Eligibility Specialist-CCP North County (86126)

HomeFirst; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

HomeFirst seeks an Eligibility Specialist – CCP North County to support households at risk of homelessness in San Jose, CA. The role involves enrollment, eligibility determinations, and ongoing compliance for RAPA programs.

You will verify documentation, calculate rent portions, and coordinate with Housing Navigators, ensuring timely processing and accurate records in HMIS. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a $32.20 hourly rate.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in human services required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Valid California driver's license required.
• Ability to travel throughout Santa Clara County to conduct unit inspections and landlord coordination activities.
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or bicultural preferred.
• People with lived experience of homelessness are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Complete participant enrollment processes, including collection and review of all required documentation.
• Verify eligibility in accordance with program and funding requirements (CoC, ESG, HOME-ARP, and other applicable sources).
• Conduct income verification and calculate participant rent portions, as applicable.
• Prepare and issue required eligibility documentation and participant notices, including approvals, denials, and terminations.
• Ensure all eligibility documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant prior to the issuance of financial assistance.
• Track and complete recertifications, interim income adjustments, and program updates within required timelines.
• Coordinate with Housing Navigators and program staff to ensure alignment between eligibility and rental assistance processes.
• Maintain communication with participants to obtain missing documentation and ensure timely processing.
• Maintain thorough, accurate records of eligibility and enrollment activities in HMIS, as required by grant contracts and internal compliance.
• Document all eligibility-related activities within required timelines.
• Maintain all other case file paperwork and documentation, including eligibility verification and notices.
• Support file reviews, audits, and monitoring requirements.
• Attend all meetings and trainings relevant to the position, including program and agency-wide sessions.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.
• Know and implement agency and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional relationships and conduct at all times.

Skills

Human services experience

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Job Title: Eligibility Specialist – CCP North County

Location: San Jose, CA

Reports to: Program Manager

Position Type: Full Time, Regular, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $32.20

About HomeFirst

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

Position Overview

The goal of the program is to support households experiencing or at risk of homelessness through rental assistance administration (RAPA). The Eligibility Specialist – RAPA Programs is responsible for completing enrollment, eligibility determination, and ongoing compliance activities to ensure participants meet program and funding requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct Services (70%)
  • Complete participant enrollment processes, including collection and review of all required documentation.
  • Verify eligibility in accordance with program and funding requirements (CoC, ESG, HOME-ARP, and other applicable sources).
  • Conduct income verification and calculate participant rent portions, as applicable.
  • Prepare and issue required eligibility documentation and participant notices, including approvals, denials, and terminations.
  • Ensure all eligibility documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant prior to the issuance of financial assistance.
  • Track and complete recertifications, interim income adjustments, and program updates within required timelines.
  • Coordinate with Housing Navigators and program staff to ensure alignment between eligibility and rental assistance processes.
  • Maintain communication with participants to obtain missing documentation and ensure timely processing.
• Documentation (20%)
  • Maintain thorough, accurate records of eligibility and enrollment activities in HMIS, as required by grant contracts and internal compliance.
  • Document all eligibility-related activities within required timelines.
  • Maintain all other case file paperwork and documentation, including eligibility verification and notices.
  • Support file reviews, audits, and monitoring requirements.
• General (10%)
  • Attend all meetings and trainings relevant to the position, including program and agency-wide sessions.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned.
  • Know and implement agency and program policies and procedures.
  • Maintain professional relationships and conduct at all times.

Qualities

The Eligibility Specialist is passionate about serving others and is committed to supporting participants through accurate and timely enrollment and eligibility processes. They have a strong attention to detail, review and verify documentation while maintaining compliance with program requirements. They are highly organized, manage time effectively, balance multiple deadlines, demonstrate accountability, and problem-solve when documentation is incomplete or discrepancies arise. They collaborate with the team, model HomeFirst values, and contribute to a supportive and team-oriented work environment.

Benefits

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; wellness options such as chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k) retirement plan with matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, workers’ compensation, 12 holidays, sick leave, and paid time off starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

Organizational Equity Statement

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. We recognize housing as a social justice issue, prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences, and uphold dignity for all. We embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level. HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. HomeFirst participates in the E‑Verify program as required by law. HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let our recruiter know.

Qualifications

• People with lived experience of homelessness are encouraged to apply.
• One year of experience in human services required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related human services field preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to be approved under the agency’s vehicle insurance policy required.
• Ability to travel throughout Santa Clara County to conduct unit inspections and landlord coordination activities.
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or bicultural preferred.