Housing Specialist I/II - Indio

County of Riverside; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Riverside in Indio, CA is seeking Housing Specialist I/II to determine eligibility for Section 8 and related housing programs, perform inspections, and provide client support in person or in the field. The role may involve evenings or weekends and travel for property inspections.

Ideal candidates have at least 1 year of case management experience, familiarity with HQS standards, and strong customer service in a public agency. Basic Excel/Word/Outlook skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience with housing programs such as Section 8 is highly desirable.
• At least 1 year of case management experience is preferred.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook is preferred.
• Strong customer service in a public agency environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Determine applicants' eligibility and participants' continued eligibility for housing programs.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints as needed.
• Conduct initial, annual and special inspections of housing units for HQS compliance.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters; assist in resident programs.

Skills

Excel

Word

Outlook

Section 8 experience

Case management

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree substitution

Job description

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS), Housing Authority Division, is seeking to fill multiple vacancies for a Housing Specialist I/II located in Indio, CA. Incumbents perform a variety of duties related to providing housing assistance to low-income individuals through the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs. Duties include calculating income, responding to questions, and providing information to the public. Additionally, the position may require travel to conduct property inspections and provide in-person support and outreach. The role involves performing field-based activities and engaging with clients in various settings, which may include standing, walking, and remaining on your feet for extended periods while delivering services and providing client support. The most competitive candidates will have experience in homeless outreach, connecting clients with resources, and providing exceptional customer service in a public agency environment. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook is preferred. Experience with Section 8 or other housing assistance programs is highly desired. This position requires at least 1 year of case management experience. The Housing Specialist I is distinguished from the Housing Specialist II by the former’s performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Housing Specialist II.

The Housing Specialist I is a natural progression underfill for the Housing Specialist II. Incumbents are eligible to promote to Housing Specialist II upon successful completion of their probationary period, which would include a satisfactory performance evaluation and any additional qualification requirements.

The Housing Specialist II is distinguished from the Housing Specialist I by the former’s ability to perform the full range of assigned duties with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise.

This role may require occasional evening, weekend, or overtime work.

The level at which the position will be filled is at the discretion of the department.

Salary Range:

Housing Specialist I = $25.2320-$34.9225

Housing Specialist II = $28.6365-$38.4000

Meet the Team!

The County of Riverside’s Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) Department is a dedicated group that prioritizes delivering services to the County’s most vulnerable populations. Through helpful interventions that meet our county’s housing and workforce related needs, HWS is promoting prosperous neighborhoods and healthy communities. Can you see yourself here?

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Housing Specialist I

• Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants' eligibility and participants' continued eligibility for assisted housing programs utilizing established timelines, agency policies and federal regulations.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Conduct initial, annual and special inspections of housing assistance units or residences for various assistance programs in HWS; ensure assisted units comply with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) requirements for decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions; advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs.
• Prepare and execute contracts between the Housing Authority and property owners; negotiate rent with property owners; calculate participants' rent; initiate the collection of delinquent overpayments from participants or property owners.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.
• Assist in the development and implementation of resident programs.
• Duties assigned may be either in caseload management or initial eligibility determination.

Housing Specialist II

• Conduct specialized, technical field inspections or assessment for various assistance programs available to County residents through the HWS Department; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with applicable regulations and standards, safe and sanitary conditions; prepare work orders; implement and monitor outcomes.
• Advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections, assessment, or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs; conduct site visits with contracted vendors for quality control, provide technical consultation and make recommendations as needed.
• Answer questions and provide applicable program information to the applicants and public.
• Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants' eligibility and tenants' continual eligibility for the programs.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.

HOUSING AND WORKFORCE SOLUTION

In addition to the general essential duties listed above, incumbents assigned to HWS

• Conduct initial, annual, special and vacated unit inspections for Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS); ensure decent, safe and sanitary conditions; develop service quality improvement initiatives; implement and monitor outcomes.
• Mediate between the tenant and property owner; determine liabilities and charges for tenants and owners during vacated unit inspections; process damage claims; liaison between the Department of Mental Health and state licensed board and care facilities; troubleshoot and assist in resolving issues.
• Conduct damage and move out inspections; investigate claims regarding violations of housing quality standards; counsel tenants on good housekeeping practices.
• Request and verify documents from property owners to confirm ownership of property.
• Prepare and execute contracts between the Housing Authority and property owners; prepare leases and agreements between tenants and property owners; negotiate rent agreements with property owners; calculate tenant's rent; initiate the collection of delinquent overpayments from participants or property owners.
• Investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES :

Housing Specialist I

Experience: Minimum of one year housing or other state or federal program eligibility or social work experience is preferred; OR one year of work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree may substitute for program eligibility experience.)

Knowledge of: Basic interviewing skills and techniques; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; safety and health standards; general construction or building inspection; principles and procedures of record keeping; basic mathematics.

Ability to: Learn Section 8 and related assisted housing programs and HQS; learn weatherization programs and energy efficiency principles and measures; policies and procedures; learn, interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; learn to perform housing inspections; determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; operate a computer terminal and standard office machines; perform accurate mathematical calculations; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including Housing Authority staff, program participants, and the general public.

Housing Specialist II

Experience: Two years full-time work experience equivalent to Housing Specialist I duties and responsibilities; OR two years of full-time work experience in Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; OR two years of full-time work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation