Supplemental Assistance Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:

1. Complete housing assistance applications for clients needing rental assistance in ClientTrack (electronic client database) and physical files, Submit a request of assistance distribution to the department leadership. This will be documented through case notes entered in ClientTrack, and a copy of the check will be updated in Client Track and Maintain a spreadsheet of the RSS OSS housing assistance budget.
2. Follow appropriate financial and purchasing procedures, and maintain required documentation for vendors
3. Coordinate closely with Case Management staff, Employment Team, Cuban and Haitian Team, and all MRS staff who are involved in service delivery for clients.
4. Assist the housing coordinator in identifying and securing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees in compliance with established program requirements
5. Assist the housing coordinator in Conducting ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships to increase access to housing for refugee families and coordinating client home repair requests as needed.
6. Be a backup for the housing coordinator in all other duties including ordering furniture and supplies and arranging delivery, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections.
7. Complete section 8 paperwork fully and return it with all documentation and verifications needed for the referral through the Louisville Metro Housing Special Referral Program.
8. Address family emergencies as they arise, this includes coordinating burial plots for MRS clients.
9. Make copies, and phone calls, and complete paperwork for case managers as requested.
10. All other duties assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This work is performed in an office setting with moderate noise due to computers, printers, and people conversing and moving about.

EFFORT:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to solve mathematical problems.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to accurately examine and analyze information.
• Ability to travel occasionally within the community.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift/move up to 75 lbs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Associates degree or higher required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Demonstrated good communication skills to successfully interact with colleagues and clients in a multicultural environment and with individuals with limited English-speaking ability.
• Must be able to represent Catholic Charities in a positive manner in dress and presentation when meeting community members.
• Must have valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and reliable personal transportation.
• Able to deal with frequent changes, delays, and unexpected events.
• Able to manage competing demands and use time effectively.
• Must be able to work under pressure and handle stressful situations.
• Must be proficient in PC skills including Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook, as well as Google Sheets.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Must demonstrate self-confidence, initiative, flexibility, and a high degree of professionalism.

The Housing Assistance Specialist will be primarily responsible for overseeing and maintaining the distribution of the Refugee Support Services Other Social Services (RSS OSS) Housing Assistance grant to all eligible MRS clients. The housing Assistance Specialist will handle all housing and family emergencies.

The Housing Assistance Specialist will also help eligible MRS clients complete and submit to Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) section 8 applications through the LMHA Special Referral Program.

In keeping with the Mission and Vision of Catholic Charities of Louisville, the Supplemental Housing Assistance Specialist will demonstrate the Values of the agency: Welcome, Empower and Strengthen.