Program Specialist

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. • Columbus, OH

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, administers an assigned caseload of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) participants and provides secondary support to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program. Assists residents in working toward economic self-sufficiency and homeownership readiness goals through recruitment, enrollment, assessment, individual goal planning, service coordination, referrals, escrow administration, homeownership-related documentation support, compliance tracking, and outcome reporting. Ensures FSS and assigned HCV Homeownership support activities comply with HUD regulations, CMHA policies, and program requirements.

Requirements

• Possession of an Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution in social work, human services, public administration, business administration, or a related field; two (2) or more years of related experience in case management, social services, resident services, public or assisted housing, workforce development, financial coaching, homeownership support, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and must maintain insurability according to the Housing Authority's insurance policy.
• Customer service; listening; organization; planning; time management; written and verbal communication; meeting facilitation; and conflict resolution.
• Computer operation and use of modern office equipment and software, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other applicable program or reporting systems.
• Information gathering, documentation, database entry, report preparation, participant follow-up, homeownership support tracking, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpret and apply written policies, procedures, regulations, and FSS and HCV Homeownership program requirements to specific situations.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and exercise appropriate judgment and discretion.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, outreach materials, meeting notes, resident communications, and other program documentation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with residents, CMHA staff, property managers, service providers, funders, vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains an assigned FSS caseload. Recruits, enrolls, assesses, and works with participants to develop Contracts of Participation and Individual Training and Services Plans. Provides ongoing coaching; monitors participant progress; conducts annual and interim reviews; supports participants in meeting education, employment, financial, housing stability, and other self-sufficiency goals; and documents progress toward completion.
• Establishes, monitors, and documents FSS escrow activity in coordination with Finance, IT, HCV, and other internal departments as applicable. Reviews participant income changes and progress toward goals; processes or assists with interim and final escrow requests; maintains accurate records; and ensures escrow documentation complies with applicable HUD and CMHA requirements.
• Markets the FSS program to eligible residents to maximize participation. Conducts outreach, orientations, and informational sessions; develops or distributes promotional materials; coordinates with property managers, HCV staff, community partners, and internal departments; screens interested residents; assists with enrollment documentation; and supports participant retention.
• Provides secondary support to the HCV Homeownership Program under the direction of the Program Supervisor. Assists with participant intake, orientation, application tracking, file documentation, annual monitoring, homeownership readiness referrals, coordination with internal departments, and communication with residents and approved partners. Supports accurate recordkeeping and timely follow-up related to inspections, participant documentation, partner referrals, and program milestones.
• Provides referrals to community services and resources, including employment, education, training, financial management, public benefits, childcare, transportation, homebuyer education, credit repair, lending readiness, down payment assistance, and other supportive services. Maintains working relationships with service providers and assists participants in accessing appropriate public or private community agencies.
• Maintains accurate participant files, case notes, service plans, outcome data, HCV Homeownership support documentation, and required program records. Prepares and submits reports on program activity, participation, progress, escrow activity, homeownership support activity, and outcomes. Ensures privacy and confidentiality. Supports program evaluation by collecting data and identifying trends, barriers, and opportunities for improvement.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree