Housing Assistant - Bilingual (Spanish)

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage plans

Deferred compensation plans

Defined pension plan

Job summary

City of New York is seeking a Housing Assistant – Bilingual (Spanish) for NYCHA's Leased Housing Bronx Client Services team. The role administers Housing Choice Voucher functions, including annual and interim recertifications, lease renewals, and rent calculations in compliance with HUD regulations and NYCHA policy.

The position requires fluent Spanish and English, with capable communication in both languages and a strong ability to manage caseloads, verify documents, and resolve discrepancies.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish and English with strong communication skills.
• Experience interpreting HUD regulations and NYCHA policies preferred.
• Ability to manage high-volume caseloads with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Review documents to process recertifications, lease renewals, and case actions.
• Perform income and asset verifications using HUD methods and third-party systems.
• Calculate income, rent portions, utilities, and housing assistance payments.
• Process changes, subsidies, transfers, and participant requests.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and notes.
• Respond to inquiries in Spanish and English via phone, email, and mail.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is seeking a Housing Assistant – Bilingual (Spanish) for the Leased Housing Department’s Bronx Client Services team. This unit is responsible for administering Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program functions, including annual and interim recertifications, lease renewals, rent calculations, subsidy adjustments, and participant and owner communications in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and NYCHA policy.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Housing Manager, the Housing Assistant will perform work of ordinary difficulty and responsibility related to the administration and management of NYCHA’s Leased Housing Department within the Bronx Client Services unit. The Housing Assistant will exercise independent judgment and decision-making while managing assigned caseloads and ensuring compliance with HUD regulations, NYCHA policy, and program procedures.

This bilingual position requires the ability to conduct business in both Spanish and English. The selected candidate must effectively communicate verbally and in writing in Spanish with clients who have limited English proficiency, as well as in English with clients who speak English.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Review and evaluate household documents in accordance with HUD regulations, HOTMA requirements, NYCHA policies, and program procedures to process annual and interim recertifications, lease renewals, and other case actions.
• Conduct income and asset verifications using HUD-approved verification methods and third‑party systems.
• Calculate household income, adjusted income, tenant rent portions, utility allowances, and housing assistance payments accurately and timely.
• Process household composition changes, subsidy adjustments, transfers, and participant requests.
• Review and analyze case records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
• Research and resolve discrepancies related to income, assets, family composition, and subsidy calculations.
• Process lease renewal requests, rent increase requests, and rent reasonableness determinations.
• Prepare and process payment adjustments, retroactive corrections, and other case corrections as needed.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and detailed case notes documenting actions taken.
• Respond to participant, owner, and internal staff inquiries by phone, email, and written correspondence in a timely and professional manner in both Spanish and English, as required.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned workload and adherence to departmental performance standards and deadlines.
• Identify, document, and elevate case issues, policy concerns, and system‑related issues for supervisory review and resolution.
• Assist participants and owners in understanding program requirements, policies, and required documentation in both Spanish and English, as required.
• Support quality control and compliance initiatives by correcting deficiencies and implementing procedural updates.
• Collaborate with supervisors and team members to improve workflow efficiency and customer service delivery.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Note: This position requires a candidate fluent in Spanish. Candidates must pass an oral Spanish proficiency test.

NOTE: IF THIS APPOINTMENT IS MADE ON A TEMPORARY OR PROVISIONAL BASIS PURSUANT TO 64 OR 65 OF THE NYS CIVIL SERVICE LAW, THEN NO TENURE OR PERMANENCE ACCRUES TO AN INCUMBENT IN THIS POSITION BY VIRTUE OF SUCH APPOINTMENT.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55‑a Program.

Additional Information

• For NYCHA employees: this position is open on a direct transfer (lateral) basis and as a promotional opportunity.
• NYCHA employees applying for transfer, promotional, title or level change opportunities must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if applicable).
• NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.

NYCHA provides benefits that include a choice of medical coverage plans, deferred compensation plans and a defined pension benefit plan as a member of the New York City Employees

Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the qualification requirements before applying to this position.

HOUSING ASSISTANT (BILINGUAL) - 80202

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or

An associate degree or sixty semester credits from an accredited college and one year of satisfactory full‑time experience in housing management at a development or developments containing at least 150 apartments, performing any one or a combination of the following duties: interviewing applicants; determining eligibility; gathering and evaluating information to resolve complaints; collecting rents; and/or resolving tenant‑related problems; or

A four‑year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and three years of satisfactory full‑time experience as described in “1” above; or

A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as described in ""1"" or ""2"" above. Undergraduate college credit may be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for one year of satisfactory full‑time experience. However, all candidates must have a four‑year high school diploma, or its educational equivalent.

Foreign Language Requirement

Oral proficiency in a foreign language required by New York City's Housing Authority. Such proficiency must be demonstrated by passing an oral test.

Preferred Skills

• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals who have limited English proficiency - Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program, HUD regulations, HOTMA requirements, and related compliance functions - Knowledge of recertification procedures, income determination, rent calculations, subsidy standards, and housing assistance payment processing - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management systems - Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, policies, and procedures accurately and consistently - Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies - Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and concisely, both verbally and in writing - Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow‑up skills - Strong time management skills with the ability to manage a high‑volume caseload in a fast‑paced environment - Ability to navigate online databases and electronic document management systems efficiently - Excellent customer service skills, including professional phone and email etiquette - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, residents, landlords, community organizations, and the public - Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information appropriately - Ability to establish