Program Specialist

Department: Rental Assistance Work Arrangement: Onsite

Program Specialist

Way Finders is a Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!

At Way Finders we are passionately invested in lifting up the regions people places and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe affordable housing options.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals Way Finders is currently seeking a Program Specialist in our Rental Assistance department. The Program Specialist supports our mission by providing a breadth and depth of knowledge on rental assistance programs including compliance program rules and regulations and in the completion of applications. The Program Specialist supports staff and management by providing 1:1 and group trainings plus through additional administrative support as necessary.

Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one 15 holidays annually Health dental and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE Educational assistance Medical Reimbursement Account Dependent Care Account 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Life insurance Short-term and long-term disability insurance Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $21.50 and $24.75 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The candidate will work fully onsite.

Responsibilities include:
Maximize client achievement by acting as an in-house expert and consultant to colleagues on the intricacies of all offered programs
Educate and advise staff on policies procedures regulations community concerns and issues; act as trainer/mentor in 1:1 and group settings
Educate and advise landlords tenants community groups and stakeholders on policies procedures and regulations
Assist with the development of resources and trainings updating as necessary; conduct trainings in both group and individual sessions
Assist in the review and preparation of tenant files for hearings and appeals consulting with in-house legal counsel as necessary to ensure appropriate case management
Conduct fraud investigations as assigned and appropriate preparing recommendations and obtaining supervisory approval
Ensure the accurate retention and reporting of data to funding sources
Act as liaison with other housing or social service agencies authorities civic associations and stakeholders
Perform quality assurance audits as assigned reporting on discrepancies in a timely manner
Monitor incoming visitors and documentation log for regular and proper use
Conduct ongoing assessments of client participation to measure successes and areas for improvement; report findings to management
Provide direct advisement to clients as necessary and appropriate; conduct home visits and fieldwork as necessary
Provide indirect supervision and direction to team members in the performance of assigned duties and resolution of matters of a more complex nature
Attend trainings to remain updated and expand knowledge of rules guidelines best practices and compliance measures for all programs
Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal staff (including across departments) owners landlords community groups funding sources and other housing related departments or agencies
Proactively identify and inform manager/leadership of any issues that may adversely affect the department or organization

Requirements include:
2 years equivalent experience in housing social services public administration or a related role with 1 year as a field specialist; a combination of experience plus an Associate degree may be a substitute
Bilingual written and verbal skills appreciated but not required
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of myriad housing assistance programs with the ability to effective train/mentor others on rules regulations and compliance measures
Adept with the Microsoft Suite databases and comfort learning new technologies
Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail plus the ability to reprioritize
Demonstrated ability to effectively train and impart knowledge in classroom and mentoring environment
Ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) and in group settings
Ability to analyze financial and other data following guidelines to determine program eligibility
Ability to travel to perform position duties from multiple locations as necessary
Ability to attend trainings and earn and maintain various certifications (training provided; six-month time limit to earn certs)

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is available to all without regard to race color religion national origin disability age gender or gender identity sexual orientation political affiliation or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.