Job Summary
The Rental Assistance Specialist is responsible for processing eligible applicants for emergency rental assistance. This includes screening potential candidates, determining eligibility, and coordinating assistance payments. The Specialist accepts referrals from King County’s Youth and Family Homeless Prevention Initiative (YFHPI). Program eligibility is based on guidelines provided by King County. This position collects information and documentation from tenants and landlords pertaining to the client’s need. Reviews information for completeness and eligibility, maintain electronic files on Solid Ground’s SharePoint system, complete data entry in King County’s Homelessness Management Information System (HMIS), coordinate funding disbursement with finance, and ensures data entry and files are complete and all communication and attempts at communication are documented.
Essential Responsibilities, Duties & Tasks
30% Screen potential YFHPI program participants for eligibility, determine if households meet basic household composition eligibility requirements and are at imminent risk of homelessness. There are two components to the screening tool. A Risk Assessment which generates a vulnerability score, and an aggregate assessment with additional questions that further help determine the need for case management services or one-time rental assistance. Both components of the assessment must be completed to determine eligibility. For households that have a qualifying score on risk assessment, assess their overall stability, barriers, and strengths to determine if the household is eligible for the Rental Assistance program or if they need the long-term support of the Case Management program. Refer household to Case Management as applicable. Track status and progress of all households in YFHPI Tracking spreadsheet on Solid Ground’s SharePoint. Enter client information in HMIS.
30% For households identified for Rental Assistance, complete the Rental Assistance application and HMIS enrollment. Work with the household to collect required documents including lease and ledger and assist them complete required forms. Explain parameters of allowable payments and allowable alternative processes. Ensure tenants make any required payments before YFHPI rental assistance can be processed. Problem solve with tenants to identify solutions to barriers for documentation requirements. Ensure participant files meet quality assurance standards. Send letters of approval to clients.
20% Communicate with landlords to explain program policies, processes, and required forms. Collect required forms from landlords and verify they have been completed to the standards required by Finance. Complete check requests and submit to supervisor with all required documentation, including approval letter addressed to landlord.
10% Complete required data entry in applicable systems in a timely manner. Review to ensure complete and accurate information is included. Maintain regular, clear communication with case managers at YFHPI agencies, King County staff, and supervisors to ensure a seamless process. Collaborate with community partners and other stakeholders to inform people about the program and to route potential participants to the screening process.
10% Participate in program, team, department and agency meetings and relevant trainings as required, including agency anti-racism efforts. Represent Solid Ground and participate in in-person monthly YFHPI meetings and weekly virtual YFHPI meetings as required by King County and any other meetings as necessary.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Solid Ground is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race and color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability or veteran status.
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