Housing Support Specialist

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority in Richmond, VA seeks a Housing Specialist to assist clients in securing and maintaining housing, conduct assessments, coordinate applications, and support tenancy stability. You will work with landlords, case managers, and community partners, perform field visits, document case notes, and help clients understand lease terms while preventing evictions.

This full-time role requires a high school diploma, 1–3 years in housing services, and a valid Virginia

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of experience in housing services, human services, or working with vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of housing quality standards and lease navigation.
• Proficiency in documentation and use of standard office equipment.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position, as permitted by applicable regulatory standards.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with agency policy.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, or related field.
• Experience with housing programs such as Permanent Supportive Housing.
• Familiarity with landlord-tenant laws and housing regulations.
• Training in trauma-informed care and crisis

Responsibilities

• Complete initial housing assessments to determine client eligibility for housing programs.
• Locate and inspect housing options to ensure suitability and compliance with housing quality standards.
• Coordinate and conduct client moves, including purchasing and delivering household items.
• Maintain accurate documentation including case notes, housing paperwork, and electronic health records.
• Communicate with landlords, case managers, and service providers to advocate for client needs.
• Support clients in understanding lease agreements, resolving housing issues, and maintaining tenancy.
• Monitor housing stability and provide ongoing support to prevent eviction or lease violations.
• Conduct field work including home visits and housing inspections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Housing knowledge

Customer service

Safety regulations

Communication skills

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

1–3 years housing services experience

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Valid Virginia driver’s license

Job description

Assist clients in securing and maintaining housing through direct support and coordination. Responsibilities include conducting housing assessments, facilitating applications, coordinating moves, and maintaining housing stability in collaboration with landlords, case managers, and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.?Other duties may be assigned.

• Complete initial housing assessments to determine client eligibility for housing programs
• Locate and inspect housing options to ensure suitability and compliance with housing quality standards
• Coordinate and conduct client moves, including purchasing and delivering household items
• Maintain accurate documentation including case notes, housing paperwork, and electronic health records
• Communicate with landlords, case managers, and service providers to advocate for client needs
• Support clients in understanding lease agreements, resolving housing issues, and maintaining tenancy
• Monitor housing stability and provide ongoing support to prevent eviction or lease violations
• Conduct field work including home visits and housing inspections
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications—Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• 1–3 years of experience in housing services, human services, or working with vulnerable populations
• Knowledge of housing quality standards and lease navigation
• Proficiency in documentation and use of standard office equipment
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position, as permitted by applicable regulatory standards.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with agency policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, or related field
• Experience with housing programs such as Permanent Supportive Housing
• Familiarity with landlord-tenant laws and housing regulations
• Training in trauma-informed care and crisis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of housing systems, customer service principles, and safety regulations
• Skill in identifying complex problems and implementing solutions
• Skill in time management, documentation, and interpersonal communication
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech
• Ability to organize and synthesize information for decision-making
• Ability to learn and retain processes through instruction and apply them independently
• Ability to identify potential problems or detect when something may be likely to go wrong

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not supervise or function in a lead worker capacity.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role, generally performs work under the following conditions:

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. While lifting demands may vary, employees in this category must demonstrate consistent mobility and physical readiness to engage in field-based work. This includes operating a motor vehicle, walking extended distances, and accessing locations that may require climbing stairs or traversing uneven terrain.
• Close concentration and visual attention required.
• Normal working conditions. Work is typically performed in a standard behavioral health environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards.
• Conditions may fluctuate based on client acuity and behavioral presentations. Staff may be required to implement behavior management techniques and participate in crisis intervention procedures. Behavioral interventions are infrequent, typically occurring

ADA

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our team at [e-mail] for more information.

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all employees as required.

EEO

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Open Date 10/1/2026

Close Date

About the Organization Join the Fearless!
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond.
Our Mission:
RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve.
Our Vision:
An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential.
Our Values:
Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / Integrity
Creating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time.
RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.
Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants.

Starting Salary Range Housing Specialist I: $25.36 - $29.15/ hr.; Housing Specialist III $29.58 - $34.00/ her

EOE Statement Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position is currently accepting applications.