Certification Specialist I

Seattle Housing Authority; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

PERS retirement

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is actively seeking a Certification Specialist I to help applicants navigate housing program rules and requirements, assess eligibility, and support them through the voucher and leasing processes.

The role emphasizes detailed documentation, coordination with families, landlords, and caseworkers, and delivering high-quality customer service. SHA offers growth opportunities, training, and a community-focused workplace in Seattle.

Qualifications

• One year work experience in social services, data entry, government administration, housing, or as a Customer Service Specialist or equivalent.
• High School diploma or equivalent, and two years of college-level course work in social services, bookkeeping, business, or related field
• May substitute an additional two years of relevant work experience for the college-level course work.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply housing rules, regulations, and procedures; explain requirements to applicants and participants.
• Interview clients, assess eligibility, and guide applicants through the voucher and leasing process.
• Complete and process documentation, verifications, and forms; issue vouchers; maintain accurate and audit-ready files.
• Partner with families, landlords, caseworkers, and other agencies to ensure timely and accurate program processing.
• Counsel participants on subsidy calculations, affordability, reporting requirements, and program obligations.
• Verify income and household changes, adjust subsidies, and notify families and landlords of updated rent portions.
• Coordinate with landlords and property managers to confirm unit compliance, negotiate rents when needed, and generate housing contracts.
• Support portability by exchanging required records with other housing authorities.
• Ensure timely and accurate landlord payments; process adjustments, holds, and rent increase requests.
• Provide high-quality customer service, including prompt communication and in-person support.
• Maintain safety practices, attend required trainings, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Government administration

Housing programs

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

College coursework in related field

Job description

We offer competitive salary, great benefits, and work that matters to our community.

The Organization

The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is a mission-driven leader in affordable housing, headquartered on Elliott Avenue West with sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound. With additional field offices across Seattle, we’re committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting a workplace where people grow and thrive.

The Position

We’re looking for a Certification Specialist I to join our team! This role is perfect for someone who can support applicants and participants in successfully navigating program rules and regulations of the housing program to obtain and retain housing resources.

The Location

101 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

The ideal candidate will have:

• One year work experience in social services, data entry, government administration, housing, or as a Customer Service Specialist or equivalent.
• High School diploma or equivalent, and two years of college-level course work in social services, bookkeeping, business, or related field
  • May substitute an additional two years of relevant work experience for the college-level course work.

What will you do?

• Interpret and apply housing rules, regulations, and procedures; explain requirements to applicants and participants.
• Interview clients, assess eligibility, and guide applicants through the voucher and leasing process.
• Complete and process documentation, verifications, and forms; issue vouchers; maintain accurate and audit-ready files.
• Partner with families, landlords, caseworkers, and other agencies to ensure timely and accurate program processing.
• Counsel participants on subsidy calculations, affordability, reporting requirements, and program obligations.
• Verify income and household changes, adjust subsidies, and notify families and landlords of updated rent portions.
• Coordinate with landlords and property managers to confirm unit compliance, negotiate rents when needed, and generate housing contracts.
• Support portability by exchanging required records with other housing authorities.
• Ensure timely and accurate landlord payments; process adjustments, holds, and rent increase requests.
• Provide high-quality customer service, including prompt communication and in-person support.
• Maintain safety practices, attend required trainings, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Why Should You Apply?

• Our Culture:SHA offers a supportive, energetic workplace where collaboration and growth thrive. Our talented team has helped make us a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community development.
• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)

• Generous paid leave and holidays

Work-Life Balance

• Reasonable hours
• Opportunity for part-time remote work (dependent on the position)

Professional Development

• On-the-job training and growth opportunities

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Our Commitment to Equity

SHA values your unique background and perspective - we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Learn more in our diversity and application equity statement.