Admissions Specialist

Boston Housing Authority; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

14 paid holidays

3 personal days

2 weeks vacation

3 weeks sick leave

MBTA discount

Pension plan participation

Healthcare through Commonwealth

Job summary

The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) seeks an Admissions Specialist in a hybrid role combining remote and in-office work in Boston. Under supervision, you will evaluate eligibility and suitability for housing programs, conduct interviews, collect and review documentation, and perform home or field visits as needed.

You will also prepare written reports and coordinate with references and third-party providers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in conducting investigations, interviews, and/or needs assessments are essential.
• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and professionalism with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Review information and data on file pertaining to each housing applicant.
• Interview potential housing applicants on a scheduled basis.
• Determine eligibility for public housing and leased housing based on file review and interview.
• Contact and interview references to assess suitability.
• Request additional documentation and may conduct field visits as appropriate.
• Maintain written records of telephone reports and observations.
• Submit recommendations for final eligibility and suitability in accordance with policy.

Skills

Interviewing

Communication

Assessment

Data review

Interviews scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High school diploma or GED required

Tools

CORI checks

Job description

Unit: Teamster

Department: Admissions

Grade: 8A

Salary Range: Starting Salary: $64,049.72

Posting Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026

Application Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2026

General Description

ABOUT THE JOB

This job is a hybrid remote /in office position. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director of Admissions or their designee, evaluates and makes recommendations relative to the eligibility and suitability of households seeking admission to BHA's housing programs. Conducts personal interviews and reference checks, making home and/or field visits when necessary, collecting, reviewing, and assessing information and documentation including CORI data. Responsible for interviewing and follow-up screening activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Review information and data on file pertaining to each housing applicant.
• Interview potential housing applicants on a scheduled basis.
• Determines whether an applicant meets applicable eligibility requirements for public housing and leased housing programs based on a review of their file and the interview.
• Contact and interview references as necessary to determine whether applicants meet the BHA's suitability standards.
• Request additional documentation from the applicant and/or their references, may make field visits and/or visits to the applicant's place of residence when appropriate.
• Maintain written records of all telephone reports and observations.
• Submit recommendations for final eligibility and/or suitability in accordance with BHA policy and procedure.
• Prepare all necessary written reports.
• Ensure that all requirements for written independent verifications of information are met in a proper and timely manner.
• Based upon a review of all information collected, determine the need for specialized housing, which may require placement in a particular type of residential complex or unit.
• Determines an applicant's need for special services, or assistance from third- party providers such as relatives or public service agencies when necessary.
• Provide detailed, written verification when specialized assistance or services is indicated, and submit for review.
• Provides information to Section 8 voucher holders on program requirements and housing search.
• Assists Section 8 applicant voucher holders during their initial housing search; monitors voucher expiration, recommends extensions of time and cancels vouchers upon expiration.
• Receives applicant’s Request for Lease Approval and refers to the Leased Housing Inspections Department for scheduling.
• Provides guidance on requests for rent to tenant and property owner concerning the tenant’s ability to maintain affordability for the unit.
• Review and evaluate applicant's Criminal Offender Record Information.
• Calculate rent according to federal and state regulations.
• Consult with co-workers, and other staff, on screening issues.
• Ensure that all information regarding the applicant is accurate and current.
• Conducts and/or participates in briefing sessions for groups of prospective applicants, familiarizing them with policies and procedures, BHA waiting lists, the application process, and the requirements for eligibility.
• Perform other related admissions specialist duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

High school diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Two or more years of experience in conducting investigations, interviews, and/or needs assessments is essential. Experience may be a substitute for education requirements. The capacity to perform simple mathematical calculations quickly and accurately is required. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to relate positively and in a professional manner to persons of all races, ethnicities, income levels and age groups. Proficiency in a language other than English is highly desirable.

Bha Benefits

• 14 paid holidays
• 3 personal days
• 2 weeks of vacation
• 3 weeks of paid sick leave
• MBTA discount
• participation in the City’s pension plan
• healthcare through the Commonwealth
• and much more

About Us

Boston Housing Authority (BHA) fosters sustainable communities by providing quality affordable housing, bringing stability, opportunity, and peace of mind to thousands of low and moderate-income families across Greater Boston and the City of Boston as a whole. As the largest provider of affordable housing in Boston, one of the most expensive cities in the country, BHA understands housing as a crucial platform for individual, household, and community stability. Through its Public Housing communities and Section 8 rental assistance programs, BHA provides housing assistance and services to more than 58,000 low and moderate-income households, including families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. In all aspects of our operations, internally and externally, BHA is committed to breaking down the barriers to racial equity and justice in housing and related fields that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities.

Equal Opportunity

BHA is a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, and military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. To the greatest extent possible, it is the policy of BHA to give preference in employment to BHA public housing and leased housing residents, and to low-income persons.