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Summary: The Financial Assistance Coordinator is responsible for processing RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) payments to landlord and vendors. The position ensures compliance with Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) fraud standards and attends regular team meetings. This position works closely with the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) Director and SMOC’s internal finance department to ensure timely and accurate payments.

Why Work for SMOC?

+ Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.

+ Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.

+ Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.

+ 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.

+ Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.

+ Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

+ Assist in the overall payment process of the RAFT program.

+ Serving as a primary point of contact for payment related inquiries from internal staff, community partners, property owners, and external agencies.

+ Provide timely, accurate information about program guidelines, eligibility, benefits, and required documentation.

+ Monitor and track program data, ensuring that all applications, payments, reallocations, terminations, and funding requests are processed accurately and within EOHLC timelines.

+ Attend all RAFT related meetings and provide ongoing training, technical assistance, and program updates to staff, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

+ Serve as a resource for case managers offering guidance on complex cases, payment questions, and escalation steps for families experiencing housing crises or income changes.

+ Run monthly reports as needed.

+ Conduct RAFT check runs, including verifying payment histories, reconciling payment reports, and coordinating with the Finance Department to ensure timely release of funds.

+ Communicate regularly with landlords, property managers, clients, and Housing Specialists about payment schedules, delays, changes, and documentation needs, helping maintain positive partnerships and resolve concerns quickly.

+ Problem-solve landlord issues, missed payments, and unit-related challenges to reduce risk of housing loss and ensure timely supports for families.

+ Create and maintain both digital and hard-copy client files, following SMOC’s document retention standards and EOHLC compliance requirements.

+ Conduct the annual review of client funding allocation to ensure full compliance with the RAFT Administrative Plan, adjusting internal practices when needed.

+ Assist in running reports, voiding payments, and processing check runs in PHA-pro (aka HAPPY), ensuring accuracy in all financial transactions.

+ Work closely with Finance to troubleshoot payment issues, verify funding availability, and ensure documentation aligns with program billing standards.

+ Conduct fraud reviews and ensure compliance with EOHLC rules and regulations when it comes to fraud, waste, and abuse workflows

+ Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.

+ Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.

+ Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.

+ Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as SMOC policies & procedures.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

+ Associate’s Degree or a minimum of three years' experience in Human Services or related field

+ At least one-year experience with check run processes and/or payment processes for a non-profit

+ Sensitivity to low-income families of diverse backgrounds

+ Ability to work independently

+ Good written and verbal communication skills

+ Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, Tracker, ETO. IRS portal, Salesforce and other databases

Organizational Relationship:

+ Directly reports to Housing Consumer Education Center Director

Physical Requirement: Must be able to lift 25lbs. Must be able to carry and lift items over prolonged periods of time.

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Program Coordinator will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Remote Work Option: Remote work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities.

Monday through Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.

35 Hours per week.