Resource Specialist, Rapid Re-housing

The Primavera Foundation•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Resource Specialist, Rapid Re-housing provides participant-centered case management, housing navigation, financial assistance coordination, and program documentation to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The position supports housing stability and self-sufficiency through trauma-informed, Housing First, and progressive engagement practices, with a focus on timely permanent housing placement, housing retention, and preventing returns to homelessness. The role conducts participant screening, intake, enrollment, assessments, service planning, and exits; maintains participant records and HMIS data; coordinates housing searches, landlord relations, inspections, lease and move-in activities; and connects participants to community resources and allowable financial assistance. The Resource Specialist also collaborates with program staff, leadership, landlords, service providers, and community partners, contributes to reporting and program operations, and supports other Resource Specialists as needed. 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 appointments, home visits, housing navigation, inspections, transportation, supply pickups, and other program activities.

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, 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 one 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 people experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed, Housing First, progressive engagement, and participant-centered practices.
Knowledge of HUD, Continuum of Care, Rapid Re-housing, Fair Housing, Arizona Landlord-Tenant requirements, HMIS, and organizational policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
Strong organizational, 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 and maintain positive working relationships with participants, landlords, property managers, service providers, community partners, and team members.
Ability to conduct housing navigation, coordinate services, identify barriers to housing stability, 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 essential job functions.
Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team and supporting program goals.
Demonstrate integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, leadership, professionalism, flexibility, and teamwork.

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, Rapid Re-housing, 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, coaching, advocacy, problem-solving, and life skills development.
Conduct home visits, field visits, and community-based meetings to support participant engagement, housing placement, and retention.
Educate participants 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 housing stabilization services, including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and assistance with participant or landlord concerns.
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.
Develop 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, program eligibility, and funding compliance.
Conduct and document housing inspections, coordinate repairs, and ensure units meet applicable 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, coordinating with the Program Specialist and Finance Department.
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 placement, housing retention, 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, correcting identified deficiencies within established timelines.
Complete case notes by the end of each workday and maintain accurate participant files, HMIS records, tracking logs, and supporting documentation.
Complete and update participant tracking logs, spreadsheets, and program records weekly, and submit required reports on schedule.
Support the program goal of 90% of participants exiting to stable housing and not returning to homelessness within 9–12 months of program exit, as measured by available data.
Document and report incidents, grievances, safety concerns, and significant events in accordance with agency 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 discussions, trainings, and program activities; coordinate with senior and program staff on participant needs, housing placement, documentation, and 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 Rapid Re-housing procedures as assigned.
Communicate participant updates, pending tasks, and follow-up needs to appropriate team members.
Identify workflow challenges, share practical solutions, and support improvements to program operations and participant services.
Maintain professional and collaborative relationships, follow communication procedures and professional boundaries, and complete assigned tasks within established timelines.
Attend required meetings, one-to-ones, trainings, and staff meetings; maintain current knowledge of applicable requirements and policies.
Follow agency, program, funding, safety, financial, documentation, and other applicable policies and procedures, and perform other duties assigned by leadership.