Senior Housing Specialist Strengthening LGBTQ+ and HIV communities

Mission

LGBT Life Center is a trusted leader that empowers the LGBTQ+ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities, and providing transformative education and advocacy.

LGBT Life Center is a trusted leader serving Hampton Roads since 1989 (formerly known as CANDII House and ACCESS AIDS Care). We strengthen the LGBTQ+ community and individuals living with HIV through health and wellness services, supportive housing, food programs, education, and advocacy. Our work is rooted in community care, inclusion, and health equity.

We are more than a service provider, we are a safe space, a connector, and a catalyst for change. Our team is made up of passionate individuals committed to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and affirming, client-centered support. Whether through housing navigation, clinical services, or advocacy work, we are building a future where all LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV, especially those most impacted by systemic inequities, have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.

Reporting to the Housing Specialist Program Manager, the Housing Specialist works to provide housing opportunities for participants served by the LGBT Life Center. This position works directly with individuals in need of housing stabilization and ensures participants receive affirming services tailored to their needs. The Senior Housing Specialist contributes to the success of the LGBT Life Center by engaging in community systems to promote access to the services needed to be self-sufficient.

The Housing Specialist will have or gain an understanding of all aspects of housing programs, staff and client responsibilities, program data and documentation requirements, timelines, and contract benchmarks. The HS will assist and provide supportive services to help ensure the clients secure and stabilize in new housing placements and address any issues or potential issues that could jeopardize their housing placement.

The Housing Specialist will support and assist the client with initial new placement referrals, securing the housing placement, housing stabilization and retention as well as approved relocation if needed to provide a positive exit outcome.

• Have or gain an understanding of eligibility criteria, application, and compliance processes, building rules of all partner agencies, as well as the housing participation agreement and move in assistance programs.
• Support and assist clients as needed with current housing placement opportunity addressing housing barriers and housing stabilization.
• Provides excellent engagement with clients by meeting with them on a regular basis to obtain housing and on an ongoing basis as needed.
• Providing advocacy as needed for client with property management; to ensure a successful housing placement as well as responding property complaints, enquiries, and questions.
• Complete Annual review paperwork and unit inspection: assessing current income and any potential changes in rent and recalculate as needed for current year’s subsidy and client portion of rent. Interim reviews can be necessary if the client’s income changes – increases/decrease, rent increase prior to the annual review. Determines that the unit continues to be safe, sanitary and without needed repairs.
• Assist Program Manager in completing annuals and renewals, reviewing packets completed by junior staff, and assist in the training and development of newer staff.

• Monitor client’s adherence to program guidance.
• Complete participant intakes to determine initial eligibility and continuing eligibility for housing programs. Explains HUD and HCV rules, regulations, and procedures to program applicants, participants, landlords, and staff.
• Maintains individual files, including all written documentation related to essential functions such as case notes, services plan, assessment in accordance with funding sources and agency guidelines.
• Maintains meaningful involvement with clients, community partners, landlords, and housing systems.
• Provides accurate, complete, and timely data and reports…