Housing Services Specialist I
About the role
The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development works in partnership with the Redevelopment and Housing Authority to serve the people of Fairfax County by creating housing opportunities to promote inclusive and thriving communities. Our Rental Assistance Division is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented housing services specialist to join our team. This position plays a key role in supporting state-funded rental assistance programs, including the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).
Responsibilities
- Ensures sensitive information is entered accurately and promptly in the system of record.
- Performs quality control.
- Coordinates with the partner agency to support the selection and notification of waitlist applicants for eligibility determination.
- Assists professional staff with routine tasks such as program outreach, client contact, and obtaining program documentation.
- Provides timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries, ensuring all clients feel heard, respected, and supported.
- Maintains a high level of professionalism when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be in crisis or experiencing housing instability.
- Exercises patience, empathy, and sound judgment when handling sensitive or challenging situations.
- Delivers consistent, high-quality customer service in person, by phone, and through written communication.
Qualifications
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, public or business administration, counseling or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience performing accurate and high-volume data entry in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience and proficiency utilizing data management software, case management systems, or database platforms (such as YARDI, Housing Pro, or similar systems).
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct data inconsistencies or errors.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information responsibly and in compliance with agency policies.
- Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, patiently, and professionally with experience providing customer service to diverse populations, including individuals experiencing housing instability or crisis.
- Experience working in social services, housing programs, or other public service environments.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Ability to explain program processes and requirements to clients in an accessible and supportive manner.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, especially in languages commonly spoken in the service area.
- Proficiency in standard office software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
Physical Requirements
Ability to read information on a computer monitor; effectively communicate; operate keyboard-driven equipment and computer. Work is generally sedentary in nature; however, incumbent is required to frequently move about to perform office work such as accessing files, attending meetings, making presentations, operating general office equipment, and performing other essential job duties; may be required to move items up to approximately 15 pounds in weight. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Skills
This position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with clients, service providers, and team members.
Pay
The salary is competitive within the scope of the funding available and is subject to the terms and conditions of the grant.
Schedule
No specific schedule is mentioned, but the position is grant funded.
Benefits
Fairfax County Government offers a thriving career and workplace culture, with benefits that can be found by clicking on the provided links.