Housing Specialist (Housing Authority)

About the role

The Housing Authority in the City of Pittsburg, CA is seeking dynamic individuals for the position of Housing Specialist. This journey level class within the Housing Authority Division is responsible for independently performing the full range of duties in the management of an assigned caseload in Section 8 and Voucher housing programs.

Responsibilities

• Interviews, evaluates, and counsels potential and current program participants on all Housing Authority program policies and procedures including housing certification, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/ Section 8 Rental Assistance eligibility requirements and restrictions.
• Accepts and reviews applications; assists in the determination of eligibility of new housing applicants; conducts home visits and rent calculations as appropriate.
• Mediates and develops contracts and rental agreements between private resident owners and tenants participating in the Section 8 and voucher Housing Programs.
• Investigates, handles, and resolves complaints and problems of program participants; provides referrals to and assistance in obtaining needed services from outside social services and agencies.
• Determines rents based on family income; negotiates rents with landlords and determines rent reasonableness and the equity of leasing terms.
• Reviews, interprets, and applies local, state, and federal housing laws, rules and regulations to program participants and outside agencies; represents the program in contact with program participants, community groups, businesses, and outside agencies.
• Participates in the preparation of required statistical reports to federal and state monitoring agencies; compiles statistical data from databases; performs data entry and maintains database files to ensure current participant information.
• Maintains forms, letters, and records to adequately carry out the requirements of federal, state, and local laws and policies.
• Affirms and enforces program rules, policies, and procedures implementation.
• Ensures appropriate program monitoring and evaluation to enforce compliance with leases and other requirements; prepares case materials and presents testimony at informal hearings regarding denial of eligibility; processes fraud reports.
• Inspects properties to determine compliance with the City guidelines and Housing Quality Standards (HQS)/National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), or current HUD mandated standards and requirements under HCV/ Section 8 rental assistance programs regarding housing quality and general conditions of safety and sanitation; advises property owners and tenants of maintenance needs; documents repair requirements; conducts damage and move out inspections; counsel tenants, property owners and/or managers to avoid disputes; conducts follow up inspections of previously failed inspections upon completion of work and repairs.
• Operates and maintains special Housing and Urban Development (HUD) computer programs using word processing, spreadsheet, and online computer programs.
• Performs duties and responsibilities for Citywide Housing related programs.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• May participate in presentations to the public and clients to bring about greater citizen cooperation and support of housing programs.

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience with codes and ordinances that pertain to subsidized low-income housing and assistance programs including Section 8 and Voucher Programs.
• Familiarity with housing software systems and the affordable housing applications that assist in determining eligibility for housing.
• Familiarity with Yardi housing software is preferred.
• Knowledge of HQS and NSPIRE Inspection Regulations.
• Exceptional management and organizational abilities to adhere to time sensitive situations and meet deadlines.
• Great ability to work collaboratively with other City Departments/Divisions, other governmental agencies, community organizations and the public.
• Outstanding communication and customer service skills with the ability to explain information to a diverse population with various levels of understanding.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise and complete reports and other written materials.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Problem solver and embraces challenges.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to explain and apply various rules and regulations that pertain to housing programs.
• Bilingual in Spanish is highly desirable.
• Willingness to obtain certification for eligibility determination and rent calculations (within 12 months); inspection certification (within 24 months); and Waitlist and Reasonable Accommodations certifications (within 36 months).

Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education: A high school diploma or equivalent. Coursework in business, personnel, public relations, social work, or public administration. Experience: One year of experience working with the public determining eligibility for government funded programs and explaining and applying rules and guidelines. License/Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license. Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of appointment a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) certification from an industry-recognized organization. Other Requirements: Physically and mentally capable of performing the functions of the job, including but not limited to those summarized in Typical Tasks.