RAP Housing Specialist
$43,035 - $48,401 USD yearly
Be the Bridge to Housing, Hope, and New Beginnings
Social services field job seekers – Do you enjoy the independence of a home-based office while still making a meaningful impact through face-to-face interactions? If so, Region 5 Systems may have the perfect opportunity for you. We offer a hybrid (telework-based) Housing Specialist position located in Lincoln, Nebraska. This role offers the flexibility of working from your home office; however, candidates should understand that most of the work is conducted in person throughout the communities served by Region 5 Systems in southeast Nebraska. This is an ideal position for professionals who enjoy serving in the community, building relationships, and working directly with individuals while maintaining the convenience of a home-based work environment. Regular travel throughout the service area is required for client-related activities. Employees are expected to attend required in-person meetings, trainings, and other duties at Region 5 Systems’ principal office located at 3600 Union Drive, Lincoln. See the job description (“Work Environment”) for additional details.
- Position closes 11/13/26 or until position is filled.
- If you require accommodations as an applicant, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@region5systems.net. Equal Opportunity Employer
Why This Job Matters
The impact of this work is significant. Region 5 Systems is an integral part of promoting coordinated strategies to reduce and end homelessness; expanding access to behavioral health services and housing; and supporting long-term recovery and community integration. The Housing Specialist is key to supporting our commitment to empower individuals and families to live, work, and thrive in communities of their choice.
Who This Role is For
If you are passionate about helping others, being a part of innovative efforts to make a real difference to end homelessness in our community, we encourage you to apply and learn more about joining our team.
Why Join Region 5 Systems – apply today and experience the difference!
- Received 1st place award for 2026 Lincoln Best Places to Work (large employer category)
- Flexible, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture
- Meaningful work serving the unhoused in our community
The top 5 words our employees use to describe our work culture are: Flexible, Supportive, Caring, Engaging, and Inclusive.
We are committed to creating a professional environment where team members can reach their full potential while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Through flexibility, collaboration, and team-building opportunities, we foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and connected.
If you’re looking to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and work alongside an exceptional team, Region 5 Systems could be the place for you.
What You’ll Do
Our Housing Specialist serves an important role to support consumers in our Rental Assistance Program (RAP). Responsibilities include:
- Implement and adhere to RAP policies and procedures for the specific program model as directed by the Division of Behavioral Health.
- Coordinate and communicate with participants, landlords, agency service providers and other stakeholders involved in housing of participants.
- Conduct outreach and act as a liaison to landlords and property managers.
- Complete tasks associated with admitting, securing housing, and ongoing housing coordination for program participants.
- Conduct Housing Quality Standard (HQS)/INSPIRE inspections, including initial certifications and annual certifications.
- Process payment requests for deposits, rent, utilities, payments for furniture, etc.
- Maintain participants files in electronic health record.
- Attend Coordinated Entry meetings and other housing-related meetings, as needed.
- Conduct participant engagement and education opportunities (e.g., Rentwise) to help participants secure and maintain stable housing.
- Respond to inquiries from the general public and/or referral sources made to Region 5 Systems regarding the program.
See job description for full range of responsibilities.
What You’ll Have
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field. Recent and soon-to-be graduates are encouraged to apply! Applicants expected to graduate within 3 months will be considered equivalent to candidates who have already completed their degree. HR will verify anticipated graduation following job offer. Extensive experience (3 or more years) in related human services field may be substituted for degree.
- Preferred Experience that Will Make You Stand Out! Demonstrated knowledge of the behavioral health system; 2 years working with adults with substance use disorders, a serious mental illness, and/or who are homeless or near homeless; experience in a behavioral health direct service provision; or completed training in Housing Quality Standard/NSPIRE inspections.
- Remote Work Skills: Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, including proficiency with video conferencing tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom), electronic health records, shared documentation, and network drives.
- Core Skills: Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to build relationships with landlords, participants, and community partners; ability to develop knowledge of housing resources, coordination, and inspection processes; ability to manage documentation, financial transactions, and multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and a participant-centered approach.
- Other Requirements: Reliable personal transportation and satisfactory background investigation.
- Additional Details: See the job description for full abilities and skills expectations.
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay: $43,035 – $48,401 at hire, commensurate with experience and other desired criteria.
- Remote Work Stipend: Up to $500
- Support & Development: Training, continuing education, and strength-based performance reviews.
- Work-life Balance: Flexible schedules and a casual, fun work environment (jeans allowed daily)
- Health Benefits: Medical (United Health Care Choice Plus), dental, vision, FSA, and HSA options
- Retirement Plans: 457(b) and 401(a)
- Paid Time Off: Vacation (accrual based on years of service), 13 holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, and community service leave
- Insurance & Protection: Life insurance, voluntary term life, long-term disability, and Aflac
- Employee Support: Employee assistance program
- Equipment: Work-issued laptop and cell phone
- Free parking when working from the principal office.
Who We Are
Region 5 Systems, one of six Behavioral Health Regions in Nebraska, is responsible for the development and coordination of publicly funded behavioral health services within its 16-county service area (southeast Nebraska).
Our Mission:
Support the wellness and recovery of people through the ongoing development and coordination of the behavioral health system of care.
Our Vision:
People experiencing, affected by, or at risk of, mental health or substance use challenges receive care and enhance personal wellbeing.
Our Values Promote:
- Wellbeing, embracing the four dimensions of recovery: health, home, purpose, and community
- Collaboration and inclusion
- Access to a continuum of care where every door is the right door for welcoming people with behavioral health needs
- Innovation and flexibility
- Data and quality driven standards of excellence
- Multidimensional culture of learning