Housing Specialist

City of Salem; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

Employer-paid PERS contribution

Health care flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance program

Wellness program

Job summary

The City of Salem is looking for a dedicated Housing Specialist to join the Salem Housing Authority team. This role involves completing income certifications and managing caseloads for low-income households receiving rental assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The ideal candidate should possess strong computer skills, experience in housing programs, and display an ability to work effectively with a diverse population. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, competitive pay, and a commitment to work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Experience in housing programs and processes is essential.
• Must pass pre-employment background check.
• Oregon Driver license required.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial, interim, and annual certifications of household income.
• Manage a caseload and determine program eligibility.
• Prepare client files and serve as liaison to landlords.

Skills

Attention to detail

Computer applications proficiency

Landlord/tenant relations

Mediation skills

Caseload management

Proficiency in Microsoft Word

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Judgment and decision-making

Typing speed

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Associate degree with housing experience

Job description

Job Summary

Salem Housing Authority Housing Specialist

Salem Housing Authority is a separate employer from the City of Salem.

Make An Impact

Do you have experience in housing programs and processes? Are you a dedicated professional who is efficient, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference in your community? Our Housing Specialists play a vital role in serving more than 350 low‑income households receiving rental assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with a diverse population in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven housing agency committed to serving the community.

Learn And Grow

The Housing Authority values its employees and supports their professional growth and career development. We take pride in promoting a healthy work‑life balance and are committed to fostering an environment where employees can collaborate with diverse individuals, explore innovative ideas, and continue expanding their skills and capabilities.

What You Will Do

The successful candidate will be detail‑oriented, proficient in computer applications, and will work closely with clients to complete initial, interim, and annual certifications of household income and composition. The Housing Specialist prepares client files, serves as a liaison to landlords, authorizes Housing Assistance Payments, and explains program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Responsibilities also include managing a caseload, determining program eligibility and rent subsidies, and ensuring all files comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations.

Additional Information On Job Responsibilities

• Ability to process, review, and proofread documents accurately and efficiently.
• Experience working with federally assisted housing programs.
• Experience in rental property management.
• Strong landlord/tenant relations, counseling, and mediation skills, particularly when working with low‑income families and elderly populations.
• Ability to effectively manage an assigned caseload.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to interpret and clearly explain program processes, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and sound decision‑making skills.
• Ability to calculate client income and compare it to program income limits to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Ability to determine client eligibility and the appropriate level of assistance while ensuring compliance with program rules and regulations.
• Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long‑term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Work schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Our team employees work from the office at 360 Church ST SE, Salem. This is subject to change based on business needs.
• SHA offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must pass the pre‑employment background check.
• Depending on area of assignment, you may need to pass the pre‑employment drug test (including marijuana).
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and have a driving record that meets the SHA's driving standards.
• Bachelor's degree from a college or university program in business administration, public administration, or a related field depending on area of assignment; or one year of professional administrative level experience involving review, analysis, and preparation of recommendations, development of administrative policies, procedures and systems, or an Associate degree with three years of experience in federally assisted housing programs, low‑income housing, rental property management, landlord/tenant relations counseling, and mediation skills; or any combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Depending on the area of assignment, you may have to pass a criminal background check necessary to obtain Criminal Justice Information System clearance and Law Enforcement Data System certification within 30 days of hire (clearance must be maintained throughout employment).
• Industry standard certifications may be preferred depending on area of assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public Housing and/or Section 8 Housing Specialist Training and Certifications preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and have a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.