Housing Specialist

Title: Housing Specialist

Organization: ALFA (AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance) Location: Hickory, NC Reports To: Director of Housing Services

Job Summary

The Housing Specialist is responsible for expanding and enhancing ALFA’s supportive housing services. This position provides direct support to low-income clients living with or at risk of HIV, helping them obtain and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. The Housing Specialist builds and maintains collaborative relationships with landlords, property managers, community organizations, and service providers to increase access to housing resources and improve housing stability for clients.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Services & Client Support

- Conduct housing intakes, comprehensive needs assessments, and manage all aspects of client intakes.

- Assist clients with housing applications, relocation, housing navigation, and landlord communication.

- Provide ongoing follow-up support (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) to ensure housing stability.

- Collaborate with case managers and behavioral health professionals to support clients' overall well-being and housing success.

- Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords and property management companies to resolve housing-related issues.

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for client interactions, services and case status.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

- Build and maintain strong working relationships with landlords, housing authorities, shelters, and other local housing partners.

- Actively participate in housing coalitions, community meetings, and regional planning efforts.

- Represent ALFA at events, trainings, and stakeholder meetings related to housing and homelessness prevention.

Program Coordination & Compliance

- Assist in the development and implementation of housing program protocols, procedures, and documentation standards.

- Ensure services are provided in accordance with funding guidelines (e.g., HOPWA, HUD, Ryan White) and agency policies.

- Participate in regular team meetings, case reviews, and supervision.

- Monitor program outcomes and support continuous quality improvement efforts.

Additional Duties

- Maintain confidentiality and client dignity in all interactions.

- Travel throughout the service area for home visits and outreach as needed (mileage reimbursement or agency vehicle available).

- Follow all safety protocols when providing services.

- Support ALFA functions, fundraisers and community outreach events as needed.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and/or lived experience.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with diverse populations in a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and client-centered manner.

- Experience navigating systemic barriers to housing and connecting individuals with community resources.

- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

- Proficiency in documentation, time management, and organizational skills.

- Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and proof of liability insurance.

- Satisfactory background check and driving record.

Preferred:

- Experience with housing programs funded through HUD, HOPWA, or Ryan White.

- Knowledge of HIV, homelessness, and housing instability.

- Bilingual in English and Spanish.

- Familiarity with harm reduction and Housing First principles.

Working Conditions:

- Regular travel throughout the service area required; agency vehicle provided for outreach.

- Evening and occasional weekend work required for outreach and events.

- Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (up to 25 lbs).

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive hourly wage: $18.27 – $26.44 (commensurate with experience)

- Generous health and dental insurance coverage

- 12 paid holidays + PTO/Vacation time

- Retirement savings plan with employer contribution

- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

This position is non-exempt from overtime compensation.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

ALFA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity andexpression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law. ALFA is committed in policy, principle, and practice to maintaining an environment which prohibits discriminatory behavior, and provides equal employment opportunity for all persons.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.27 - $26.44 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

- 403(b)

- 403(b) matching

- Dental insurance

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Parental leave

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person