Housing Specialist

Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan (401k)

Paid time off

11 company-paid holidays

Job summary

Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority is seeking a detail-oriented Housing Specialist to manage on-site leasing and determine eligibility for public housing in line with HUD guidelines.

The role requires interviewing applicants, processing certifications, and performing rent calculations while maintaining accurate records and reporting. On-site collaboration supports resident engagement, compliance, and community stability.

Qualifications

• Requires understanding of HUD regulations and landlord/tenant law.
• Experience in property management or affordable housing programs preferred.
• Ability to process applications and certifications accurately and on time.

Responsibilities

• Review, verify, and process applications for public housing to determine eligibility.
• Conduct applicant and tenant interviews and collect necessary documentation.
• Complete annual recertifications, interim re-determinations, rent calculations, and records management.
• Schedule move-in/move-out processing, inspections, and orientations for new tenants.
• Market available units, provide property tours, and assist prospective tenants through leasing.
• Prepare, review, and execute lease agreements for HUD/compliant housing.
• Provide a professional on-site presence to support resident engagement and satisfaction.
• Adhere to HUD, federal, state, and local housing regulations.
• Accurately enter data into the Housing Authority’s software systems with supporting docs.
• Prepare reports and data analyses related to housing operations and compliance.
• Assist in audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Educate residents on lease terms, rights, and resources.
• Promote positive resident relations and community initiatives.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Customer-focused

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Be part of our mission to provide safe, affordable housing and stronger communities. Join the Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority team!

The Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority (FWBHA) has been serving the Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County community since 1968. We provide safe, affordable housing and rental assistance to families, seniors, and veterans through programs such as Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH). In addition, we own and operate two affordable housing communities, Sound Side Apartments (200 units) and Church Street Apartments (12 units), offering market-based rental options.

At FWBHA, we are dedicated to supporting our residents with quality housing and opportunities that promote stability, independence, and stronger communities. Join us and be part of a team making a real difference.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance provided.
• Retirement benefits – 401(k) retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution.
• Paid time off – Vacation days, sick days, and 11 company-paid holidays.
• Meaningful work – The chance to make a positive impact by supporting families, seniors, and veterans in our community.

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Housing Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in property management, affordable housing programs, or leasing, with a strong understanding of HUD regulations and landlord/tenant law. This role requires excellent organizational skills, accuracy in processing applications and certifications, and the ability to manage leasing functions on-site. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with applicants, residents, and community partners. A background in leasing or housing authority operations is highly preferred.

The Housing Specialist also provides exemplary service in a manner consistent with the values and mission of Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority.

In this role, you will:

• Review, verify, and process applications for public housing to determine eligibility in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies.
• Conduct applicant and tenant interviews, ensuring all required documentation is collected and maintained.
• Complete annual recertifications, interim re-determinations, rent calculations, and records management with accuracy and timeliness.
• Schedule and conduct move-in and move-out processing, inspections, and orientations for new tenants.
• Market available units, provide property tours, and assist prospective tenants through the leasing process.
• Prepare, review, and execute lease agreements, ensuring compliance with HUD and agency policies.
• Provide a professional and welcoming presence on-site to support resident engagement and satisfaction.
• Ensure adherence to HUD, federal, state, and local housing regulations.
• Accurately enter and maintain information in the Housing Authority’s software systems, with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and data analysis related to housing operations, leasing activities, and compliance performance.
• Assist in preparation for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Educate residents on lease terms, tenant rights and responsibilities, and available resources.
• Promote positive resident relations and support community-building initiatives.

What You Need:

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