Application Reviewer, Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP)

HOUSING INITIATIVE PARTNERSHIP:

Housing Initiative Partnership develops innovative affordable housing, revitalizes neighborhoods, and equips people to achieve their housing and financial goals. Our vision is that every person lives in high-quality affordable housing in a thriving community. HIP maintains offices in Hyattsville in Prince George’s County and Germantown in Montgomery County, Maryland.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Rent Assistance Application Reviewer is a full-time position responsible for reviewing and processing rent and utility assistance applications under HIP’s Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP). Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Reviewer assesses applications for completeness and eligibility, verifies documentation, resolves outstanding issues with applicants and housing providers, and prepares cases for quality control review and payment approval.

The position requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, consistent application of program requirements, and professional communication with applicants, landlords, property managers, utility providers, and other program partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Application Review: Review and evaluate rent and utility assistance applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with program eligibility requirements.
• Eligibility Determination: Apply program guidelines and funding requirements to determine applicant and expense eligibility and identify cases requiring additional review.
• Document Verification: Review and verify leases, rent ledgers, income documentation, utility bills, identification, residency, and other required documentation.
• Landlord & Provider Communication:
  • Communicate with landlords, property managers, and utility providers to verify tenancy, balances, payment information, and obtain missing or corrected documentation.
  • Maintain professional and timely communication to facilitate efficient case resolution.
• Applicant Communication: Communicate with applicants to obtain information, resolve discrepancies, and provide application status updates and next steps.
• Assistance Calculation: Calculate eligible rent and utility arrears and prepare assistance recommendations in accordance with program requirements and limits.
• Case Documentation & Data Entry: Maintain complete, accurate electronic case records and timely data entry of applicant, eligibility, assistance, and case information.
• Quality Control Preparation: Ensure cases are complete, accurate, and properly documented before submission for quality control review and payment approval; address corrections as needed.
• Compliance & Reporting: Follow HIP and funder requirements, program procedures, and confidentiality standards; maintain accurate data and support monitoring, audits, and reporting.
• Team Coordination: Participate in team meetings, trainings, and case discussions to address application issues and promote consistent application of program requirements.
• Other Duties: Perform related administrative and program support responsibilities as assigned to support HIP’s housing stabilization programs and services.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
  • Experience in application review, eligibility determination, financial assistance, housing, human services, benefits, financial services, or a related field preferred.
  • Ability to interpret and consistently apply program policies, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to identify discrepancies and manage a high-volume caseload while meeting deadlines.
  • Ability to perform and verify basic financial calculations accurately.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with applicants, landlords, property managers, vendors, and colleagues.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook; case management/database experience preferred.
  • Ability to learn and effectively use HIP’s case management and data systems.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive client information and work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.

WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

• Full-time position, approximately 37.5 hours per week.
• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday; occasional evening or extended hours may be required to meet program deadlines or operational needs.
• Work may be hybrid or in-office depending on program requirements and supervisory direction.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS:

This position is primarily sedentary and based in HIP’s Hyattsville offices with hybrid work opportunities, as approved. The position may require occasional bending and lifting, regular local travel to outreach events and meetings, and occasional evening or weekend work. Occasional overnight travel for conferences or trainings may also be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary: $60,000 annual salary. HIP offers a competitive benefits package including retirement, health insurance, long-term disability, generous vacation, and sick leave.

Funding Notice: This position is supported in whole or in part by grant funding. Continued employment is subject to organizational needs and the availability of funding.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email a cover letter and resume to Hiring Manager at employment@hiphomes.org.

Housing Initiative Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

HIP offers a competitive benefits package including retirement, health insurance, long-term disability, generous vacation, and sick leave.

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish preferred.