Program Specialist (Rental Subsidy & Services Program)
About The Position
The Program Specialist joins NVFS’s Community Housing team to support the Rental Subsidy & Services Program (RSSP), which helps individuals and families who have experienced homelessness obtain and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. The role provides administrative and operational support by coordinating intake, eligibility determination, enrollment, rental assistance, and related program processes. The Specialist works with participants, landlords, case managers, Finance, program leadership, Fairfax County, and community partners to ensure timely, accurate, and effective services. The position conducts initial screenings, intake interviews, eligibility assessments, and ongoing reviews; processes applications and documentation; explains program services, requirements, rights, responsibilities, and appeal procedures; and coordinates referrals and follow-up. It also calculates and processes rental subsidies and other authorized assistance, reviews leases and payment documentation, tracks financial activity, and helps resolve payment discrepancies. The Specialist maintains confidential participant records and program databases, including HMIS and Apricot, prepares administrative documents and reports, monitors deadlines, and supports data quality reviews, audits, monitoring visits, compliance activities, meetings, trainings, workshops, and process improvements. Work is primarily performed in an office and remote environment, with occasional travel to community locations, agency offices, and meetings. The position is hybrid. A starting salary in the mid to upper high 40s is stated; no currency is specified.
Requirements
- At least one year of related work experience in program support, eligibility determination, financial assistance, housing, or client or case coordination is preferred.
- Experience handling confidential information and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, and program guidelines.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a diverse client base, landlords, government representatives, and community partners.
- Basic knowledge of mathematics and accounting principles used in eligibility calculations.
- Ability to assess client situations, identify discrepancies, and determine appropriate actions in accordance with established eligibility guidelines.
- Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn HMIS, Apricot 360, and other electronic databases.
- Oral and written fluency in English required.
- Successful completion of background checks upon hire.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field preferred.
- At least one year of related work experience in program support, eligibility determination, financial assistance, housing, or client or case coordination preferred.
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish or other client languages is a plus; additional language skills are welcome.
Responsibilities
- Conduct initial screenings, intake interviews, and eligibility assessments to determine program eligibility and identify participant needs.
- Review and process applications, gather and verify required documentation, and coordinate timely enrollment in housing assistance services.
- Determine initial and ongoing eligibility in accordance with program guidelines, funding requirements, and agency policies.
- Conduct periodic eligibility reviews and recertifications to ensure continued compliance with program requirements.
- Explain program services, eligibility requirements, participant rights and responsibilities, and appeal procedures to clients.
- Coordinate referrals and follow-ups with participants, case managers, and community partners.
- Calculate and process monthly rental subsidies and other authorized financial assistance in accordance with program requirements.
- Review leases, rental information, participant contributions, and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Prepare and submit rental assistance, utility, security deposit, and other eligible payment requests for approval and processing.
- Collaborate with landlords, case managers, Finance, and program leadership to resolve payment discrepancies and administrative concerns.
- Track financial assistance and subsidy activity to support accurate records, budget monitoring, and program reporting.
- Maintain accurate and confidential participant records, eligibility documentation, and program databases, including HMIS and Apricot.
- Prepare correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, payment requests, and other administrative documents.
- Monitor program deadlines and ensure timely processing of applications, financial assistance requests, and required documentation.
- Support program reporting, data quality reviews, audits, monitoring visits, and other compliance activities.
- Collaborate with internal NVFS teams, Fairfax County, landlords, and community partners to support coordinated program operations.
- Assist with program meetings, trainings, workshops, and administrative process improvements.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefit offerings supporting wellbeing, work/life flexibility, career growth, and access to resources and support.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
