Housing Specialist II

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Diego is hiring Housing Specialist II in the Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) department, focusing on rental assistance programs and eligibility determinations. The role supports families to find safe, affordable housing and partners with landlords and developers to expand housing options.

The ideal candidate will manage rental assistance contracts, assess eligibility, and may provide guidance and training to staff and partners.

Qualifications

• One (1) year of housing program-related experience at the level of Housing Specialist I with the County of San Diego, which must have included interpreting, explaining, and applying low income housing program rules and regulations.
• Two (2) years of any combination of housing program-related experience at the level of Housing Specialist I and eligibility program-related experience at the level of Human Services Specialist with the County of San Diego, which must have included interpreting, explaining, and applying program rules and regulations.
• Possession of a public housing certificate or diploma sponsored by one of the Public Housing specific training organizations such as Nan McKay, Housing Television Network (HTVN), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage rental assistance contracts.
• Determine initial or ongoing eligibility for rental assistance.
• Perform special projects and provide technical guidance and training to staff or partners.

Skills

Rental assistance experience

Caseload management

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Public housing certificate or diploma

Job description

The County of San Diego is currently accepting applications for

HOUSING SPECIALIST II

Future Salary Increases:

June 2027 – 3.80% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the- Board + 0.80% Market Adjustment)

Selected candidates will be hired at Step 1 of the salary range, $65,270.40 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.

Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) improves the quality of life in our communities - helping families in need to find safe, decent and affordable housing, and partnering with property owners, landlords, and developers to increase the supply and availability of affordable housing. HCDS provides many valuable services to support the local community and strives to create more livable neighborhoods that residents are proud to call home.

Housing Specialist II is the journey-level class in this series. Incumbents manage rental assistance contracts, determine initial or ongoing eligibility for rental assistance, perform special projects, and may provide technical guidance and training to staff or other organizations.

Hiring Process

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Professional levelexperience interpreting, explaining and applying low income housing program rules and regulations
• Experience managing a caseload of rental assistance contracts
• The ability to communicate effectively with individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations that require a high degree of sensitively, tact, and diplomacy

Desirable Traits:

We are seeking a customer focused individual who communicates effectively and,values and respects others. Our work environment is both collaborative and independent depending on duties being performed. We expect staff to valuecontinuous learning and demonstrate ethical behavior.

Minimum Qualifications:

One (1) year of housing program-related experience at the level of Housing Specialist I with the County of San Diego, which must have included interpreting, explaining, and applying low income housing program rules and regulations.
OR
Two (2) years of any combination of housing program-related experience at the level of Housing Specialist I and eligibility program-related experience at the level of Human Services Specialist with the County of San Diego, which must have included interpreting, explaining, and applying program rules and regulations.

Note: Possession of a public housing certificate or diploma sponsored by one of the Public Housing specific training organizations such as Nan McKay, Housing Television Network (HTVN), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), is highly desirable.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in the employment and supplemental application forms. Please ensure that all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Veteran’s Preference Policy County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.

Disaster Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.