Rental Subsidy Specialist (Housing Office) - Non-Merit

Baltimore County, MD; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Baltimore County Department of Housing and Community Development seeks a housing eligibility specialist to determine participant eligibility for federal and state rent subsidy programs. You will interview families, collect verifications, perform income calculations, explain program rules, and process leasing documents.

You will coordinate with landlords, maintain records, and work with partners to ensure compliance with HUD regulations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required.
• Two years of relevant experience in housing programs or social services.
• Total combination of education and experience equal to four years.

Responsibilities

• Interviews families in person, by phone, or by mail.
• Collects documents and verifies eligibility.
• Calculates income, assets, and expenses per regulations.
• Determines rent calculations and housing assistance payments.
• Maintains landlord contacts and program records.
• Conducts outreach to families, landlords, and agencies.

Skills

Housing program knowledge

Interviewing

Documentation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

Definition Of Responsibility

Under general supervision, determines the eligibility of families for participation in federal and state rent subsidy programs. Interviews families, gathers required verifications, completes formulaic calculations of income, assets and expenses, briefs families on program regulations, completes leasing documents, determines rent calculations and housing assistance payments, maintains landlord contact and outreach, and performs other related functions.

Essential Duties

• Conducts family interviews (in person, by telephone, by mail)
• Gathers required documents from family, and third parties, in compliance with regulations.
• Calculates income, assets and expenses, applying federal or state regulations.
• Determines program violations, and processes family denials and terminations.
• Briefs families on program requirements, and issues rent subsidies.
• Determines rent reasonableness and comparability of program dwelling units.
• Conducts rent negotiations, and calculates gross rent, housing assistance payment, tenant rent and utility allowances.
• Prepares and completes contracts, lease addenda, and other leasing documents, and maintains contact with landlords.
• Maintains program records and completes status reports.
• Issues final requests for payment to landlords.
• Conducts outreach to families, landlords, supportive agencies and the public.
• Effectively manage applicant and participant inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Must possess strong communication skills including the comprehension and interpretation via correspondence and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this classification. They may not include all of the duties of each position in this classification. Each position in this classification may not be required to perform all of the duties listed.)

Required Qualifications

Associate degree

Plus

Two years of relevant experience in housing programs, social services, or working with at-risk communities.

(Any combination of education and experience totaling four years.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer software.
• Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.
• Ability to understand and apply program policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ability to obtain and demonstrate knowledge of HUD federal regulations for voucher programs.

Licenses or Certificates

• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Certified Housing Specialist Certification within 1 year of employment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. www.WES.org. Office of Human Resources, Baltimore County Government, 308 Allegheny Ave., Towson, MD 21204.

Examination Procedure

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of this classification is essentially sedentary. Some positions may involve occasional travel between work sites.

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.