Resource Specialist, Rapid Re-housing

Primavera Jobs•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Resource Specialist supports participants experiencing homelessness through Rapid Re-Housing services, with the goal of securing and retaining permanent housing and preventing returns to homelessness. The role provides participant-centered, trauma-informed, Housing First case management, including intake, assessment, service planning, housing navigation, referrals, crisis intervention, and housing stabilization. It also coordinates landlord relationships, inspections, move-ins, financial assistance, transportation, and participant supplies. The position maintains accurate and timely participant records in HMIS and other systems, completes reporting and documentation, and follows agency, HUD, program, and funding requirements. The Resource Specialist collaborates with internal teams, landlords, service providers, and community partners and may provide backup coverage or support and training to new staff and interns. Work is performed primarily in a shared office, with regular work in participant homes, community locations, housing sites, and outdoor environments. Community travel is required for participant appointments, home visits, housing navigation, inspections, transportation, and supply pickups.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or a related field.
At least one year of case management experience working with individuals and families in a shelter, housing, homelessness, social services, and/or trauma-related setting.
At least one year of experience using web-based databases, including Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, HMIS, or similar tracking systems.
At least one year of experience conducting housing inspections (NSPIRE, HQS, Habitability), housing compliance, or similar housing-related inspections.
Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community stakeholders.
Experience using HMIS or a comparable web-based case management or housing database system.
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain both within 90 days of employment.
Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment.
Mental Health First Aid certification, or ability to obtain it within 90 days of employment.
Required housing inspection compliance training completed, or ability to obtain it within six months of employment.
Ability to successfully complete required agency, program, safety, and other applicable trainings.
Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of current vehicle registration and insurance coverage.
Ability to engage, support, and advocate for individuals and families experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed, Housing First, progressive engagement, and participant-centered practices.
Knowledge of HUD, Continuum of Care (CoC), Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Fair Housing, Arizona Landlord-Tenant requirements, HMIS, and organizational policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
Strong organization, time management, communication, documentation, and recordkeeping skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to build positive working relationships, conduct housing navigation, coordinate services, identify housing stability barriers, and develop practical solutions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, HMIS, databases, and other technology platforms required for the job.
Ability to work independently and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish.
Two or more years of case management experience in social work, housing, or related human services.
At least two years of experience conducting housing inspections (NSPIRE, HQS, Habitability), housing compliance, or similar housing-related inspections.
Experience with Rapid Re-Housing, Housing First, and Progressive Engagement housing stability models.
At least two years of experience using web-based databases, including HMIS.
Experience working with landlords and property managers and coordinating housing placements.

Responsibilities

Conduct participant pre-screening, intake, enrollment, assessments, service planning, and program exits in accordance with agency, HUD, RRH, and funding requirements.
Create and maintain complete participant files, required documentation, assessments, referrals, releases, and supporting records.
Develop and update Housing Stability Plans, budgets, participant rent portions, and goals.
Provide trauma-informed, Housing First, progressive engagement, participant-centered case management and housing stabilization services.
Conduct home visits, field visits, and community-based meetings to support participant engagement, placement, and retention.
Provide participants with coaching, advocacy, problem-solving, life skills development, and education about Fair Housing, Arizona Landlord-Tenant rights and responsibilities, lease obligations, program requirements, and self-advocacy.
Connect participants with healthcare, behavioral health, employment, benefits, childcare, transportation, financial education, and other community resources.
Provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and assistance with participant or landlord concerns that may jeopardize housing retention.
Support participants in securing permanent housing within 30 days of intake whenever reasonably achievable.
Provide housing navigation, including housing searches, landlord engagement, application assistance, lease negotiation and review, and move-in coordination.
Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and community partners to expand housing opportunities.
Prepare and review landlord documentation and assess housing opportunities for rent reasonableness, Fair Market Rent requirements, eligibility, and funding compliance.
Conduct and document housing inspections, coordinate repairs, and ensure units meet safety, habitability, and program requirements.
Coordinate rental assistance, utility assistance, supportive services, and other allowable participant financial assistance.
Prepare and submit check requests, receipts, and supporting documentation; coordinate with the Program Specialist and Finance Department on processing and tracking assistance.
Coordinate with participants, landlords, utility providers, and vendors regarding approved financial commitments, invoices, reimbursements, and payment discrepancies.
Coordinate and provide allowable transportation assistance for housing, employment, healthcare, childcare, and other stability needs.
Assist with purchasing, inventory tracking, pickups, deliveries, and distribution of participant supplies and program resources.
Enter participant information, services, housing updates, outcomes, and case notes into HMIS and other required databases within established timelines.
Maintain HMIS data accuracy and case file audit accuracy, and correct identified deficiencies within established timelines.
Complete case notes by the end of each workday and keep participant files, HMIS records, tracking logs, and supporting documentation accurate and current.
Update participant tracking logs, spreadsheets, and program records weekly, and complete required weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports by established deadlines.
Support program goals for exits to stable housing and preventing returns to homelessness.
Document and report incidents, grievances, safety concerns, and significant events according to agency policies and procedures.
Collaborate with program staff, management, Finance, landlords, service providers, community partners, and other Primavera programs.
Communicate proactively with management about participant concerns, housing barriers, safety issues, documentation deficiencies, financial matters, compliance concerns, and other program needs.
Participate in team meetings, case staffing, trainings, and program activities; coordinate with the Senior Resource Specialist, Program Specialist, and Director on participant needs and program deadlines.
Provide backup coverage to other Resource Specialists for urgent participant situations when needed.
Assist new staff and interns through job shadowing, training, sharing program knowledge, and demonstrating routine RRH procedures as assigned.
Communicate participant updates, pending tasks, and follow-up needs to appropriate team members; contribute to workflow and service improvements.
Follow agency, program, funding, safety, financial, documentation, and communication policies and procedures; complete assigned tasks and other duties as directed by leadership.