Program Representative (Springfield & Northampton)

Way Finders•Springfield, MA

18h•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Program Representative (Springfield & Northampton) Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so! At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options. Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a Program Representative in our Rental Assistance department. The Program Representative supports our mission by providing information and assistance to community members, landlords, and funding agencies regarding individual and family housing assistance program services. Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic! Wage starts between $19.50 and $22.50 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The candidate will work fully onsite. We have two openings, one in Springfield and one in Northampton.

Requirements

2 years’ equivalent experience in housing, social services, customer service, or a related role; a combination of experience plus an Associate degree may be a substitute
Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills required
Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Office applications (including Teams), and comfort learning new technologies
Ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal), and in group settings
Understanding of semi-complex mathematical formulas and functions, with the ability to accurately sum numbers with a calculator
Ability to travel to perform position duties from multiple locations as necessary
Ability to attend trainings, and earn and maintain various certifications (training provided; six-month time limit to earn certs)

Nice To Haves

Preference for office/administrative experience

Responsibilities

Meet with clients to gather and review applications for rental assistance
Assess information and determine new and continued eligibility, explaining relevant funding source requirements and regulations
Educate tenants and landlords on program regulations, guidelines, and their respective obligations
Assist tenants in the development of accommodation action plans, when necessary, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Gather and report on rental rate comparisons for use in the review of rent reasonableness
Assist tenants in the resolution of issues that may be identified during property re-inspection to ensure successful inspection and continued rental assistance eligibility
Prepare file content to ensure all required forms, notes, and documents are included in tenant records within established deadlines; provide monthly statistical data as required
Provide information and interact with community members, landlords, housing authorities, to assist individuals in their search for or retention of affordable housing
Work collaboratively to ensure the timely and effective processing of rental assistance requests
Conduct home visits and fieldwork as necessary
Assist in staff training relative to housing assistance eligibility guidelines and processes
Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff (including across departments), owners, landlords, community groups, funding sources, and other housing related departments or agencies
Proactively identify and inform manager/leadership of any issues that may adversely affect the department or organization