Housing Specialist
Department: Housing Operations | Reports To: Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager | FLSA: Non-Exempt | Effective Date: May 20, 2026
About the Role
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Specialist administers key functions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program in compliance with HUD regulations, federal guidelines, agency policies, and program requirements. This role performs eligibility determinations, recertifications, interim adjustments, participant briefings, landlord communications, and case management to ensure program compliance and deliver high-quality customer service to participants, landlords, and community partners. The specialist serves as a liaison between the Housing Authority, voucher participants, and landlords while supporting the mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Process new admissions, annual recertifications, interim recertifications, and portability documentation.
- Determine participant eligibility in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies.
- Maintain accurate participant files and documentation within the housing management software system.
- Calculate tenant rent portions, housing assistance payments (HAP), utility allowances, and income adjustments.
- Conduct voucher briefings and explain program responsibilities to participants and landlords.
- Issue vouchers and process Requests for Tenancy Approval (RFTA).
- Ensure compliance with HUD regulations, Fair Housing laws, agency policies, and program procedures.
- Monitor participant compliance with family obligations and program requirements.
- Review and verify income, assets, deductions, and third-party documentation.
- Provide professional customer service to applicants, participants, landlords, and community stakeholders.
- Coordinate with landlords regarding leases, HAP contracts, rent reasonableness, and participant issues.
- Maintain accurate electronic and paper records in accordance with retention requirements.
- Generate reports and correspondence related to participant status and program activity.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and HUD-related workshops.
- Perform related duties to support agency operations and departmental objectives.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Services, or related field preferred.
- High school diploma or GED required.
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in affordable housing, property management, social services, or related administrative work preferred.
- Experience working with HUD programs and regulations is strongly preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Must become certified as Housing Choice Voucher Specialist within one year of employment.
Skills
- Knowledge of HUD Housing Choice Voucher regulations and affordable housing programs.
- Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and tenant/landlord relations.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and housing management software systems.
- Strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability to change; responds positively to and champions change.
- Leadership and achievement orientation; influences others to accomplish the mission while upholding organizational values.
- Commitment to quality service, meeting expectations of internal and external customers.
- Results-driven with the ability to make timely decisions and implement strategic planning.
- Business acumen in acquiring and administering resources to accomplish the organization’s mission.
- Professionalism in interactions, handling pressure, and treating others with respect.
Working Conditions
The work environment is typically moderate in noise level. Stressful situations may occur when dealing with the public. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
- Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate office equipment such as keyboards, telephones, and facsimile machines.
- Ability to move, handle, or lift moderately heavy objects such as computer equipment.
- Valid Florida Driver’s License required.