Resource Specialist

About the role

MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty. As a Resource Specialist, you will provide rental assistance to households facing eviction, processing cases and working with clients to collect required documentation. This is a grant-funded position contingent upon the continuation of program funding, offering growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates the application process for eviction prevention assistance.
• Works closely with landlords to gather required documentation, obtain signatures, and build positive working relationships.
• Maintains current knowledge of all available eviction prevention resources and funding pathways to maximize housing stability for households.
• Works directly with clients throughout the intake, assessment, and eligibility determination process.
• Creates and maintains an efficient service delivery process from intake through eligibility determination, payment processing, and case closure while ensuring confidentiality of client information and documentation.
• Ensures complete, timely, and accurate client documentation within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other required agency data systems.
• Provides coverage for the Eviction Prevention lobby as needed by welcoming clients, responding to inquiries, conducting initial screenings, directing individuals to appropriate staff or resources, and ensuring a positive and professional customer service experience.
• Provides onsite services at the Gussie Belle Complex, serving as a resource for residents by conducting outreach, completing assessments and intakes, providing housing stabilization support, connecting residents to community resources, and coordinating services with internal and external partners.
• Supports the delivery of Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services by completing screenings and eligibility determinations, coordinating referrals, assisting with service planning, documenting services, and ensuring compliance with HRSN program requirements and Medicaid documentation standards.
• Collaborates with internal programs and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery and reduce barriers to housing stability and overall wellness.
• Maintains professional relationships with property managers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and partner agencies to improve client outcomes.
• Complies with all Agency policies and procedures, including finance, confidentiality, safety, health, and grant compliance requirements.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Four years of relevant social services experience.
• Knowledge of or experience with the principles of trauma-informed care, trauma awareness, working with unsheltered or vulnerable populations, as well as best practices in homeless service delivery is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Skills

• Computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, data entry, and internet applications.
• Effective customer service, phone skills, as well as writing and appropriate email etiquette.
• Time management skills, ability to meet deadlines, and process cases accurately with a sense of urgency.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and engages with others in a cooperative and supportive manner.
• Willingness to work day, evenings, and weekend shifts as needed.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated.
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time, and work tasks.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to focus.
• Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Ability to physically and mentally tolerate escalated and occasionally destructive behavior from clients.
• Able to de-escalate others and respond calmly, and lead others in a crisis.
• Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.

Work Environment

• On-site work; not eligible for remote work.
• Occasional urgent situations requiring law enforcement involvement and/or paramedic professionals.
• Close quarters, often with a client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Exposures to trash and potential biohazards.

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored continuing education.