Housing Specialist I

City of Oceanside•Oceanside, CA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Housing Specialist I. There is currently one vacancy in the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department's Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Neighborhood Services Department's mission is to promote healthy neighborhoods by providing services to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Oceanside and serve as a change agent in building strong families and safe communities through people, housing, and programs. The Neighborhood Services Department offers a wide variety of programs and services that strengthen community image, neighborhood safety and security, support economic development and environmental resources, promote health, wellness and recreation, foster human development and increase cultural unity and community problem solving for all ages. The ideal candidate can efficiently and accurately manage a high-volume caseload while adapting to frequent organizational changes. They bring strong organizational skills, provide empathetic, hands-on support to clients, make timely and appropriate referrals, meet federal, state and local deadlines and support their clients. If you are looking for an opportunity to serve your community and have a passion for making a difference in other people's lives, this is the opportunity for you.

Requirements

Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of housing programs
Knowledge of interviewing and investigation techniques
Knowledge of methods and techniques to verify information received from applicants
Knowledge of methods and techniques of conflict resolution and mediation procedures
Knowledge of community resources available to low income clients
Knowledge of Housing Quality Inspection techniques
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations governing housing programs
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications
Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping
Knowledge of principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation
Knowledge of principles and practices of customer service
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Knowledge of mathematical principles
Ability to interpret and explain program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to applicants
Ability to serve as a liaison in tenant/landlord relations
Ability to negotiate contracts, leases, and rental agreements with landlords
Ability to conduct health and safety inspections
Ability to analyze and draw logical conclusions from data
Ability to maintain and update accurate records and files
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports
Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
Ability to work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to represent the department at outreach activities
Two years of experience in housing assistance programs, social services programs for low income households, tenant/landlord relations, property management, real estate accounting, loan application review, or a related field
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in housing programs or a related field
Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license

Responsibilities

Serves as case manager for assigned caseload including monitoring 30 day notices, conducting move appointments, monitoring and calculating rent increases given by owner, completing new contracts and leases, and calculating files to determine tenant and housing portion of rent
Processes applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Conducts interviews with applicants to obtain information to determine eligibility
Verifies income, family composition, and related information obtained in interviews through third party verification or other means
Performs and verifies computations
Sets up and maintains files and/or filing systems for Housing Choice Voucher Program eligibility
Compiles and updates eligible lists for assistance
Issues vouchers and briefs applicants on programs
Assists clients in locating suitable housing
Negotiates contract rents with owners and verifies rent reasonableness
Mediates a variety of tenant/landlord disputes
Conducts a variety of inspections including new move-ins, annual recertifications, Housing Quality Standards, and damage inspections
Generates and compiles monthly list of annual recertifications
Schedules inspections and monitors all third party verifications
Inputs information into computer for all family income composition changes, annual recertifications, new lease-ups, and current tenant moves
Participates in conducting fraud investigations
Participates in the process to terminate assistance
Prepares informal hearings
Completes a variety of forms
Conducts surveys
Prepares statistical reports
Performs outreach activities to increase landlord participation in housing programs
Performs tenant/landlord counseling
Provides referrals to clients and the public to appropriate community resources
Disseminates information on various housing programs
Maintains knowledge of programs and related regulations and procedures