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Housing Specialist I/II

City Vallejo

Housing Specialist I/II

Vallejo, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Housing Specialist I/II City of Vallejo, CA - Vallejo, CA $44,950 - $60,282 a year - Full-time, Contract Description The City of Vallejo has two full-time vacancies for the position of Housing Specialist I/II in the Housing and Community Development Division. The City will only consider applicants who meet the posted minimum requirements. The Register of Eligibles list created from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies, and any future vacancies in this position for at least one year. Vallejo Housing Authority is in downtown Vallejo, near the Vallejo Waterfront, and offers a ladder to career development, supportive team environment, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a difference in the community. The division is seeking qualified candidates who have public interaction experience working with people from various backgrounds within a social service setting. The following are desirable characteristics: Ability to be flexible, and works well under pressure and changing priorities; ability to respect privacy and confidentiality of clients; excellent human relations; ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner; ability to deliver consistent, high quality customer service; professional demeanor; analytical, detail-oriented, reliable and the ability to work well independently and within a team. Applicants with work experience in housing or other social services, experience working in a fast-paced office, and with exceptional organizational skills are encouraged to apply. This position exists to provide timely and accurate assistance to Vallejo Housing Authority (VHA) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program participants in a manner that provides excellent customer service and meets the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and VHA policies. Specifically, the position: performs initial and ongoing eligibility determinations; inspects units prior to occupancy by HCV participants and while participants are residing in the units; conducts landlord outreach; monitors and determines local rental housing rates and negotiates rental agreements; conducts investigations; conducts new participant briefings; prepares and maintains technical and confidential documents; represents the City and the VHA in a positive and professional manner; and completes other housing-related tasks. This position may also serve as the HCV Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Housing Specialist I - This is the entry level class in the Housing Specialist series. This class is distinguished from the Housing Specialist II by the performance of the more routine and less difficult and complex tasks and duties assigned to positions within the Housing Specialist series. This class is a training class; employees may have only limited related work experience. It is a flexibly staffed class which requires that the entry level Housing Specialist I be promoted to the full journey level upon the completion of the probationary period and certifications of successful completion of training from approved industry experts in the areas of HCV Program Eligibility, Occupancy and Housing Quality Standards. Housing Specialist II - This is the journey level class in the Housing Specialist series. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Housing Specialist I level or, when filled from the outside, by having prior experience. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Housing Specialist I by the performance of the full range of duties as described. Assignments are performed within a framework of established procedures and employees are expected to perform the full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance only as new or unusual situations arise. Employees in this class are distinguished from the Senior Housing Specialist class in that the latter is the advanced-journey and/or lead class. A Senior Housing Specialist, on a regular and recurring basis, provides lead direction to three or more lower level technical staff and/or performs the most complex and sensitive technical housing assistance duties. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Housing Specialist I * Receives immediate supervision from supervisory or management staff and may receive lead direction from a Housing Specialist II or a Senior Housing Specialist. Housing Specialist II * Receives general supervision from supervisory or management staff and may receive lead direction from a Senior Housing Specialist. Examples of Duties Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: The Housing Specialist must be able to learn and apply procedures that ensure timely, thorough, accurate, and equitable service to all applicants and participants in the Vallejo Housing Authority programs. The Housing Specialist must be viewed by clients as professional, helpful, and efficient. To ensure eligibility of applicants and participants, and compliance by property owners and/or managers, the Housing Specialist will: * Determine initial and continued eligibility of program participants through a face-to-face interview process; investigate and verify applicant and participant information; contact applicants and participants to resolve discrepancies; and calculate rent adjustments. * Inspect properties to determine compliance with the requirements of the HCV's Housing Quality Standard; advise property owners and participants of maintenance needs; document repair requirements; and verify completed work and repairs. * Provide clear and thorough information to participants regarding moving from one Housing Authority jurisdiction to another; procedures for terminating the current rental agreement and other necessary requirements; and complete the process for participants moving into this jurisdiction from another jurisdiction. * Work with property managers, owners, and others to negotiate total monthly rents; prepare and process Housing Assistance Payments Contracts, contract terminations, and amendments. * Comply with operational procedures, policies, regulations, and legal mandates pertaining to