Housing Specialist I/II - Indio

County of Riverside•Indio, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS), Housing Authority Division, is seeking to fill multiple vacancies for a Housing Specialist I/II located in Indio, CA. Incumbents perform a variety of duties related to providing housing assistance to low-income individuals through the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs. Duties include calculating income, responding to questions, and providing information to the public. Additionally, the position may require travel to conduct property inspections and provide in-person support and outreach. The role involves performing field-based activities and engaging with clients in various settings, which may include standing, walking, and remaining on your feet for extended periods while delivering services and providing client support. The most competitive candidates will have experience in homeless outreach, connecting clients with resources, and providing exceptional customer service in a public agency environment. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook is preferred. Experience with Section 8 or other housing assistance programs is highly desired. This position requires at least 1 year of case management experience. The Housing Specialist I is distinguished from the Housing Specialist II by the former’s performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Housing Specialist II. The Housing Specialist I is a natural progression underfill for the Housing Specialist II. Incumbents are eligible to promote to Housing Specialist II upon successful completion of their probationary period, which would include a satisfactory performance evaluation and any additional qualification requirements. The Housing Specialist II is distinguished from the Housing Specialist I by the former’s ability to perform the full range of assigned duties with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise. This role may require occasional evening, weekend, or overtime work. The level at which the position will be filled is at the discretion of the department.

Requirements

Minimum of one year housing or other state or federal program eligibility or social work experience is preferred; OR one year of work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.
Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree may substitute for program eligibility experience.)
Basic interviewing skills and techniques; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; safety and health standards; general construction or building inspection; principles and procedures of record keeping; basic mathematics.
Learn Section 8 and related assisted housing programs and HQS; learn weatherization programs and energy efficiency principles and measures; policies and procedures; learn, interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; learn to perform housing inspections; determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; operate a computer terminal and standard office machines; perform accurate mathematical calculations; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including Housing Authority staff, program participants, and the general public.
Two years full-time work experience equivalent to Housing Specialist I duties and responsibilities; OR two years of full-time work experience in Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; OR two years of full-time work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.
Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of program eligibility experience.)
Section 8 and related assisted housing programs, policies and procedures or regulations; HUD HQS; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; operations, services and activities in providing housing assistance to low-income persons under the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; general construction or building inspection; energy efficiency measures.
Perform housing inspections, determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve complaints; identify and respond to program participants and public issues and concerns; work effectively with people from a variety of social, economic and racial backgrounds; work independently in the absence of supervisor.
MUST possess at least one (1) year of case management experience.
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
May be required to travel to conduct property inspections and provide in-person support and outreach.
Work may be performed in both office and field settings and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver’s License at the time of application is required, as this position requires driving to perform essential job duties (including travel between Housing Authority sites, meetings, and other work-related locations).
Employees must maintain a driving record that meets the insurable requirements of the Housing Authority’s carrier.

Nice To Haves

Experience in homeless outreach
Connecting clients with resources
Exceptional customer service in a public agency environment
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook is preferred.
Experience with Section 8 or other housing assistance programs is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants' eligibility and participants' continued eligibility for assisted housing programs utilizing established timelines, agency policies and federal regulations.
Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
Conduct initial, annual and special inspections of housing assistance units or residences for various assistance programs in HWS; ensure assisted units comply with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) requirements for decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions; advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs.
Prepare and execute contracts between the Housing Authority and property owners; negotiate rent with property owners; calculate participants' rent; initiate the collection of delinquent overpayments from participants or property owners.
Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.
Assist in the development and implementation of resident programs.
Duties assigned may be either in caseload management or initial eligibility determination.
Conduct specialized, technical field inspections or assessment for various assistance programs available to County residents through the HWS Department; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with applicable regulations and standards, safe and sanitary conditions; prepare work orders; implement and monitor outcomes.
Advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections, assessment, or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs; conduct site visits with contracted vendors for quality control, provide technical consultation and make recommendations as needed.
Answer questions and provide applicable program information to the applicants and public.
Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants' eligibility and tenants' continual eligibility for the programs.
Conduct initial, annual, special and vacated unit inspections for Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS); ensure decent, safe and sanitary conditions; develop service quality improvement initiatives; implement and monitor outcomes.
Mediate between the tenant and property owner; determine liabilities and charges for tenants and owners during vacated unit inspections; process damage claims; liaison between the Department of Mental Health and state licensed board and care facilities; troubleshoot and assist in resolving issues.
Conduct damage and move out inspections; investigate claims regarding violations of housing quality standards; counsel tenants on good housekeeping practices.
Request and verify documents from property owners to confirm ownership of property.
Prepare and execute contracts between the Housing Authority and property owners; prepare leases and agreements between tenants and property owners; negotiate rent agreements with property owners; calculate tenant's rent; initiate the collection of delinquent overpayments from participants or property owners.
Investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.