Rental Subsidy Specialist - Non-Merit

Baltimore County; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government department in Towson, MD seeks a Rental Subsidy Specialist to determine eligibility for housing assistance programs. Responsibilities include interviewing families and liaising with landlords. Ideal candidates have an associate degree or equivalent experience in housing and must demonstrate strong communication and computer skills. This full-time position offers a regular schedule of 34 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with an associate degree.
• Two years practical experience in housing field or eligibility determination.
• Proficiency with computer software, especially Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for rent subsidy programs.
• Interview families and complete formulaic calculations.
• Maintain landlord contact and conduct family interviews.

Skills

Knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher Program

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Strong communication skills

Education

Associate degree from an accredited college

Two years practical experience

Job description

Overview

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

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. All interested candidates must apply at this time.

Instructions for Applicants

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial Copies are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Essential Duties

• Determines the eligibility of families for participation in federal and state rent subsidy programs under general supervision.
• Interviews families, gathers required verifications, and 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.
• 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 allowance.
• 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.
• Possesses strong communication skills including comprehension and interpretation via correspondence and verbal communication.
• Applies knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree

Or

Two years of practical experience in the housing field, eligibility determination, or rental management.

Or

A combination of two years of education and experience.

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.

Age

Must be a minimum of 21 years’ of age at the time of employment.

Citizenship

Must be a United States citizen or legal resident at the time 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. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Rental Subsidy Specialist - Non-Merit

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial Copies are acceptable.

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.