HOUSING SPECIALIST

Job Description:

HOUSING SPECIALIST

Description

Resumes are accepted but not in place of the official city employment application. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected. Proof of education requirements/certifications must be submitted as a PDF via EMAIL to human_resources@cityofinglewood.org with the SUBJECT LINE: your name and job title

For employees belonging to the Inglewood Management Employee Organization (IMEO), a 5% salary increase will take effect on January 1, 2025 .

POSITION

Under general supervision, interprets, implements, communicates, and enforces Housing Authority guidelines and regulations to program participants, property owners, and other interested parties. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by this class. Incumbents in this class may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

TASKS

• Conduct interviews with interested parties to determine eligibility for the housing programs;
• Verify client information and maintains records, prepares criminal background investigation packets and contract documents;
• Calculate rents for Participants and Landlords, negotiates contract rents with owners participating in the program, and investigate fraud allegations
• Update computer system for re-certifications, interims, rent increases, negotiations, issuance of vouchers, third-party verifications, and prepares documentation for fraud cases;
• Research and resolves applicant, tenant, owner, and citizen complaints regarding housing assistance programs and counsels program participants on program violations;
• Keep abreast of current and proposed federal laws and guidelines for housing assistance programs and ensures compliance with guidelines;
• Perform housing inspections to ensure program compliance standards and generate formal correspondence to tenants and owners regarding program policies and procedures;
• Attend meetings to provide program education to staff, participants, and landlords and improve skills and knowledge of best practices for the Section 8 Program
• Refer clients to Agencies that have specific services (pantries, utility assistance, VAWA)

QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma or equivalent AND four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in housing, property management, or social services/grant-funded programs. Must possess at the time of application and maintain a valid California Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of housing standards, regulations, and guidelines, housing programs practices and principles, and case and record management; HUD systems EIV, SAVE Systems, Housing Software; Portability, conflict resolution techniques, mathematical calculations, a variety of social services programs addressing housing issues and concerns;
• Skilled in negotiating vendor and rental contracts, providing and following oral and written instructions, establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with both internal and external customers; Housing Quality Inspections, Payment pro-rations, Housing Assistant Payments, HUDs Hierarchy of income verification; defusing conflicts and problem-solving;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in challenging situations, work independently and with a team; make accurate calculations, verify information, demonstrate strong attention to detail, effectively communicate verbally and in writing, perform essential duties with little to no immediate supervision, ability to speak English and a second language (Spanish) is highly desirable;
• Proficient in operating office equipment, including computers and software, fax machines, copiers, scanners, and other specialized equipment, MS Office software packages, and other industry-related software.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Consists of an application review to ensure that all applicants meet the minimum requirements for the job classification. A select number of qualified applicants will be invited to an interview with the Hiring Authority. All employment offers are contingent on criminal background review via fingerprint submission for applicants over 18 years of age and provision of evidence of freedom from tuberculosis. Every individual the City employs must complete and sign the US Government form I-9 and provide documentation required by law showing that s/he is eligible to work in the United States.

The City of Inglewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate by age, sex, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap status in its employment actions, decisions, policies, and practices.