Housing Specialist II

City of Arvada; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Housing Specialist II to administer the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and assist individuals and families in accessing stable, affordable housing. You will manage complex cases, interpret HUD regulations, and coordinate with participants, landlords, and community partners.

Ideal candidates possess strong analytical and organizational skills, excellent communication, and the ability to provide guidance to others.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program regulations, policies, procedures, and administration, including eligibility, income and asset verification, rent calculations, housing assistance payments, re-certifications, inspections, portability, and program compliance.

Responsibilities

• Administers an assigned HCV caseload including interviewing applicants and participants, determining eligibility, completing certifications and re-certifications, reviewing income and household information, calculating assistance, processing changes, and maintaining accurate case documentation.
• Interprets HUD regulations, notices, guidance, and applicable requirements to determine compliance and make eligibility decisions.
• Coordinates HCV activities with participants, landlords, inspectors, and other stakeholders including inspections, rent changes, and program requirements.
• Performs quality-control and compliance reviews of case files, assists with audits, and identifies opportunities to improve accuracy and customer service.
• Provides training and guidance to Housing Specialist staff regarding HCV regulations and procedures; assists with onboarding and training of new employees.
• Maintains confidential records and prepares reports; uses housing management software, databases, and MS Office to document program activities.
• Represents the department in meetings and community activities; maintains relationships with internal and external partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Training/mentoring

Education

Associate's Degree

Field: Arts, Science, General Studies, Social Work, Human Services

Tools

Housing management software

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

All positions close Friday morning at 12:01am.

The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work.

Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity.

The range listed reflects the entire range and typical placement is entry to mid range.

Pay Range: $30.68-$41.96 Hourly

The City is seeking an experienced Housing Specialist II to administer the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and support individuals and families in accessing stable, affordable housing. This position manages complex cases, interprets and applies HUD regulations, coordinates with participants, landlords, and community partners, and helps ensure program compliance and quality service. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to navigate complex situations and provide guidance to others.

Essential Job Functions

Independently administers an assigned Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) caseload, including interviewing applicants and participants, determining eligibility, completing certifications and re-certifications, reviewing income and household information, calculating assistance, processing changes, and maintaining accurate case documentation. Administers complex and sensitive cases involving unusual household circumstances, complicated income or eligibility issues, portability, reasonable accommodations, program violations, informal reviews, discrepancies, or other matters requiring advanced knowledge, analysis, and independent judgment. Researches, interprets, and applies HUD regulations, notices, guidance, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements; evaluates participant and program information to determine compliance, make eligibility and assistance decisions, resolve discrepancies, and implement corrective actions. Coordinates HCV program activities with participants, landlords, property owners, inspectors, and other stakeholders, including inspections, repairs, rent changes, abatements, move-ins, housing assistance payments, and other program requirements; researches and resolves related issues and concerns. Conducts quality-control and compliance reviews of case files, eligibility determinations, certifications, payments, and other program activities; assists with audits and monitoring reviews and identifies opportunities to improve program accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and customer service. Provides technical assistance, peer guidance, and training support to Housing Specialist staff regarding HCV regulations, case processing, documentation, systems, and program procedures; assists with onboarding and training of new employees. Maintains confidential program records and prepares reports, correspondence, notices, and other documentation; uses housing management software, databases, and electronic systems to accurately administer and document program activities. Provides information and referrals regarding housing and community resources; represents the department in meetings, training, and community activities; maintains effective relationships with internal and external partners; and performs inspections and other HCV functions as assigned. Travels to and attends team and organizational meetings, training, events and activities and appropriately and professionally represents the department.

Other Job Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program regulations, policies, procedures, and administration, including eligibility, income and asset verification, rent calculations, housing assistance payments, re-certifications, inspections, portability, and program compliance.
• Solid knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing regulations, quality control standards, records management requirements, and audit practices.
• Solid knowledge of case management principles and practices applicable to complex participant, landlord, property, financial, and program issues.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex regulations, HUD guidance, policies, and procedures and exercise sound judgment in making program determinations.
• Ability to independently analyze complex information, identify discrepancies and compliance concerns, resolve problems, and make accurate decisions within established guidelines.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload, prioritize competing deadlines, maintain accurate and confidential records, and ensure timely and compliant completion of program requirements.
• Ability to resolve complex and sensitive participant and landlord issues through effective communication, mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to use housing management software, databases, spreadsheets, Microsoft Office, and related technology to administer programs, analyze information, maintain records, and identify process improvements.
• Ability to explain complex program requirements clearly and provide technical guidance, training, and assistance to employees, participants, landlords, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively, establish and maintain productive working relationships, and adapt to changing regulations, program requirements, technology, and organizational priorities.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle
• Preferred License & Certification Education Degree Associate's Degree
• Education Major Arts, Science, General Studies, Social Work, Human Services or related field

Work Experience

Related: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience administering or supporting the Housing Choice Voucher Program, affordable housing programs, case management, eligibility determination, social services, property management, or a related field, including experience independently managing cases and applying program regulations or related field.

Preferred: Four (4) or more years experience specific to Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Other Qualifications

Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Physical Demands: Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.

Hazards: Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

Work Environment: Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.

The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package. To find out more details, select here.

Vision: We Dream Big and Deliver

Mission: We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.

Values: Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives. Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence. Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

The City’s Core values are in every employee’s individual Performance Plan which helps us to reinforce our expectations for living and working by our Core Values. Every City employee is expected to perform his/her job to the highest professional standards. This includes upholding the City’s values with integrity and accountability, acting in a manner that is respectful and inclusive towards others, and adhering to the City’s policy on employee conduct as detailed in the personnel rules sec. 70-143.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

We have consistently received Top Workplace awards since 2012. Most recently, we received USA Today’s Top Workplaces Award.