Housing Specialist

Catholic Charities; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking a Housing Specialist to administer Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) program eligibility, perform rent calculations, manage recertifications, and support inquiries with accuracy and compliance. The role collaborates with landlords and internal teams to ensure up-to-date client files and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications include GED or higher with 1–3 years of experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and excellent organization and

Qualifications

• Minimum: H.S. Diploma or GED with 1–3 years relevant experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint) and strong organizational skills
• Must have excellent communication and coordination abilities
• Preferred: AA in a related field with 3–5 years relevant experience
• Preferred Certified Occupancy Certification

Responsibilities

• Collect and review Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) documentation to determine eligibility.
• Perform timely and accurate rent calculations for current and prospective HAP clients.
• Send notices and collect documentation for annual recertification of eligibility.
• Respond to inquiries and resolve calculation issues in a timely, effective manner.
• Collaborate with landlords, staff, and stakeholders to resolve rent calculations and keep files updated.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Word

Excel

Teams

PowerPoint

Education

GED

Associate’s Degree

Tools

MS Office

Word

Excel

Teams

PowerPoint

Job description

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Role Overview

The Housing Specialist is responsible for administering Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) program eligibility and rent calculations, managing recertifications and documentation, resolving client and stakeholder inquiries, maintaining accurate records, ensuring regulatory compliance, collaborating with internal and external partners, and supporting continuous improvement and team operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for collecting and reviewing Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) documentation in order to determine its accuracy for program eligibility. Responsible for performing timely and accurate rent calculations for current prospective clients with a Housing Assistant Payment (HAP) contract. Responsible for sending out notices and collecting current documentations for annual recertification for program eligibility.


• Responsible for responding to any inquires and resolving any calculation problem in a timely and efficient manner and consults with his/her program manager when needed.


• Work collaboratively with other program staff, landlords, other stakeholders to resolve any rent calculation issues. Fill in for other staff, as needed. Maintain up-to-date accurate client files, departmental files and data bases, as required by organization/departmental policies and procedures. Know and comply with the laws and regulations relevant to the position.


• Collaborate with internal stakeholders as needed.


• Engage in ongoing learning, training, and skill development, seeking and applying feedback to continuously improve performance and contribute to team and organizational success.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day


• Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time


• Lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs

Other Requirements: Comply with program and/or requirements related to:

• Background check

Education and Experience Requirements:

Minimum

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) 1-3 years relevant experience


• Computer Proficiency (Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).


• Must have great organization and communication skills.

Preferred

• Associate's Degree (AA) in a related field of study 3-5 years relevant experience

Certifications and Licensure

• Preferred Certified Occupancy Certification

Starting at $23.30 / hour

Pay Transparency

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 (820 ILCS 112/5, et seq.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is required to provide the wages and benefits that it reasonably expects in good faith to offer for any specific job positions posted. Please note that the exact compensation package ultimately offered to an applicant may vary based on skills, experience, and location, amongst other permissible factors.

Locations

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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and consideration for employment is made without regard to: race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Catholic Charites is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 312-655-7127 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.