Housing Specialist

Virginia Department of Social Services; Rustburg (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services in Virginia is seeking a Housing Eligibility/Inspections Specialist to interview applicants, determine eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher program, conduct certifications, and prepare reports.

The role involves field visits, inspections of rental units to HQS standards, collaboration with VH and landlords, and ensuring compliance with HUD/Virginia Housing policies; occasional after-hours work and emergencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with leasing and real estate inspection experience preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD/Virginia Housing policies related to HCV.
• Ability to conduct inspections, document findings, and prepare clear reports.
• Strong written and oral communication; public speaking when needed.
• Willing to work outside normal business hours.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to determine eligibility for the HCV program.
• Plan and conduct prescreening and certifications for participants.
• Perform HQS inspections and coordinate with VH's vendor.
• Enter data into VH data systems and prepare local/VH reports.
• Maintain SEMAP spreadsheets and prepare program files.
• Communicate with landlords, tenants, and partners; assist during emergencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Data interpretation

Training others

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Database systems

Desktop publishing

Email

VH data system

Job description

Job Description:

This is an essential position classified as sensitive. Interview and assess applicants’ eligibility for participation in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program; plan, prepare, and conduct prescreening of prospective tenants explain rights and responsibility of program; conduct initial, annual, and interim certifications for program participants for continued eligibility. Submit inspection requests timely and accurately into the Virgina Housing (VH) data system. Collaborate with VH’s contracted inspection vendor to ensure inspection requests are processed timely and in compliance with Virginia Housing’s policy. Conduct initial, annual, and special inspections as needed of identified rental units to ensure compliance with program requirements and to ensure safe, sanitary, and suitable conditions in accordance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS), VH, and HUD regulations. Requires a majority of time conducting field visits; confer with property owners/landlords and tenants to resolve housing issues/concerns; prepare and maintain files/records in accordance with Virginia Housing (VH) and HUD requirements; determine continued eligibility for program participation by obtaining required documents and calculating income/assets correctly; provide accurate and timely data entry in the VH systems; scan and upload files into the VH data systems, eDocs, in a timely manner; prepare local and VH reports; maintain monthly Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) spreadsheets. Address issues/concerns with participants that impact program participation addressing client mental and physical health needs. Accurately and timely document case activities/contacts; monitor and utilize VH/Elite reports for program compliance and managing deadlines. Facilitate/conduct group presentations for customers and/or property owners/managers. Assess customer needs for other assistance and utilize agency and community partners to address/meet those needs. Work cooperatively with VH, other housing agencies, and authorities; participate in Emergency Shelter training and exercises and staff the emergency shelter during periods of disaster/emergencies. You may be required to work during period of public health emergencies. This position requires being a professional with a positive attitude as well as being a team player with an ongoing relationship within the agency and the community.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):

Working knowledge of: principles and practices of assigned human services programs; local service agencies and organizations and departmental programs and activities; program management and development; laws, regulations, policies and standards related to the program; program terminology, principles and methods utilizes in the program; and human behavior; working with vulnerable populations, and diverse backgrounds; working knowledge of HUD/ Virginia Housing policy concerning the HCV Program. Skill in: operating a computer to enter, retrieve or modify data; and the use of spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs; in operating a motor vehicle. Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clientele and staff explaining complex policies ; gather and interpret data, assess program, clientele needs; plan, coordinate and evaluate program activities; train, advise, direct and evaluate others on program requirements; maintain effective working relationships with others; identify problems and needs and assess services in problem solving; demonstrate awareness of bias and avoid stereotypes; comprehend, interpret and apply regulations and procedures; conduct effective training for housing tenants and landlords/property managers; public speaking; interact professionally with a diverse group of people; produce meaningful, clear, and concise documents with the proper grammar and usage; comprehend and interpret program/technical reports and related materials; conduct home inspections; establish and maintain an effective professional working relationship with associates and the general public. Ability to make and implement case decisions, assess family's strengths and needs in all areas; to objectively plan, reason and negotiate. Willing to work outside normal business hours.

Qualifications – Education, Experience, Licensure, and Certification:

High school diploma supplemented with some leasing and real estate inspection experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Bachelor's degree preferred.