Housing & Tenancy Support Services
Build careers that matter — helping individuals with IDD and disabilities find, secure, and sustain stable housing through Medicaid HCBS-funded community programs.
What Is a Housing & Tenancy Support Services?
Housing & Tenancy Support Services professionals help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), physical disabilities, and other complex needs find, secure, and maintain safe housing in the community. These roles — including Housing Transition Assistants, Housing Coordinators, and Employment & Housing Specialists — are funded through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and deliver two distinct service types: Housing Transition Services (pre-tenancy support to secure housing) and Tenancy Sustaining Services (ongoing support to keep housing once obtained). Specialists coordinate with landlords, housing authorities, benefits offices, and care teams to address barriers and prevent eviction, helping clients exercise their rights as tenants and live as independently as possible.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for social and human service assistants from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations — with approximately 50,600 openings expected each year. Demand for housing support roles specifically is accelerating as states expand HCBS waivers following the 2014 HCBS Settings Rule, which mandates community-integrated living for Medicaid waiver participants. Housing instability remains one of the top barriers to independent living for people with disabilities, making this a high-priority and increasingly funded area.
How to Become a Housing & Tenancy Support Services
- 1Earn a relevant degreeA degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field provides the strongest foundation. Many employers also accept equivalent work experience in housing, case management, or IDD services.
- 2Gain experience in human services or housingPrior experience working with individuals with IDD, mental health conditions, or housing instability is highly valued. Volunteer or entry-level work at a housing authority, disability services agency, or social services office builds critical skills.
- 3Learn Medicaid HCBS waiver and housing systemsFamiliarity with Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers, HUD programs, state HCBS waivers, and local housing authority processes is essential. Each state administers its waiver programs differently, so learning your state's specific rules matters.
- 4Pursue relevant certificationCertifications such as the Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential or state-specific Community Support Specialist designations strengthen your qualifications. Many employers provide on-the-job training for state-required certifications.
- 5Apply with OneWellOneWell Healthcare offers a range of housing support roles across multiple states, from entry-level Housing Transition Assistants to senior Housing & Tenancy Team Leads. Apply online and join a team dedicated to community inclusion.
Required Skills
- ✓Knowledge of tenant rights, fair housing law, and housing authority processes
- ✓Medicaid HCBS waiver program navigation
- ✓Case coordination, documentation, and electronic health record (EHR) use
- ✓Crisis intervention and eviction prevention strategies
- ✓Communication and negotiation with landlords and property managers
- ✓Person-centered planning and goal development
- ✓Community resource identification and referral
- ✓Cultural competency and trauma-informed care
Certifications
- →Certified Case Manager (CCM) — Commission for Case Manager Certification
- →Community Support Specialist (CSS) certification (state-specific)
- →CPR and First Aid
- →State-required background checks and clearances (e.g., FBI, PA State Police, Child Abuse History)
Why Work as a Housing Support at OneWell Healthcare?
Housing & Tenancy Support Services Jobs by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working as a Housing Support.
What does a Housing & Tenancy Support Specialist do?
Housing & Tenancy Support Specialists deliver two types of Medicaid-funded services: Housing Transition Services (helping individuals with disabilities find and apply for housing before they move in) and Tenancy Sustaining Services (ongoing support to help them keep their housing). Day-to-day work includes meeting with clients, coordinating with landlords, assisting with housing applications, and connecting clients to benefits and community resources.
What is the average salary for a housing support specialist?
Salaries for housing support roles typically range from $36,000 to $65,000 per year depending on the position level and state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social and human service assistants — the closest BLS category — was $45,120 in May 2024. Team lead and manager-level housing roles typically earn on the higher end of this range.
Do I need a degree to work in Housing & Tenancy Support?
A degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field is preferred for most roles. However, equivalent professional experience in housing services, disability support, or case management is commonly accepted, especially for coordinator and specialist positions.
What is the difference between Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services?
Housing Transition Services are provided before a person moves into housing — helping them search for apartments, apply for housing programs, understand their lease, and prepare for independent living. Tenancy Sustaining Services begin after move-in and focus on helping individuals keep their housing long-term by building tenant skills, resolving landlord issues, and preventing eviction.
How are Housing & Tenancy Support Services funded?
These services are primarily funded through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. States design their own waiver programs, which means service structures, eligibility criteria, and billing rates vary by state. Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services (HTSS) are a recognized service category in many state waiver programs.
Which states does OneWell offer housing support services in?
OneWell provides housing support services across multiple states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and others. Visit our jobs page and filter by state to see current openings in your area.
Is housing support a growing career field?
Yes. The BLS projects 6% employment growth for social and human service assistants from 2024 to 2034, and demand for housing-specific roles in the disability services space is growing faster as states expand HCBS waivers and enforce community integration mandates under the 2014 HCBS Settings Rule.
What background checks are required for housing support roles?
Most housing support positions in human services require state and federal criminal background clearances. In Pennsylvania, for example, this includes the PA State Police Criminal History Report, the Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Criminal Background Check. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Ready to Start Your Housing Support Career?
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