RAP Housing Specialist

REGION 5 SYSTEMS•Lincoln, NE

9d•$43,035 - $48,401•Hybrid

About The Position

Region 5 Systems is hiring a Housing Specialist for its Rental Assistance Program (RAP), based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The position supports individuals and families in securing and maintaining stable housing and advances coordinated efforts to reduce homelessness, expand access to behavioral health services and housing, and support recovery and community integration. This is a hybrid, telework-based role with a home office, but most work takes place in person in communities throughout Region 5 Systems’ southeast Nebraska service area. Regular travel for client-related activities is required, as is attendance at required in-person meetings, trainings, and other duties at the principal office in Lincoln. The role coordinates with participants, landlords, agency service providers, and other stakeholders, and involves housing assistance, inspections, payment processing, participant engagement, and program documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field; candidates expected to graduate within three months are considered equivalent to graduates, with anticipated graduation verified following a job offer.
Three or more years of related human services experience may be substituted for the degree.
Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, including proficiency with video conferencing tools such as Teams and Zoom, electronic health records, shared documentation, and network drives.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to build relationships with landlords, participants, and community partners.
Ability to develop knowledge of housing resources, coordination, and inspection processes.
Ability to manage documentation, financial transactions, and multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and a participant-centered approach.
Reliable personal transportation.
Satisfactory background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of the behavioral health system.
Two years of experience working with adults with substance use disorders, serious mental illness, and/or people who are homeless or near homeless.
Experience providing direct behavioral health services.
Completed training in Housing Quality Standard/NSPIRE inspections.

Responsibilities

Implement and adhere to RAP policies and procedures for the specific program model as directed by the Division of Behavioral Health.
Coordinate and communicate with participants, landlords, agency service providers, and other stakeholders involved in participants’ housing.
Conduct outreach and act as a liaison to landlords and property managers.
Complete tasks associated with admitting participants, securing housing, and ongoing housing coordination.
Conduct Housing Quality Standard (HQS)/INSPIRE inspections, including initial and annual certifications.
Process payment requests for deposits, rent, utilities, furniture, and other program-related items.
Maintain participant files in the electronic health record.
Attend Coordinated Entry and other housing-related meetings as needed.
Conduct participant engagement and education, such as Rentwise, to help participants secure and maintain stable housing.
Respond to inquiries from the public and referral sources regarding the program.

Benefits

Remote work stipend of up to $500.
Training and continuing education.
Strength-based performance reviews.
Flexible schedules and a casual work environment.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with FSA and HSA options.
457(b) and 401(a) retirement plans.
Vacation, 13 holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, and community service leave.
Life insurance, voluntary term life, long-term disability, and Aflac.
Employee assistance program.
Work-issued laptop and cell phone.
Free parking when working from the principal office.