Client Assistance Specialist

About The Position

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Please note:

The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $67,672 to $97,253, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.”

Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for the delivery of the County’s public health and human services to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults, and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, HHS is the largest County Department. HHS aims to ensure health and wellness by providing fair opportunities to reach residents’ fullest potential, including access to housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food.

The programs of Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) share a vision of access to safe, affordable housing and opportunities to improve quality of life. SEPH’s mission is to make homelessness a rare, brief, and non-recurring event by operating from a Housing First philosophy. SEPH provides a full continuum of services including housing stabilization, homeless diversion, and permanent housing, and collaborates with public and private partners through the Interagency Commission on Homelessness.

Housing Stabilization Services empower Montgomery County residents to become more secure in their housing. We partner with residents to restore hope that they can be self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. Housing Stabilization Services provides prevention case management to identify needs and refer residents to resources, including tenant rights, financial literacy, employment, behavioral health, and, if eligible, funds to support housing stability.

Housing Stabilization Services within SEPH is recruiting a frontline caseworker to provide direct support to individuals and families facing housing-related emergencies. The Client Assistance Specialist plays a critical role in preventing homelessness by assessing eligibility, determining need, and facilitating access to emergency financial assistance and supportive services. Through housing-focused case management, the CAS develops individualized plans that promote long-term stability and connect clients to appropriate community and government resources.

The Client Assistance Specialist position assesses individuals and families experiencing housing crises. Specific responsibilities include:

• Conducting intake interviews and comprehensive assessments for individuals and families experiencing housing crises, such as eviction threats due to past-due rent, utility disconnections, or the need for relocation-related assistance including security deposits and first month’s rent and burial assistance.
• Determining or facilitating the assessment and determination of eligibility and prioritizing service needs in alignment with County, State, and federal guidelines.
• Developing client-centered service plans that address immediate needs while identifying strategies for sustained housing stability and economic self-sufficiency.
• Processing emergency financial grant assistance requests using County and State systems (e.g., HIMS, EICM), ensuring compliance with applicable program requirements and documentation standards.
• Making recommendations to supervisors regarding the approval or denial of service grants based on verified eligibility, funding criteria, and household need.
• Collaborating with internal DHHS partners and external community providers—including legal aid, behavioral health, and housing resources—to coordinate wraparound…