<p>Summary</p> <p>The hiring salary for this position is $59,172.65 annually.</p> <p>Charles County Government is seeking an experienced Housing Program Specialist to perform administrative and counseling work for the Housing Authority's assisted housing and rental housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This position will counsel applicants regarding housing, processes applications and changes to rental housing subsidies, and executes housing contracts for program participants.</p> <p>Essential Job Functions</p> <ul> <li>Schedules appointments and conducts interviews and processes housing applications </li><li>Conducts enrollment appointments for applicants from the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. </li><li>Assists participants in locating suitable housing. </li><li>Collects and forwards inspection requests after reviewing for suitability and affordability for program participants. </li><li>Prepares and executes contracts for landlords and program participants and maintains related files and records. </li><li>Assists program participants and landlords with housing online portal where customers can report changes, request documents, and update certifications. </li><li>Recertifies participants annually and processes interim changes as needed. </li><li>Processes move requests and rent increases, and verifies units meet rent reasonableness requirements. </li><li>Verifies monthly rent roll to ensure proper assistance payments. </li><li>Investigates complaints; assists in developing achievable resolutions. </li><li>Mediates tenant/landlord disputes. </li><li>Investigates program fraud and abuse and recommends course of action. </li><li>Ensures participants and landlord compliance with program rules and regulations. </li><li>Prepares for and participates in meetings and hearings regarding denials and terminations. </li><li>Composes synopses of informal meetings. Composes chronologies for formal hearings with the Hearing Officer. </li><li>Reviews criminal backgrounds and previous assisted housing verifications. </li><li>Works with partner agencies to provide customer assistance and benefits. </li><li>Performs administrative work as required to support the department on Housing Authority related matters. </li><li>Performs other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities</p> <p>Education and Experience:</p> <p>Associate degree in counseling/human services, or related field. Three (3) years of counseling or human services administration experience, grant management, and/or real estate experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.</p> <p>Licenses or Certifications:</p> <p>Must possess a valid driver's license.</p> <p>Special Requirements/Qualifications:</p> <p>Work is subject to frequent interruptions.</p> <p>Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of effective methods and techniques of counseling as applied to the requirements of the County's housing programs. </li><li>Knowledge of federal regulations regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program. </li><li>Knowledge of PC operations. </li><li>Knowledge of effective methods and techniques of case management as it applies to the requirements of the County's housing programs. </li><li>Knowledge of federal Regulations regarding Enhanced Voucher Program and Fair Housing laws. </li><li>Ability to counsel applicants and process applications efficiently, investigate complaints. </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the program. </li><li>Ability to identify and develop effective partnerships. </li><li>Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. </li><li>Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work. </li><li>Ability to initiate own daily assignments, follow through on matters, and use independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations. </li><li>Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the program. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. </li><li>Ability to process work applying complex federal and state regulations and determine eligibility of participants. </li><li>Ability to exhibit empathy and understanding and communicate effectively with special populations (elderly, disabled) and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. </li><li>Ability to investigate complaints of fraud or abuse by participants or landlords and take appropriate action to resolve matters. </li><li>Ability to maintain confidentiality of all records and actions. </li><li>Ability to independently handle new and unusual problems and deviations encountered in the workplace. </li></ul> <p>Additional Information</p> <p>PHYSICAL DEMANDS</p> <p>The work requires frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; and the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.</p> <p>WORK ENVIRONMENT</p> <p>Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.</p> <p>Department/Division: Community Services/Housing Authority</p> <p>Pay Grade: 112</p> <p>FLSA Status: Non-Exempt</p> <p>Telework Eligible: Yes</p> <p>Reports To: Housing Program Supervisor</p> <p>Supervises: None</p>