public housing programs and enforced by the City of Vallejo and the Vallejo Housing Authority. * Prepare correspondence to various agencies, landlords, and businesses to verify applicant data. * Perform technical clerical functions pertaining to occupancy eligibility; prepare briefing packets; investigate and locate sources of information; maintain landlord information data bases. * Answer technical questions; prepare routine and confidential correspondence and reports. * Ensure accuracy in data transmitted to special (HUD) computer programs using word processing, spreadsheet and on-line computer programs. * Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. COMMUNICATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Through effective communication, the Housing Specialist upholds department values of fairness, respect and collaboration. The Housing Specialist will: * Conduct interviews with applicants, participants, property owners/managers, and other agencies in a way that gathers required information and accomplishes goals while showing respect for all concerned. * Counsel participants and property owners and/or managers in a way that avoids or resolves disputes. * Use a problem solving approach with participants, property owners and/or managers, fellow staff, and other departments or agencies toward resolving any issues that arise. * Conduct individual and group briefing sessions that are announced with proper notice, are well-organized, contain up-to-date information, and encourage questions and discussion. * Prepare and deliver written and electronic correspondence to participants, property owners, and various agencies and businesses that are written in proper business English and are clear, concise, and timely. * Communicate verbally with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and those with disabilities in a way that engenders trust, assures understanding and promotes the individual's ability to comply with regulations. When necessary, arrange for interpretation for clients with limited English language proficiency. Minimum Qualifications KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Housing Specialist I Knowledge of: * Techniques for working with a variety of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and those with disabilities * Modern office practices, methods and procedures * Modern English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation * Standard office machines and equipment, including computer terminals, business software, and applicable electronic equipment, such as field entry devices and cellular phones * Experience with personal computers, a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn other software programs * Experience keeping records in paper and electronic formats * Experience with preparing business letters and documents * Excellent verbal and written communications skills * Record keeping principles and practice * Basic mathematical computations Ability to: * Learn methods, trends, and techniques pertaining to the operation of a public housing system and housing inspections * Learn the operational procedures, policies, regulations, and legal mandates pertaining to public housing programs and enforced by the City and the Housing Authority * Obtain certifications from approved industry experts in the areas of Eligibility, Occupancy, and Housing Quality Standards within one year from date of hire or at first available training * Learn to accurately interpret legal mandates, policies, rules and regulations, and apply them to a variety of occupancy eligibility procedures * Demonstrate good interpersonal skills

    • Communicate and conduct business in an empathetic, yet professional manner, with clients in difficult situations * Work effectively in a team setting and collaborate with team members in solving problems and improving services * Balance multiple deadlines and conflicting demands
    • Proactively solve problems * Learn to create and maintain a variety of filing systems such as alphabetical, numerical, subject matter, etc., and prepare indices and cross reference files * Learn to interpret narrative information from tables, forms and computerized documents * Learn to interview and counsel people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds * Learn to multi-task, set priorities, and meet deadlines under stressful conditions * Learn to negotiate Housing Assistance Payments Contracts, contract terminations, and contract amendments * Perform complex and specialized technical and clerical work utilizing independent judgment, and requiring speed and accuracy * Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports * Type and word process documents at a speed necessary for successful job performance * Understand and carry out oral and written directions * Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with hostile or emotionally upset clients * Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and maintain a positive public image Housing Specialist II In addition to the knowledge and abilities stated in Housing Specialist I: Knowledge of: * Techniques used to interview and counsel people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and those with disabilities; * Legal mandates, rules, regulations, local policies and plans relating to housing and occupancy eligibility procedures; * Operational procedures, policies, rules, regulations and legal provisions specific to the assignment; * Practices and procedures used in housing inspections; * Related codes and ordinances pertaining to public housing programs and enforced by the City and the Housing Authority. Ability to: * Interpret legal mandates, policies, rules and regulations, and apply them to a variety of occupancy eligibility procedures; * Create and maintain a variety of filing systems such as alphabetical, numerical, subject matter, etc.; and prepare indices and cross reference files; * Interpret narrative information from tables, forms, and computerized documents; * Interview and counsel people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and those with disabilities; * Multi-task, set priorities, and meet deadlines under stressful conditions; * Negotiate rent agreements, contract terminations, and contract amendments. