Program Specialist

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority is seeking a Program Specialist to administer an assigned Family Self-Sufficiency caseload and support the HCV Homeownership program. You will coordinate services, maintain records, and ensure compliance with HUD regulations and CMHA policies.

The role involves outreach, enrollment, and collaboration with partners to help residents achieve economic self-sufficiency and homeownership readiness goals.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and 2+ years in case management or related fields; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Combination of education and experience may meet requirements; two years of related work is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of FSS participants; assist with recruitment, enrollment, assessment and service coordination.
• Oversee escrow activity in coordination with Finance, IT, HCV and other departments and ensure compliance with HUD/CMHA rules.
• Market the FSS program; conduct orientations; coordinate with property managers and partners to maximize participation.
• Support HCV Homeownership program intake, documentation, and monitoring; ensure timely follow-up and records.
• Provide referrals to community services and coordinate with providers to assist participants.
• Maintain accurate files, prepare reports, and support program evaluation and data collection.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Planning

Education

Associate’s degree (social work / human services / public administration / business administration)

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

QUALIFICATIONS : An example of acceptable qualifications for this position:

Possession of an Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution in social work, human services, public administration, business administration, or a related field; two (2) or more years of related experience in case management, social services, resident services, public or assisted housing, workforce development, financial coaching, homeownership support, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred; or any combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid driver's license and must maintain insurability according to the Housing Authority's insurance policy. Additional certifications may be required or preferred depending on program, grant, or funding requirements.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive. Calculator, computer, computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other applicable program, finance, reporting, or case management systems), mobile phone, fax machine, copier, scanner, telephone, and other standard modern business office equipment.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); this is considered sedentary work and the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the physical demands required of the position in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s physical demands strength ratings.

In cases of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.

Job Description:

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, administers an assigned caseload of Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) participants and provides secondary support to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program. Assists residents in working toward economic self-sufficiency and homeownership readiness goals through recruitment, enrollment, assessment, individual goal planning, service coordination, referrals, escrow administration, homeownership-related documentation support, compliance tracking, and outcome reporting. Ensures FSS and assigned HCV Homeownership support activities comply with HUD regulations, CMHA policies, and program requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

35% FSS Case Management and Goal Planning

Maintains an assigned FSS caseload. Recruits, enrolls, assesses, and works with participants to develop Contracts of Participation and Individual Training and Services Plans. Provides ongoing coaching; monitors participant progress; conducts annual and interim reviews; supports participants in meeting education, employment, financial, housing stability, and other self-sufficiency goals; and documents progress toward completion.

15% Escrow Administration and Participant Progress Monitoring

Establishes, monitors, and documents FSS escrow activity in coordination with Finance, IT, HCV, and other internal departments as applicable. Reviews participant income changes and progress toward goals; processes or assists with interim and final escrow requests; maintains accurate records; and ensures escrow documentation complies with applicable HUD and CMHA requirements.

15% Recruitment, Enrollment, Marketing, and Orientation

Markets the FSS program to eligible residents to maximize participation. Conducts outreach, orientations, and informational sessions; develops or distributes promotional materials; coordinates with property managers, HCV staff, community partners, and internal departments; screens interested residents; assists with enrollment documentation; and supports participant retention.

10% HCV Homeownership Program Support

Provides secondary support to the HCV Homeownership Program under the direction of the Program Supervisor. Assists with participant intake, orientation, application tracking, file documentation, annual monitoring, homeownership readiness referrals, coordination with internal departments, and communication with residents and approved partners. Supports accurate recordkeeping and timely follow-up related to inspections, participant documentation, partner referrals, and program milestones.

10% Service Referrals and Partner Coordination

Provides referrals to community services and resources, including employment, education, training, financial management, public benefits, childcare, transportation, homebuyer education, credit repair, lending readiness, down payment assistance, and other supportive services. Maintains working relationships with service providers and assists participants in accessing appropriate public or private community agencies.

10% Documentation, Compliance, Reporting, and Evaluation

Maintains accurate participant files, case notes, service plans, outcome data, HCV Homeownership support documentation, and required program records. Prepares and submits reports on program activity, participation, progress, escrow activity, homeownership support activity, and outcomes. Ensures privacy and confidentiality. Supports program evaluation by collecting data and identifying trends, barriers, and opportunities for improvement.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5% Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge

• Resident services, community resources, FSS, HCV Homeownership, public or assisted housing programs, and applicable CMHA policies and procedures.
• Program administration, documentation, data collection, reporting, customer service, participant tracking, homeownership support documentation, and basic performance measurement practices.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to public housing authorities, FSS, HCV Homeownership, and assigned program areas.
• Office practices and procedures; records management; confidentiality requirements; safety practices; and modern business communication practices.

Skill in

• Customer service; listening; organization; planning; time management; written and verbal communication; meeting facilitation; and conflict resolution.
• Computer operation and use of modern office equipment and software, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other applicable program or reporting systems.
• Information gathering, documentation, database entry, report preparation, participant follow-up, homeownership support tracking, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to

• Interpret and apply written policies, procedures, regulations, and FSS and HCV Homeownership program requirements to specific situations.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and exercise appropriate judgment and discretion.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, outreach materials, meeting notes, resident communications, and other program documentation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with residents, CMHA staff, property managers, service providers, funders, vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.