Housing Specialist I

Housing Opportunity Com • Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States • $53.48k - $86.26k / year • 1m ago

Housing Specialist I:

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description:

This position supports the leasing and recertification activities of HOC’s Opportunity Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance, Tax Credit, and other affordable housing programs. Duties include determining eligibility of program participants, processing applications, and performing recertifications.

Incumbent, will interview, certify, and re-certify applicants and tenants, coordinate move-ins and transfers with the Property Managers, and orient applicants to program rules and responsibilities. The employee is given overall program objectives and priorities, and is expected to carry out daily activities, such as recertifying and updating family income.

The work consists of several related steps and is planned and carried out independently with the employee selecting the appropriate methods to accomplish the work. Duties also include preparing reports and responding to telephone and walk- in inquiries.

An employee in this class requires knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, and the rules and regulations of subsidized housing program guidelines. The employee applies the appropriate guideline reference to specific cases.

Contacts are employees within and outside the organization which includes individuals such as landlords, property owners, and social service agencies. The employee uses highly developed communication skills in presenting ideas and technical information. Assistance with housing needs is provided to clients on an ongoing basis and is normally short-term in nature, with appropriate referrals made to counselors or social service agencies.

The work environment is the normal office setting, and involves periods of sitting while using hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard while performing assigned tasks. Some exposure to aggressive or abusive behavior of clients may be encountered. The employee's work has a direct bearing on the effectiveness of the housing program and the quality of services provided to clients.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Interview, certify and recertify families.
Respond to inquiries from applicants and tenants.
Coordinate applicant move-ins and resident transfers with appropriate staff.
Orient applicants and tenants to HOC rules and community regulations.
Prepare reports as required by supervisor.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

At least two years’ experience certifying participants in a federally subsidized affordable housing program (Housing Choice Voucher, Tax Credit or other subsidized housing program). Applicant with current HCCP, COS and or LIHTC certifications preferred.

Education:

Associate’s degree higher in Social Work, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Licenses and Certifications:

Certification for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program is required. Individuals must have passed or will pass within six (6) months of hire the LIHTC Program regulations certification exam.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of, or the ability to acquire knowledge of, subsidized housing program guidelines and federal, state and local landlord-tenant laws is necessary.
Interviewing and counseling skills.
Ability to use computer software (Word, Excel and Power Point).
Ability to communicate well with a variety of audiences and strong customer service skills required.
Good math skills.
Previous property management, marketing and training experience helpful.
Foreign language ability desirable.
Salary Range: Grade 17- Min: $53,482 - Mid: $69,872 Max: $86,263 | Salary determined by departmental budget- Offer commensurate with experience

HOC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.