Housing Specialist I/II

City of Anaheim; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Anaheim is seeking a compassionate Housing Specialist I or II to join our customer-oriented team. You will interview clients, determine eligibility for rental subsidy and affordable housing programs, and manage a caseload with careful recordkeeping.

You will conduct unit inspections, explain program rules, and coordinate with landlords to ensure compliance and timely program participation. Experience in case management and government rental subsidy programs is valued, as is the

Qualifications

• One year of experience in case management and subsidy programs.
• Knowledge of government rental subsidy and affordable housing programs.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and annual client interviews to determine eligibility for rental subsidy and programs.
• Manage an assigned caseload with accurate manual and automated files.
• Explain rules, regulations, and procedures to applicants and landlords.
• Inspect units and ensure standards are met; advise on deficiencies and reinspections as needed.
• Stay updated on changes to program rules and participate in related duties.

Skills

Case management

Communication

Bilingual (desirable)

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field (desirable)

Job description

Housing Specialist I - $30.71 - $39.19 hourly ($63,876.80 - $81,515.20 Annually)
Housing Specialist II - $35.82 - $43.54 hourly ($74,505.60 - $90,563.20 Annually)

The Anaheim Housing Authority is looking for a compassionate and professional Housing Specialist I or II to join our customer‑oriented team. Candidates must possess basic knowledge of the purpose and functions of a Housing Authority. The Housing Specialist I/II will interact with a wide variety of clients from a broad spectrum of socio‑economic backgrounds. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with a high degree of accuracy, communicate clearly and concisely, and manage a high volume case load.

Housing Specialist I

• Possess one (1) year of experience in case management and implementation of government rental subsidy and other affordable housing and/or leasing programs supplemented by Housing and/or Social Services related training and coursework.

Housing Specialist II

• The Specialist II performs the more complex tasks and duties. Incumbents have previous work experience in case management and the full range of technical duties related to implementation of governmental rental subsidy programs.
• Possess two (2) years of experience working for a Public Housing Agency (PHA) in case management and implementation of government rental subsidy programs supplemented by Housing related training and coursework.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field is highly desirable.

Bilingual proficiency (read/speak/write) in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean or Arabic is also desirable, but not required.

The City of Anaheim reserves the option to hire at either Housing Specialist I or II level based on candidate qualification, selection process, and needs of the department.

Essential Functions

Housing Specialist I Duties

• Conduct initial and annual interviews with clients; determine initial and ongoing eligibility for rental subsidy and other affordable housing programs; manage an assigned caseload and develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date manual and automated case files.
• Conduct briefing sessions for qualified applicants from a broad spectrum of socio‑economic backgrounds, interpret and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Conduct initial and annual inspections of units in accordance with NSPIRE; advise tenant and/or landlord of deficiencies; re‑inspects units as applicable; and approve units which meet standards.
• Become familiar with new rental subsidy and affordable housing programs and stay abreast of changes in existing program rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Housing Specialist II Duties

• Conduct initial and annual interviews with clients; determine initial and ongoing eligibility for rental subsidy and other affordable housing programs; manage an assigned caseload and develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date manual and automated case files.
• Conduct initial and annual inspections of units in accordance with NSPIRE; advise tenant and/or landlord of deficiencies; re‑inspects units as applicable; and approve units which meet standards.
• Negotiate initial and annual rents with landlords and/or managers for housing units enrolled in rental subsidy and other affordable programs; calculate gross household income and adjusted annual income in order to determine total tenant payment.
• Identify housing resources in the community and encourage participation in rental subsidy and other affordable housing programs; explain and publicize the functions of the Housing Authority, including equal opportunity requirements.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Experience

Housing Specialist I

• Possess one (1) year of experience in case management and implementation of government rental subsidy and other affordable housing and/or leasing programs supplemented by Housing and/or Social Services related training and coursework.

Knowledge Of

• Basic functions and practices of a Housing Authority.
• Cultural diversity, basic record keeping; personal computer operations.
• Modern office procedures.

Ability To

• Learn the functions of the position, including income calculation at 90% accuracy rate or above.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Interact effectively with a wide variety of clients while maintaining a courteous and professional work environment; deal tactfully with those from a broad spectrum of socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in person and over the telephone.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Prepare, organize and maintain accurate, detailed and confidential records.

License/Certification Required

• Possession a valid California Class C Driver's License by date of appointment in order to inspect housing units and to conduct recertification interviews with home‑bound clients.

Experience

Housing Specialist II

• Possess two (2) years of experience working for a Public Housing Agency (PHA) in case management and implementation of government rental subsidy programs supplemented by Housing related training and coursework.

Knowledge Of

• Government housing rules and regulations, advanced record keeping, effective interviewing and negotiation techniques.
• Personal computer operations.
• Case management techniques.

Ability To

• Manage a heavy case load.
• Multi-task and prioritize.
• Calculate income and rent at an accuracy rate of 90% or above.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Interact effectively with a wide variety of clients while maintaining a courteous and professional work environment.
• Deal tactfully with those from a broad spectrum of socio‑economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Persuade owners to participate in programs; negotiate rents with landlords and/or owners.
• Identify and detect program fraud.
• Interpret, apply and explain program rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Operate a personal computer.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in person and over the telephone.
• Understand and follow rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, detailed and confidential records.
• Work effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Effectively manage transitions in work assignments, the work environment and priorities.

Environmental Conditions

• Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents may be exposed to live electricity, dirt and dust.

Physical Conditions

• Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to climb stairs in order to access housing units; bend, and reach under sinks, windows, locks and water heaters to inspect condition of the unit.
• Lift and carry bulk files and/or documents weighing up to 25 pounds while conducting field inspections.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Anaheim offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

To view the current benefits summary, visit: https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/30970/Benefits-Summary-Full-Time

For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: www.myanaheimbenefits.com

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.

Note

Pension contribution limitations are set by CalPERS each calendar year, with compensation limit requirements for Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members and Classic members. Employee contributions will be deposited into a 401(a) account after reaching this limit. Employees with CalPERS membership dates prior to July 1, 1996 are not impacted by these limits.

To view the current limits and additional CalPERS information, visit: https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/4783/CalPERS-Rates