Housing Specialist I
About The Position
The Housing Specialist I provides customer service and determines eligibility for HOC subsidized housing programs, including annual recertification of applicants and families. The position requires independent judgment to interpret and evaluate information, weigh alternatives, and determine applicants’ eligibility. The employee works toward established program objectives and priorities while independently planning and carrying out daily activities, including recertifying families and updating household income. The role requires knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and subsidized housing program rules and regulations, applying the appropriate guidelines to individual cases. The employee communicates with colleagues inside and outside HOC, as well as landlords, property owners, and social service agencies, and presents ideas and technical information effectively. The position provides ongoing, generally short-term assistance with clients’ housing needs and makes appropriate referrals to counselors or social service agencies. The work is performed in a normal office setting and may involve travel between multiple offices; the position requires the incumbent to have transportation. The main location is Derwood, Maryland. The role involves periods of sitting and using hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. The employee’s work directly affects the effectiveness of the housing program and the quality of services provided to clients.
Requirements
- At least one year of experience in affordable housing or customer service.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Sociology, Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
- Must have passed, or pass within six months of hiring, certification for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
- Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of, Housing Choice Voucher, project-based voucher, and statewide voucher program regulations and state, federal, and local landlord-tenant laws.
- Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of, subsidized housing program guidelines and federal, state, and local landlord-tenant laws.
- Interviewing and counseling skills.
- Ability to use computer software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to communicate well with a variety of audiences and strong customer service skills.
- Good math skills.
- Must have transportation because the position may require travel between multiple offices.
Nice To Haves
- Previous marketing and training experience is helpful.
- Foreign language ability is desirable.
- Low-income residents of Montgomery County who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Interview, certify, and recertify families.
- Negotiate rent amounts with landlords.
- Provide customer service to internal and external customers.
- Market the housing choice voucher program.
- Respond to inquiries from applicants and tenants.
- Coordinate applicant move-ins and resident transfers with appropriate staff.
- Orient applicants and tenants to HOC rules and community regulations.
- Prepare reports as required by the supervisor.
- Prepare reports in accordance with mandated deadlines.
- Monitor clients for compliance.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
