Housing | Eligibility Specialist

Catholic Charities is looking for the right people; people who wish to serve their community as a part of a family friendly organization doing good within the Houston-Galveston area. We attract and retain the best talent by investing in our employees. People of all faiths helping people in need.

The Eligibility Specialist plays a crucial role in determining and verifying the eligibility of individuals seeking assistance through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. This position involves conducting thorough assessments, reviewing documentation, and ensuring compliance with program guidelines and regulations. The Eligibility Specialist serves as a point of contact for applicants, providing guidance and support throughout the eligibility determination process.

What you Deliver

• Conduct initial screenings and assessments to determine clients' eligibility for HOPWA program services. Gather detailed information from applicants regarding their housing status, income, medical condition, and other relevant factors. Explain program requirements, eligibility criteria, and documentation needed for verification.
• Collect and review documentation provided by applicants to verify eligibility, including income statements, medical records, and proof of HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Ensure that all documentation meets program requirements and regulatory standards. Follow up with applicants to request additional information or clarification as needed.
• Apply program guidelines and regulations to assess applicants' eligibility for HOPWA assistance. Make accurate and timely eligibility determinations based on the information collected and verified. Document eligibility decisions and rationale in accordance with program protocols.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for applicants, providing guidance and support throughout the eligibility determination process. Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants in a clear, respectful, and sensitive manner. Address inquiries from applicants regarding their eligibility status and provide assistance as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client assessments, eligibility determinations, and documentation. Enter data into program databases or electronic systems in a timely and accurate manner. Generate reports on eligibility determinations, application status, and other relevant metrics as required.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase awareness of the HOPWA program within the community, including outreach events, presentations, and collaborations with community partners. Distribute informational materials and resources to target populations, including individuals living with HIV/AIDS, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations.
• Refer clients to appropriate resources and services based on their needs and preferences, including housing assistance, healthcare, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other support services. Coordinate referrals with community partners and service providers, ensuring seamless access to resources.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate outreach efforts and referral coordination.
• Attend community events, meetings, and conferences to represent the HOPWA program and promote awareness of housing services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse populations, respecting individual identities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Tailor outreach strategies and communication approaches to effectively engage with different communities.
• Collaborate with program staff, including case managers and administrators, to ensure a seamless intake and eligibility determination process. Coordinate with external agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to obtain necessary documentation and information.
• Participate in quality assurance activities to ensure consistency and accuracy in eligibility determinations. Follow established protocols and procedures to maintain program integrity and compliance with regulations. Identify areas for process improvement and contribute to ongoing quality assurance efforts.

The Expertise We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Two (2) years of experience social service setting or similar setting
• Valid Texas Driver’s License

The Skills and Assets You Bring, and More

• Knowledge of eligibility criteria, regulations, and documentation requirements for government assistance programs.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to review and verify documentation accurately.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact sensitively and professionally with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in data entry and record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

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Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer.  We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.  Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

The work you do will help us advocate for the vulnerable among us, a network of support services to people of all ages and from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.