Housing Support Specialist

Role Description  

Title: Housing Support Specialist    

Reports to: Senior Housing Support Manager    

Classification: Full Time Salaried, Exempt     

Starting Pay:   $73,000/year   

Assigned Office Location: Remote/in the field (3 days) and Jubilee Association of Maryland Office (2 days).   

Position Summary. Jubilee is a leading provider of Housing Support Services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. The Housing Support Specialist is a key member of a team of professionals who provide one-on-one services to help people identify and navigate housing opportunities, address or overcome barriers to housing, and secure and retain their own homes. The Housing Support Specialist will directly serve clients and assist the Senior Housing Support Specialists and team in advancing Jubilee's housing support program.  

Responsibilities. 

• Provide Housing Support Services. Provide direct Housing Support Services to a caseload of approximately 50 people in line with each participant’s Person-Centered Plan, service authorization, and goals for where they want to live. Services may include but are not limited to:    

• Housing Transition.   

• Conduct housing assessments and tenant screenings; collaboratively develop and revise Housing Plans; reassess housing needs and goals through monthly check-ins and yearly evaluations.   

• Support clients in identifying housing options, searching for available housing, scheduling, and facilitating tours, and processing required paperwork.   

• Implement the Jubilee step-by-step housing Move-in Guide to assist people with the move-in/transition process.  

• Housing Information and Assistance.   

• Support clients to make the best choice of housing to promote independence, taking into consideration their needs and focusing always on their preferences, health, and safety.   

• Support clients completing housing applications, including gathering required documentation, completing forms, and completing follow up to ensure the application is processed. As needed, request reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act and apply for/process housing vouchers.   

• Assist with applications for utility assistance, rental assistance, and other benefits related to improving housing affordability.   

• Maintain frequent communication, including a monthly check- in, with the client and members of their team to provide updates and information to support them in achieving their housing goals.   

• Tenancy Sustaining Services   

• Support clients to maintain their tenancy, including conducting tenant training on lease agreements.    

• Assist with monthly budget development and set up payment systems for rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses.   

• Work with landlords and maintenance teams to ensure proper maintenance is completed.   

• Complete housing recertifications and lease agreements on time.  

• Training and Professional Development. Complete and maintain all required training and certifications according to Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and Jubilee requirements, and training specific to each person you support. Pursue additional professional development opportunities.   

• Data Quality. Ensure Jubilee data systems (e.g.,   

• Documentation. Document services provided and progress on person-centered housing goals according to Jubilee’s policies. Attend Person-Centered Planning meetings and submit documentation for yearly service authorization.   

• Organizational Participation. Regularly attend team meetings, all-staff meetings, and other meetings relevant to your work. Contribute to program evaluation and help set organizational priorities to ensure quality.   

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications.    

• GED or high school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.   

• Two+ years of relevant experience, preferably with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   

• Experience and knowledge in property management of affordable housing communities, rent assistance program regulations, eligibility criteria, rent calculations and move-in, move out compliance   

• Advanced reasoning abilities and good judgment.   

• Advanced written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal skills. The use of person-first language and thinking is essential.   

• Excellent organizational/time-management skills and attention to detail.   

• Strong technology skills to effectively use Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, Zoom, and data systems.   

• Desire to work with and learn from people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities required.   

• Commitment to Jubilee’s core values of respect and human dignity, self-determination, community, justice, ethical practices, and spiritual care.   

• DDA-required certifications for the role of a Housing Support Specialist are a plus, but will be provided as needed.   

• Current U.S. driver’s license and personal vehicle for site visits.   

Compensation. This position has a fixed starting pay of $73,000 per year. All staff have opportunities for pay increases and promotions. The median income for full-time Jubilee employees is $66,000 per year.   

Benefits. Benefits include four weeks of vacation, two weeks sick leave, health/dental/life/disability insurance for the employee and eligible dependents, 3% retirement match after one year, 7 paid holidays, $1,000 student loan assistance or tuition reimbursement, paid training opportunities, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses, periodic reimbursement of vacation expenses, and more. Depending on personal situations, additional paid leave may apply, such as parental leave, bereavement leave, and jury service. Eligibility for some benefits starts at 20 or 30 hours of work per week.   

All employees must be vaccinated for Covid before starting work.     

Jubilee is currently operating a hybrid workplace model for most administrative roles. Candidates should live within commuting distance of our Kensington, MD office.    

About Jubilee. Jubilee Association of Maryland is a faith-based nonprofit that provides opportunities and support for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to live in and enrich their community while fulfilling their personal, family, social, and spiritual needs. Jubilee was started by Hyattsville Mennonite Church in 1978 as part of the movement to bring people with intellectual disabilities out of segregated institutions and into the community. Since then, Jubilee has grown to be a leader in person-centered disability services, currently supporting more than 200 people who are included in their communities across Montgomery County, Maryland. The organization has a staff of about 500. Through partnerships, innovation, and attentive care, Jubilee is a leader in providing the highest quality services and helping demonstrate the power of inclusion. Learn more at www.jubileemd.org.      

Jubilee Association of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, physical characteristics, genetic information, physical characteristics, veteran status, or religion