Family Self Sufficiency Program Manager

RIHousing – Family Self Sufficiency Program Manager 

Salary Range - $60,829.40-$88,023.72 

RIHousing is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

What it’s all about: 

This position is accountable for the overall management, operation, and expansion of the HUD-funded Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program within the Leased Housing department, including the design, implementation, and analysis of opportunities to expand the program's reach to multi-family properties.  

What you’ll do on a daily basis: 

The FSS program is open to all families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) through RIHousing and living in RIHousing’s jurisdiction.  In this regard, the incumbent works closely with HCVP staff to identify and recruit potential FSS candidates.  Participants are self-selected, and the incumbent monitors the application process to ensure that HUD eligibility guidelines are met. This position will develop marketing strategies to ensure the FSS program operates entirely. The incumbent will be expected to conduct public outreach at multi-family properties, work closely with the Communication department to create promotional materials and coordinate with the HCVP to outreach directly to participants. Throughout the year, the incumbent will be expected to promote the FSS program at RIHousing events and identify presenters who can share their FSS experience. 

This position is responsible for maintaining a caseload of FSS participants. Over approximately five years, the incumbent has provided case management services to its participants, including, but not limited to, counseling on goal achievement, advocacy support, financial coaching, preparation of the Contract of Participation and Individual Training & Services Plan, and ongoing referrals to resources.  All such activities are documented in client files and the software system.  These functions require the incumbent to meet regularly with clients by phone, in the office, or virtual appointment.

The position also involves the delivery of quality support services. It includes evaluating the case management and financial coaching that is provided to participating families, ensuring compliance with appropriate federal/state regulations and internal policies/procedures through reporting, validating data submissions to the HUD reporting system, verifying accurate disbursement and accrual of escrow accounts with the financial department, coordinating with external partners, and supervising the FSS program staff.  

The incumbent will also be required to perform quality control on behalf of the asset management team by conducting Management Occupancy Reviews (MOR) of the FSS program for multi-family properties monitored under the performance-based contract administration (PBCA) portfolio. 

In addition to case management file documentation, the incumbent ensures that required documents are maintained and monitored for each FSS participant escrow account in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with HUD guidelines.  The incumbent will be responsible for requests for escrow disbursements during the program or at program graduation. The incumbent is expected to oversee and approve all escrow transactions and notify the Accounting Department of all activity on a monthly basis.

As part of supervising and ongoing training new and existing FSS staff, the incumbent will develop and pursue opportunities to provide professional development, including but not limited to connecting staff with community partners and programs, staying abreast of changes to HUD regulations/guidance within the HCV program, and offering training in social services such as trauma-informed care, resident coordinator services, SMART goals, etc. 

In addition to the above, the incumbent is responsible for year-end reporting to secure annual funding for the FSS program through HUD. This position will also prepare the FSS program Action Plan for periodic submission to HUD with recommendations for revisions to the FSS section of the HCVP Administrative Plan to ensure continued compliance with HUD regulations. The incumbent will also prepare other reports related to the FSS program for RIHousing and state and/or federal entities, as assigned.

This position is the primary point of contact for logistical, financial, and program coordination with external parties, particularly for comprehensive training, support, and program development services for the FSS program. This position also acts as a liaison to the FSS Program Coordinating Committee, a working group of housing and service agencies HUD mandates to ensure appropriate services are provided to FSS clients.  

When required, the incumbent participates in the appeals/hearing process of applicants who have been rejected or participants who have been terminated from the program.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Analyze and develop an action plan. 
• Market the FSS program in collaboration with the HCV and Communications department to recruit participants and maintain the program at capacity. 
• Expand FSS programming through partnering with multi-family properties. 
• Conduct an analysis of the FSS program for Management Occupancy Reviews in multifamily housing developments.
• Supervise FSS staff, including the provision of training, guidance, and workload management.
• Perform all required administrative functions for the FSS program to ensure proper internal controls, continued compliance with appropriate federal/state regulations, and ongoing financial viability.
• Maintain and oversee the escrow account balances for all FSS participants in collaboration with the finance department. 
• Work with the Assistant Director to monitor program outcomes and adjust policies and procedures accordingly.
• Provide individual case management for FSS clients to ensure their successful completion of the program, including, but not limited to, counseling, advocacy, and monitoring service providers.
• Develop and maintain an interactive network of public housing authorities, community organizations, and other service providers to provide information and referral to participants. 
• Prepare all required forms, documentation, and reports in an accurate and timely manner as required.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Associate degree in psychology, social work, or related field; bachelor’s strongly preferred; and/or equivalent work experience required. 
• Three to five years’ experience in social services and/or housing programs, particularly family counseling with "at-risk" populations
• Working knowledge of the HCVP program, as well as federal and state entitlement programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, computer, and problem-solving skills
• Flexibility to deal with scheduling changes; valid driver's license and adequately insured personal vehicle.
• Bilingual ability preferred (particularly Spanish or Portuguese)

Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! 

Why RIHousing:

• Mission-Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Competitive salary
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off 
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of “Best Places to Work” 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 
• PBN’s Worksite Health Award 2013-2023
• PBN’s Diversity Equity Inclusion Award 2023 

RIHousing strives to ensure that all people who live or work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs.  A good home provides the foundation upon which individuals and families thrive, children learn and grow, and communities prosper.

 To achieve our mission, we:

• Offer fair, affordable, and innovative lending programs.
• Provide housing-related education to consumers and others.
• Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
• Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
• Team up with partners to improve everything we do.

RIHousing uses its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education, and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build, and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a privately funded public purpose corporation. RIHousing requires its employees to be highly motivated and knowledgeable, have a sound understanding of the changing needs of Rhode Island's housing market, be willing to work within and toward a smoothly integrated operation, demonstrate a commitment to serve the people of Rhode Island, especially those with low and moderate incomes in need of safe and affordable homes, and possess a high level of integrity and deep respect for all Rhode Islanders, including customers, partners and fellow employees.