Housing Specialist in Norfolk, Virginia at LGBT Life Center

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.

Who We Are: 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.

Overview: The Housing Specialist Provides client-centered housing assistance, case management, and housing stabilization services to individuals and families. Conducts intakes, eligibility assessments, recertifications, and interim reviews; explains HUD, HCV, and agency requirements; calculates rent and subsidies; and assists clients with housing search, placement, and maintaining stable housing. Advocates with landlords and property managers, addresses housing barriers and tenancy concerns, and coordinates services with internal teams and community partners.

Ensures program compliance through income verification, housing inspections, accurate participant files, HMIS data collection, outcome tracking, and timely reporting. Processes housing-related payments and maintains supporting financial documentation while building relationships with landlords, housing providers, and community stakeholders. Represents the organization at CoC and community meetings and supports outreach, training, presentations, and educational resources.

This position is a in-person, full time, non-exempt position that reports to the Housing Program Manager.

Benefits Offerings: We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short-Term / Long- Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling, resources, and support services for employees.
• Paid Vacation Time
• Wellness Time Off

Our commitment is to provide benefits that help employees thrive both professionally and personally.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Services & Housing Stabilization

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of eligibility requirements, compliance standards, housing participation agreements, and move-in assistance programs.
• Conduct participant intakes to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for housing assistance programs.
• Explain HUD, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), agency policies, regulations, and program requirements to applicants, participants, landlords, and community partners.
• Assist clients throughout the housing search and placement process by identifying and addressing barriers to obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.
• Provide ongoing case management and housing stabilization services through regular meetings, phone calls, home visits, and follow-up appointments.
• Monitor participant compliance with program requirements and provide guidance to support continued program eligibility and housing stability.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords and property management to facilitate successful housing placements and resolve tenancy concerns or disputes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary housing team meetings to coordinate services and ensure clients receive holistic, client-centered support.

Program Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Complete annual recertifications and interim reviews, including income verification, rent calculations, subsidy adjustments, and required program documentation.
• Conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS), Basic Habitability, Lead-Based Paint, and annual unit inspections to ensure compliance with HUD and agency standards.
• Verify that assisted housing units remain safe, sanitary, and free of required repairs.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and organized client files, including assessments, service plans, case notes, eligibility documentation, and supporting records in accordance with funding and agency requirements.
• Participate in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data collection, reporting, and quality assurance activities.
• Record and monitor program outcomes while ensuring client files remain accurate, complete, and current.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports for department leadership and funding requirements.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Calculate participant rent contributions and housing subsidies based on verified household income and program guidelines.
• Ensure timely processing of payments to landlords, utility providers, vendors, and program participants.
• Maintain accurate documentation supporting financial transactions and program compliance.

Community Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients, landlords, property managers, community partners, and housing providers.
• Represent the organization at Continuum of Care (CoC) meetings, community collaborations, and other stakeholder meetings as assigned.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with internal departments and external partners to support coordinated service delivery.
• Assist in developing outreach materials, training resources, presentations, technical assistance tools, and other educational materials for staff and community stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Health, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field; or a minimum of four (4) years of experience in housing services, homelessness response, youth services coordination, or a related field.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree may be considered if they demonstrate substantial experience working within housing programs, including HUD-funded programs, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Rapid Rehousing (RRH), or other supportive housing programs.
• Experience working with HUD-funded programs and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to diverse and underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ communities, persons living with HIV, individuals experiencing homelessness, and individuals with mental health and substance use needs.
• Ability to work effectively in both clinical and community-based environments.
• Knowledge and application of Housing First and harm reduction principles within a trauma-informed care framework.
• Ability to work effectively with multicultural and diverse populations with cultural humility and respect.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced program environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of HUD-funded housing programs preferred.
• Experience using Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) preferred.

Work Requirements

• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a satisfactory driving record are required for this position.
• This work requires the following physical activities:
• Walking, sitting, hearing/seeing, talking in person or on the phone.
• Occasional walking, bending, standing and driving are needed.
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• Work is also performed in social and community settings, as necessary.
• Minimal to moderate lifting is required at times.
• Extended work schedule may apply to accommodate agency’s needs.