Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) is dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV/AIDS and promoting self-sufficiency in people living with HIV. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care.  WNCAP employees 20 people and has 3 locations in Western NC.

Working under WNCAP’s Case Management Coordinator, the Housing Specialist Case Manager (HSCM) provides housing information (including permanent housing placement) to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families to help them identify, locate, obtain, and retain affordable housing that meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

The HSCM assures an adequate supply of housing units that meet both Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and Fair Market Rent (FMR) throughout the Network service area. In addition, the HSCM completes client intake and needs assessments; reviews client household income; performs initial and annual housing inspections; conducts annual recertification; handles client and/or landlord concerns; prepares and maintains Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) termination documentation; and works with administrative staff to prepare monthly rental assistance checks.

This is a full time nonexempt position.  Regular work hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday with 1 hour paid lunch.

Duties

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Perform intakes, complete paperwork, process applications, verify eligibility, and perform recertification for program enrollments, accurately and on a timely basis. As-needed, submit documentation for termination of housing assistance.
• Help participants find safe and affordable housing units, negotiate lease terms with landlords, and ensure rents for participants are paid accurately and on time.
• Conduct/document HQS inspections, and work with landlords to ensure HQS deficiencies are corrected and that property maintenance issues are resolved satisfactorily and on a timely basis.

• Work with program participants to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities under the terms of their leases, monitor program participants continuously to ensure compliance with program rules and regulations, thereby helping participants maintain housing stability.

• Communicate with Medical Case Managers and treatment team to ensure continuity of care and to report any concerns related to participants.  Document all contacts with program participants, or on behalf of program participants, on the appropriate forms and in a timely manner.
• Provide education and counseling about housing assistance programs available through the public sector and educate participants on independent living skills, refer participants to support services as needed.

• Communicate effectively with clients verbally and via written communication.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience, OR comparable combined education and experience required.

Candidates must have the following skills in order to be considered for this position:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task case load
• Precision and attention to detail
• Thorough knowledge of local community resources
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Gmail, and data entry/tracking
• Respectful interaction with diverse populations, including LGBTQ and IDU clients
• Ability and willingness to work under challenging situations
• Awareness of issues that People Living With HIV/AIDS face on a day-to-day basis
• Team player with ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle liability coverage
• Real Estate knowledge/experience preferred but not required
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required

 Physical Requirements

• Must be willing and able to spend long periods of time in a stationary position working at a computer
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds
• Must be willing and able to drive long distances transporting and/or visiting clients

Compensation and Benefits

The Housing Specialist Case Manager is a full-time nonexempt position based out of WNCAP’s Asheville office, located at 554 Fairview Road, Asheville NC 28803.  Salary range is $33-36k/year.  Regular work hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday with 1 hour paid lunch.  Dress code is business casual.  WNCAP is a certified living wage agency.

Benefits include:

• Partial employer-sponsored health, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

WNCAP is an equal opportunity employer; females, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

For consideration for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume, including “Housing Specialist Case Manager” in the subject line, to: employment@wncap.org

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we cannot respond to all correspondence received.