Housing Subsidy & Services Program Specialist

Northern Virginia Family Service; Falls Church, Fairfax (VA, VA); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) seeks a Program Specialist for our Community Housing RSSP in Falls Church. You will provide administrative and operational support for housing subsidy programs, coordinating intake, eligibility, enrollment, and rental assistance in collaboration with participants, landlords, case managers, and partners.

The role is hybrid with a starting salary in the mid to upper 40s, offering benefits and opportunities to advance within NVFS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field preferred.
• At least 1 year of related work experience in program support, eligibility determination, financial assistance, housing, or client or case coordination preferred.
• Experience handling confidential information and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, and program guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a diverse client base, landlords, government representatives, and community partners.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and accounting principles used in eligibility calculations.
• Ability to assess client situations, identify discrepancies, and determine appropriate actions in accordance with established eligibility guidelines.
• Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn HMIS, Apricot 360, and other electronic databases.
• Oral and written fluency in English required; bilingual fluency in Spanish or other client languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Program Intake, Eligibility, and Enrollment.
• Conduct initial screenings, intake interviews, and eligibility assessments to determine program eligibility and identify participant needs.
• Review and process applications, gather and verify required documentation, and coordinate timely enrollment into housing assistance services.
• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility in accordance with program guidelines, funding requirements, and agency policies.
• Conduct periodic eligibility reviews and recertifications to ensure continued compliance with program requirements.
• Explain program services, eligibility requirements, participant rights and responsibilities, and appeal procedures to clients.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-ups with participants, case managers, and community partners to support a smooth enrollment process.
• Calculate and process monthly rental subsidies and other authorized financial assistance in accordance with program requirements.
• Review leases, rental information, participant contributions, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and submit rental assistance, utility, security deposit, and other eligible payment requests for approval and processing.
• Collaborate with landlords, case managers, Finance, and program leadership to resolve payment discrepancies and administrative concerns.
• Track financial assistance and subsidy activity to support accurate records, budget monitoring, and program reporting.
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records, eligibility documentation, and program databases, including HMIS and Apricot.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, payment requests, and other administrative documents.
• Monitor program deadlines and ensure timely processing of applications, financial assistance requests, and required documentation.
• Support program reporting, data quality reviews, audits, monitoring visits, and other compliance activities.
• Collaborate with internal NVFS teams, Fairfax County, landlords, and community partners to support coordinated program operations.
• Assist with program meetings, trainings, workshops, and administrative process improvements.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Flexibility/Adaptability

Bilingual English/Spanish beneficial

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

HMIS

Apricot 360

Other databases

Job description

Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) seeks a Program Specialist for our Community Housing RSSP in Falls Church. You will provide administrative and operational support for housing subsidy programs, coordinating intake, eligibility, enrollment, and rental assistance in collaboration with participants, landlords, case managers, and partners.

The role is hybrid with a starting salary in the mid to upper 40s, offering benefits and opportunities to advance within NVFS.