Housing Specialist I

The Fairfield Housing Authority (FHA) is seeking a dependable and organized individual who is committed to making a difference in the community by serving those in need and providing essential housing resources. The full-time Housing Specialist I will join our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) team, collaborating with landlords and service providers throughout the City of Fairfield to assist program participants in utilizing their vouchers to lease units in the private market. The successful candidate will also handle eligibility and interim certifications for the housing programs at the FHA office. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, proficiency in computer use, and the ability to multitask are essential, with previous Section 8 experience considered a plus.  

The Housing Specialist I is the entry level class in the Housing Specialist series. Incumbents of this class perform specific assignments in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assignments are initially performed with detailed supervision and training. As the incumbent becomes more proficient at the tasks, greater independence is reached. Duties include managing an assigned caseload, performing day-to-day coordination of certifying initial eligibility, annual and interim certifications, processing new lease-ups, and program terminations in accordance with Agency policy and in compliance with funding regulations for subsidized housing. Actual responsibilities may vary according to assignments.

• Two years office support experience, including public contact and record keeping are required.
• Education equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade is required. 

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License is required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rent Calculation, Eligibility, Occupancy or Specialist Certification with one year is required.

• Interview assisted housing applicants and participants to obtain information regarding their eligibility for initial and continued housing assistance.
• Collect and record relevant information and documents; review, evaluate and verify information submitted by applicants and tenants.
• Determine initial and continued eligibility for various assisted housing programs; calculate tenant rents.
• Complete, type, process and distribute various housing forms and documents; establish and maintain various housing files and records.
• Prepare and process documents to coordinate rent payment to owners and payments to vendors; receive and post rents received and issue receipts; balance cash drawer.
• Prepare, review and process billing documents for portable vouchers; verify accurate and timely monthly payments to owners; monitor the client repayment roster to insure Housing receives payments from clients.
• Use a computer terminal to input, edit and retrieve assisted housing program information and to generate standard forms and reports.
• Respond to telephone, in-person and written inquiries and complaints from applicants, participants, owners, other Housing Authorities and other persons; provide factual information and explain rules and procedures regarding housing programs.
• Prepare periodic and special reports; proofread and check typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness and compliance with HUD and Housing Authority policies and procedures.
• Conduct orientation and portability briefings for assisted housing program participants and owners to explain the program and rules.
• Assist in investigating complaints and resolving landlord/tenant problems; may counsel program participants and attend informal hearings.
• Perform general office support work and operate standard office equipment.
• Collect and compile information and materials to prepare briefing and orientation packets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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THE SELECTION PROCESS: Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.

HOW TO APPLY: Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGov's Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.

Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up-to-date.

If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.

REFERENCE CHECKS:

The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the City.

Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the “References” section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.