Resident Services Specialist

The hiring organization is an established agency dedicated to providing supportive housing and related client services to vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. The agency operates within the Client Services department and offers critical assistance that promotes housing stability and independence for clients facing various challenges. It is a community-based, non-profit organization committed to a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. This ensures that individuals in need receive compassionate, respectful, and effective support designed to meet their specific circumstances.

This position is a full-time role (1.0 FTE) requiring 40 hours of work per week, strictly in-person, and the position is non-exempt. The hourly wage ranges from $21.00 to $22.26, with an additional bilingual differential of $1.50 per hour for candidates proficient in more than one language. This differential is included in the stated salary range. Benefits include health insurance, dental and vision plans, retirement options, and paid time off, among others, making this a well-rounded employment opportunity.

The role of Resident Services Specialist (RSS) is integral to the Supportive Housing Program care team, which provides a combination of medical and non-medical case management, peer support, and behavioral health therapy to clients. The RSS is uniquely positioned as a vital bridge between clients and their landlords, ensuring long-term housing stability and fostering increased independent living skills. This role involves extensive collaboration with property managers, landlords, community partners, and internal clinical teams to support client housing needs effectively.

The RSS's primary responsibilities include educating clients about lease agreements, coordinating unit maintenance and repairs, and communicating with landlords to resolve tenant-landlord conflicts. The specialist is responsible for routine travel across multiple counties to conduct home and community visits, inspect housing units for lease compliance, habitability, rent reasonableness, and post-repair evaluations. This ensures that housing conditions meet agency and legal standards, which is critical to successful tenancy and client well-being.

Along with unit inspections and client education, the RSS collects rent and utility subsidy payments, develops payment plans for clients struggling financially, and acts as a mediator for disputes that arise between tenants and landlords. This role demands a compassionate yet firm approach, helping clients establish appropriate tenancy behaviors and boundaries through modeling and direct support. By doing so, the RSS reduces barriers for clients who might be inexperienced with housing leases.

Additional duties include maintaining comprehensive and timely documentation in agency databases covering client interactions, placements, services, and progress. The RSS also facilitates lease paperwork completion, annual renewal processes, and income recertifications. Handling crisis situations such as eviction prevention and emergency relocations is a critical component of the role, requiring prompt and effective intervention to protect client housing stability.

The role requires physical activities such as repetitive hand use, extended periods of sitting or standing, as well as lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds to assemble materials used in client support and education. Candidates must also be prepared to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, while traveling regularly to serve clients across different settings.

Overall, the Resident Services Specialist plays a fundamental role in enabling vulnerable residents to secure and maintain stable housing, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach in a supportive, professional environment guided by respect and empowerment principles.