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Housing Specialist I Experience: * Two years of experience in a social or community service agency involving public contact which required the explanation and application of rules, regulations and standards; * Housing and/or social service program experience that required interaction with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and those with disabilities is highly desirable. Note: One year of clerical experience in a housing program may be substituted for one of the two years of social services experience. Training: * A High School Diploma or G.E.D. with specialized training in business practices, manual and automated record management, storage and retrieval systems. Additional college course work in social services, psychology or a field related to the intent of the class is desirable Housing Specialist II In addition to the qualifications stated in Housing Specialist I: Experience: * One year of experience as a Housing Specialist I with the City of Vallejo, or one year of experience performing comparable duties in a housing services environment which required interaction with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. Training:
    • An Associate's Degree or certificate in business, management, social services, psychology or a field related to the intent of the class is desirable. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES Housing Specialist I/II: * Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license by appointment to the class. The driver's license must be maintained in good standing throughout employment in the Housing Specialist classification. * Possess, or obtain within one year from date of hire (at employer's expense), certifications from approved industry experts in the areas of Eligibility, Occupancy, and Housing Quality Standards. Supplemental Information Step 1: Application Submittal and Supplemental Responses To be considered for this recruitment, please submit: 1) an online City of Vallejo application form, 2) a current cover letter, and
    1. a current resume detailing your education, experience, and qualifications for this position. All the above must be submitted by June 19, 2018 at 5:15 PM. ***If you have any housing industry certifications, please attach a copy by the June 19 final application closing date. Application may be obtained and completed online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/vallejo or go to the City of Vallejo website; click on Human Resources Department then, click on "Employment Opportunities" If you have problems creating a user account or submitting your online application, please contact governmentjobs.com applicant support directly at 855-524-5627. IMPORTANT: * Applications received without the required current cover letter and resume will be considered incomplete and will not be given further consideration. * The City will close this recruitment on June 19, 2018, or upon receipt of the first 150 applications, whichever occurs first. * The City reserves the right to reopen the application period to obtain a qualified pool of candidates to move forward to the examination process. Step 2: Applicant Screening * Application packets containing all required materials will receive an overall screening assessment. Applicants who are found to be the best qualified will move forward in the hiring process. * Pool of Candidates: The City reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those determined to be the best qualified, based upon all requested application materials, including training and experience, cover letter and current resume. Step 3: Examination: Best qualified applicants will be invited to take part in a written examination. The written examination is tenatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 10, 2018 . The examination process consists of a written examination weighted at 100%. Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher in order to be placed on the Register of Eligibles list (this list will be forward to the hiring department). Qualified candidates will be notified in writing of the time and location of the written examination. Prior to interviews, the department will hold a position orientation for the candidates on the Housing Specialist I/II Register of Eligibles list. Candidates will be notified of the date, time and location of the orientation. The orientation is optional, the department strongly encourages candidates interested in the position to attend. The orientation is designed to provide candidates with a realistic expectation and visual of the essential duties to be performed in the Housing Specialist position. Step 4: Department Interview: The department may conduct a hiring interview and may include a written exercise as part of its assessment prior to making a hiring decision. Step 5: Final Selection The department holding the current vacancy will conduct all final interviews and make the final candidate selection. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the applications or selection process may contact Human Resources Department. Please contact Robin Tilley at (707) 649-4852 or 648-4363 or at robin.tilley@cityofvallejo.net no later than Tuesday, June 19, 2018. PRIOR TO HIRE: The selected candidate will be required to: 1) successfully complete a job-related pre-placement medical exam, 2) successfully complete a reference check, criminal background/Livescan-DOJ and 3) provide proof of legal right to work in the United States, and 4) take a loyalty oath. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at time of application. Disaster Service Workers All City of Vallejo ("City") employees are designated Disaster Service Workers ("DSW") through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW- related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors. Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. 12 hours ago - save job - original job Apply On Company Site Other jobs you may like Housing Resource Specialist SHELTER INC - Concord, CA 12 days ago Housing Resource Specialist SHELTER, Inc. - Concord, CA 13 days ago Easily apply * Housing Specialist jobs in Vallejo, CA * Jobs at City of Vallejo in Vallejo, CA
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