Housing Services Specialist

Tempe; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tempe seeks a Housing Specialist to administer rental assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and Project-Based Vouchers, to advance access, equity and housing stability for low-income households in Tempe.

You will determine eligibility, perform rent calculations, coordinate inspections, maintain records, and liaise with landlords to address issues and ensure compliance.

Qualifications

• Education will not substitute for the required work experience; related unpaid or volunteer work may count.
• 1 year of experience in supporting public housing or related programs required.

Responsibilities

• Eligibility determinations, rent calculations, lease-up activities, and ongoing tenancy compliance; coordinates program resources and benefits for participants.
• Conducts in-person inspections of housing facilities.
• Collaborates with property owners, landlords, and property management staff to address deficiencies.
• Maintains required records, updating accordingly.
• Processes annual program re-certifications and interim changes.
• Reviews contract leases for accuracy; processes landlord packets, confirms affordability, and creates vendor profiles.

Skills

Public housing experience

Customer service

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Housing Specialist

Certified Housing Occupancy Specialist

Certified Housing Quality Standards

Job description

Department: Community Health & Human Services

Job Number: RC# 902520

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Opening Date: 10/8/2026

Closing Date: 11/5/2026

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Experience: 1 year of experience in supporting public housing, other government benefit programs or related experience.

Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Professional Licensures and/or Certifications:

• Certified Housing Specialist or Certified Housing Occupancy Specialist, obtain within six (6) months when assigned to eligibility/specialty programs.
• Certified Housing Quality Standards, obtain within six (6) months, when assigned to inspections.

DESCRIPTION / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position administers rental assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Project-Based Vouchers, and other locally administered subsidy programs in accordance with HUD regulations, City of Tempe policies, and fair housing laws. Serves as the primary point of contact for program participants and landlords working to ensure access, equity, and housing stability for low-income households in Tempe.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following

• Eligibility determinations, rent calculations, lease-up activities, and ongoing tenancy compliance; coordinates program resources and benefits for participants.
• Conducts in-person inspections of housing facilities.
• Collaborates and mediates with property owners, landlords, and property management staff to address areas of concern and correct deficiencies.
• Maintains required records, updating accordingly.
• Processes annual program re-certifications and interim changes.
• Reviews contract leases for accuracy. Processes incoming landlord packets, confirms affordability, and creates vendor profiles.
• May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:

• Criminal history review
• Post offer/pre-employment drug and alcohol screen

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Placement within the salary range will be based on prior experience in a similar role.

This position is classified as safety sensitive. Employees in safety sensitive positions are prohibited from all marijuana usage whether medical or recreational.

FLSA status: Non-Exempt, eligible for overtime

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.