintain records of approvals and denials for HOPWA funding applications.
• Set up TBRA case files, calculate subsidies, and prepare contracts for approved members.
• Schedule and facilitate orientations with new TBRA members to discuss contracts, goals, and program expectations.
• Process contract addendums and notify all parties (landlords, case managers, members) of changes to TBRA contracts.
• Notify the Housing Coordinator of any issues, trends, or support needs related to housing.
• Obtain progress updates from case managers and document all work in the agency’s client database.
• Provide training for case managers on financial applications and processes.
• Organize and facilitate the Monthly Right Track Workshop for approved members.
• Submit monthly spreadsheets on STRMU, SDAP, TBRA, Transportation Assistance, and JHF to the Associate Director of Housing.
• Assist in HOPWA audit preparation and participate in Housing’s multi-disciplinary team.
• Prepare mandated reports for supervisors, contract agencies, and funding agencies.
• Attend monthly individual and group supervision, department meetings, required trainings, and all-agency meetings.
• Perform other special projects, duties, and responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with two years of experience in the social service field.
• Experience with terminally ill individuals, knowledge of AIDS program development, and nonprofit service agencies preferred.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining databases and spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of housing-related challenges affecting individuals with HIV.
• Ability to locate and develop housing resources.
• Strong communication skills with clients, case managers, and service providers.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required.