Program Specialist

Housing Opportunity Com•Silver Spring, MD

5d•$62,060 - $101,401•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare. HOC’s Resident Services Department strives to enhance the lives of HOC customers by coordinating and implementing a vast array of high-quality programs, services, and resources. Through collaborative partnerships with Montgomery County, the federal government, and various community-based organizations, Resident Services is able to offer comprehensive service coordination, impactful resident programs, and robust supportive housing services to individuals and families who reside in HOC owned-managed properties or receive HOC housing subsidies, as well as applicants on HOC’s waitlist. The Program Specialist will provide a broad range of support to HOC customers participating in housing subsidy programs such as in the Move-Up Initiative (MUI), Community Choice Homes (CCH), and Youth Bridge Initiative (YBI) programs. This position is responsible for all steps in client processing for rental assistance programs. This includes waiting list management, eligibility determination, certification interviews, subsidy issuance, lease approval, HUD INSPIRE inspections, contract preparation, data entry, recertifications, quarterly metrics, rent increases, moves, terminations and quality assurance. Note: This is a hybrid position. Employees are eligible to work remotely two days a week once the 6-month probation period has been successfully completed.

Requirements

At least three (3) years’ experience in social services, housing, or a related field.
Experience in data collection and data analysis entry required.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling or a related field.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record, a car and the ability to navigate Montgomery County.
Ability to take and pass the NSIRE Inspectors Training within six (6) months of hire required.
Knowledge of subsidized housing programs required.
Ability to display knowledge of program regulations required.
Ability to exercise independent judgment to interpret and evaluate data or information, weigh alternatives to determine eligibility of applicants or acceptability of housing required.
Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing required.
Organizational skills and ability to maintain orderly files, logs and records required.
Ability to document in each customer's electronic file in a timely manner required.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with people of varied backgrounds required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage multiple cases in process simultaneously required.
Ability to use computer software such as Word and the ability to learn the YARDI housing management software to perform required forms , rent calculation, move ins and move outs required.
Ability to utilize technical skills such as Google work space including Docs, Google Sheets, Forms, Gmail and Drive required.

Nice To Haves

Experienced in precision-driven rent calculation, including income-based adjustments and regulatory auditing preferred.

Responsibilities

Determine eligibility of applicants and participants for placement and continuation.
Interview, certify, and recertify families for continuance.
Calculate tenant payments, utility allowances and review leases.
Schedule and perform unit inspections, notify landlords and tenants in writing of deficiencies, and negotiate repairs.
Prepare and negotiate Housing Contracts with landlords and obtain signatures.
Enter data into YARDI, gather required documentation and maintain orderly files in AODOCS.
Assist in preparation of program reports, as required.
Respond to inquiries from social service providers, clients and landlords.
Advise clients and property owners of program rules and regulations.
Provide excellent customer service to internal and external clients.
Other duties as assigned.