Emergency Rent Assistance Program Assistant

Job Title: Emergency Rent Assistance Program Assistant (COVID-19 Response/ Bilingual)
Reports To: Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
Status: Non-Exempt, Temporary

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Assistant will support the Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) as assigned by United Way’s Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. The ERAP is intended to prevent homelessness by providing rent assistance to residents who experienced a loss of income due to coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Program applicants at or below 50% AMI will be prioritized for assistance and offered additional housing counseling services. Qualifying residents will be those who already reside in permanent housing and have been timely paying monthly rent up to March 13, 2020.

The Program will provide rent and/or utility subsidy, for qualifying households who cannot pay rent or utility expenses because of a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19. Qualifying households are eligible to receive, up to a total of 18-months of rental and or utility assistance. Payments will be made directly to the owners or managers of the rental units or utility companies on behalf of the tenants.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Support the ERAP Program Coordinator with applicant communication and award processes for the County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

• Serve as the first point of contact with members of the public who call or walk-up to UWSBC office
• Provide direct clerical, administrative, and professional support to the ERAP Program staff
• Respond to all applicant inquiries regarding application/award status, application process, eligibility requirements etc.
• Communicate with landlords as needed to ensure payments are received and applied as stated in award letters.
• Conduct interviews, collect documentation and process awards as needed.
• Review all submitted files to ensure all applicant files are in compliance to the grant guidelines and requirements.
• Assist with all aspects of award mailings.
• Coordinate check pickups with applicants and partner agencies.
• Respond to partner issues, applicant questions and challenges in a thoughtful and professional manner.
• Work with internal UWSBC staff to deliver reports, statistical data and analysis in a timely manner.
• Work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Maintains confidentiality of clients, programs, agency and United Way of Santa Barbara County.
• Translate all printed and digital materials into Spanish.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, however, three years of experience working in social services, with a strong knowledge base of local resources will qualify.
• The ideal candidate must have a clean driver’s license
• Bi-Lingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

NOTE: This is a grant funded position.