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SalaryUse your communication and organization skills, and experience with federal/state subsidy and Housing Programs to become a Housing Program Specialist.
The Housing Program Specialist is responsible for the delivery and administration of the Shelter Plus Care rental subsidy program. Responsible for administering rental subsidy program leases, program documentation, rental subsidies, inspections, and landlord and partner communication. Works closely with partner organizations, internal housing teams, and agency fiscal staff. Assists with the development of systems for prioritization, managing and tracking assistance, and coordination with partner agencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinates Shelter Plus Care rental subsidy set-up, file creation, documentation and maintenance, Housing Quality Standards inspections, annual re-certifications, and establishing and tracking rent payments and adjustments.
- Maintains close collaboration and coordination with internal and external community partners accessing rental subsidy program.
- Ensure compliance with funder regulations and requirements, including adherence to federal Housing Program guidelines.
- Generates notices to partner organizations, renters, and landlords regarding subsidy and program information.
- Monitors HMIS data and works with Data Analytics Manager and partners agencies to ensure data accuracy for annual reports and state project ranking.
- Assist with generating external reports to grantors and government agencies.
- Coordinates and conducts program trainings with partner agencies.
- Complies and reconciles matching funding documentation from internal and external partner organizations.
- Maintains spreadsheets to track funding, re-certifications, and program information.
- Actively participates in program meetings and committees.
- Assists in the oversight and ongoing development of the Shelter Plus Care program.
1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required
2. Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience working with state or federal rental subsidy programs, general bookkeeping, and/or work with low-income populations preferred.
- Strong computer skills that include Excel and Word required.
- Experience with eligibility determination, compliance, and reporting preferred.
- Experience with developing forms, written procedures, and tracking systems required.
- Basic understanding of homelessness and experience with the issues of mental illness and chemical dependency preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have valid Washington State Driver’s License or obtain one by date of hire.
- A five-year driving abstract must be submitted upon request.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Strong communication skills with ability to interpret and/or discuss information with others, sometimes providing advice and recommending actions.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with moderate supervision. Must have effective time management, planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to clearly and confidently present ideas to others, verbally and in writing.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish effective working relationships both internally and externally, interacting with other agency staff members, clients, outside providers, and landlords.
- The ability to perform routine bookkeeping and computer work with accuracy, paying attention to detail.
- The ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work confidentially and respectfully with clients from a diverse population.
- Subscription to philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and respect for clients.
Remote Work: Job is on site. May remote during closures.
Essential Employee: No
Working Conditions: Work is generally performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions. Travel is required for partner meetings and program outreach.
Benefits@Opportunity CouncilWork is generally performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions. Travel is required for partner meetings and program outreach.
Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays (13 in 2023)
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services
Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. For over 50 years we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization). For more details, please visit our website at https://www.oppco.org.
