Housing Specialist (Housing Resources)

Housing Opportunities Commission; Kensington (MD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on affordable housing is seeking a Housing Specialist I. This role involves providing customer service, determining eligibility for housing programs, and managing recertifications. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in affordable housing or customer service. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in affordable housing or customer service.
• Must pass certification for the Housing Choice Voucher Program within six months of hiring.
• Knowledge of subsidized housing program guidelines and landlord-tenant laws.

Responsibilities

• Interview, certify, and recertify families.
• Negotiate rent amounts with landlords.
• Provide customer service to internal and external customers.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Counseling skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Math skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Sociology, Government, or a related field

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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Housing Specialist I

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Housing Specialist I

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description

This position of Housing Specialist I is responsible for providing customer service, determining eligibility for HOC subsidized housing programs, and annual recertification of applicants and families. The work requires the exercise of independent judgment to interpret and evaluate data or information, and weigh alternatives to determine eligibility of applicants for housing. The employee is given overall program objectives and priorities and is expected to carry out daily activities, such as recertifying and updating family income. The work consists of several related steps and is planned and carried out independently, with the employee selecting the appropriate methods to accomplish the work.

An employee in this class requires knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, and the rules and regulations of subsidized housing program guidelines. The employee applies the appropriate guideline reference to specific cases.

Contacts are employees within and outside the organization, which includes individuals such as landlords, property owners, and social service agencies. The employee uses highly developed communication skills in presenting ideas and technical information. Assistance with housing needs is provided to clients on an ongoing basis and is normally short-term in nature, with appropriate referrals made to counselors or social service agencies. The work environment is the normal office setting and involves periods of sitting while using hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard while performing assigned tasks.

The employee's work has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the housing program and the quality of services provided to clients.

Responsibilities

• Interview, certify, and recertify families.
• Negotiate rent amounts with landlords.
• Provide customer service to internal and external customers.
• Market the housing choice voucher program.
• Respond to inquiries from applicants and tenants.
• Coordinate applicant move-ins and resident transfers with appropriate staff.
• Orient applicants and tenants to HOC rules and community regulations.
• Prepare reports as required by the supervisor.
• Prepare reports in accordance with mandated deadlines.
• Monitor clients for compliance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Incumbent must have transportation, as this position may require travel between multiple offices.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of experience in affordable housing or customer service.
  
  

Education

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Sociology, Government, or a related field.
• Individuals must have passed or will pass certification for the Housing Choice Voucher Program within six (6) months of hiring.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of, or the ability to acquire knowledge of, subsidized housing program guidelines and federal, state, and local landlord-tenant laws is necessary.
• Interviewing and counseling skills.
• Ability to use computer software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to communicate well with a variety of audiences and strong customer service skills are required.
• Good math skills.
• Previous property management, marketing, and training experience is helpful.
• Foreign language ability is desirable.
• Grade 17 - Min: $53,482 / Mid: $69,872 / Max: $86,263 | Salary determined by departmental budget - Offer commensurate with experience .
  
  

HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Individual and Family Services

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