Affordable Housing Eligibility Specialist

Housing Opportunity Com; Derwood (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) is seeking a Housing Specialist I in Derwood, MD to determine eligibility for subsidized housing programs and manage annual recertifications. The role requires independent judgment, knowledge of housing laws, and strong client communication skills.

The position emphasizes helping low-income residents, coordinating with landlords and social services, and maintaining accurate program records.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in affordable housing or customer service.
• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, administration, public administration, or related field.
• Certification for the Housing Choice Voucher Program within six months of hiring.
• Knowledge of housing and voucher program regulations and related laws.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Interview, certify and recertify families for housing programs.
• Negotiate rent amounts with landlords and assist applicants.
• Provide customer service to internal and external customers.
• Market the housing choice voucher program to applicants and landlords.
• Respond to inquiries from applicants and tenants and coordinate moves.
• Orient applicants and tenants to HOC rules and community regulations.
• Prepare reports as required by the supervisor and deadlines.
• Monitor client compliance with program rules.

Skills

Interviewing

Counseling

Customer service

Communication

Marketing

Training

Foreign language ability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Administration/Public Administration

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) is seeking a Housing Specialist I in Derwood, MD to determine eligibility for subsidized housing programs and manage annual recertifications. The role requires independent judgment, knowledge of housing laws, and strong client communication skills.

The position emphasizes helping low-income residents, coordinating with landlords and social services, and maintaining accurate program records.