CARES Program Specialist

Amherst•Austin, TX

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Amherst Group's companies are comprised of leading real estate investment and advisory firms with a mission to transform the way real estate is owned, financed and managed. Amherst leverages its proprietary data, analytics, technology, and decades of experience to seek solutions for a fragmented, slow-to-evolve real estate ecosystem and to materially improve the experience for residents, buyers, sellers, communities, and investors. Today Amherst has over 1000 employees and $14.1 billion in assets under management. Over the past decade, Amherst has scaled its platform to become one of the largest operators of single-family assets and has acquired, renovated, and leased more than 46,000 homes across 32 markets in the U.S. The firm delivers customized, stabilized cash-flowing portfolios of assets to its investors, wrapped in all the ongoing services required to manage, own, and finance the asset including property management, portfolio management, and a full capital markets team. In addition to its single-family rental platform, Amherst’s debt business pursues two distinct credit strategies in mortgage-backed securities and commercial real estate lending. Over its 25-year history, Amherst has developed a deep bench of research and technology talent, and leverages data and analytics at every stage in the asset lifecycle to improve operations and preserve long-term value for our investors and the more than 188,000 residents the firm has served. Hybrid position in Austin, Texas Position Overview The CARES Program Specialist provides supportive case management services to residents to promote housing stability and financial well-being. This role works under the supervision of senior staff and collaborates with internal teams and community partners to connect residents with resources and services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field; OR equivalent experience in case management or human services.
Minimum 2 years of experience in case management, social services, counseling support, or a related field.
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing housing or financial instability is preferred.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to maintain accurate documentation.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing resident needs, evolving program requirements, and shifting priorities.
Ability to adjust approach, learn new processes quickly, and remain effective in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to learn program regulations and service systems across multiple states.
Commitment to a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to service delivery.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Familiarity with motivational interviewing or other supportive communication techniques.
Knowledge of community resources related to housing, employment, or public benefits.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of approximately 35–40 residents with guidance and supervision.
Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments to identify residents’ housing, financial, and supportive service needs.
Assist residents in developing individualized service plans focused on housing and economic stability.
Provide referrals to community resources, including rental assistance, employment services, public benefits, and other supportive programs.
Support residents during periods of crisis by offering stabilization support and connecting them to appropriate services.
Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with program standards.
Participate in case reviews and supervision meetings to monitor resident progress.
Support residents with transition or closure planning when exiting the program.
Support residents in applying for housing assistance including, state, local, or community ERAP (emergency rental assistance programs).
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated service delivery.
Participate in team meetings and contribute to program improvement discussions.
Stay informed about community resources and program requirements across assigned states.
Develop and maintain working relationships with community-based organizations and service providers.
Represent the CARES program in a professional and supportive manner when interacting with partners and residents.