Housing Specialist

Job Summary
We offer competitive salary, great benefits, and work that matters to our community.

The Company: The mission of the Seattle Housing Authority is to enhance the community by creating and sustaining decent, safe, and affordable living environments that foster stability and self-sufficiency for people with low incomes.

The Position: Under general supervision, work flexibly across teams to perform a variety of customer service, file assembly, data entry, and data editing tasks in support of functions. Assume regular assignments in one of three areas (LIPH admissions, LIPH file referral, Section 8 Issuance), with the understanding that the position can be re-assigned to other teams depending on the number and timing of units to be filled, or vouchers to be issued.

The Housing Specialist class title describes a general class with one job description that includes three specialized job assignments:

*
Housing Specialist/Intake.

• Housing Specialist/Section 8 Voucher
• Issuance; Housing Specialist/File Referral

The Seattle Housing Authority has a COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Policy (Download PDF reader)* that requires all regular, part-time, and temporary employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the health and safety of its workplace and community. New hires must provide proof to SHA Human Resources by their first day of employment that they are fully vaccinated. Individuals with a qualifying medical or religious reason may submit a request for exemption.*

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus one year of college level course work in Business, Property Management, Social Services, or related fields; OR may substitute an additional one year of relevant work experience for the year of college level course work.
• Two years of work experience in human services related non-profit public service, social services, human services, housing programs or related field.
• Valid Washington driver's license with fully insurable driving record.
• Proof of vaccination on first day of employment or have authorized qualifying religious or medical exemption.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Pre-Application and Application Workshops for SHA's Public Housing programs. Conduct group informational presentations using Power Point or other automated presentation tools; review applications for completeness; provide correct information about SHA programs, eligibility, and application process.
• Welcome and assist visitors at the front counter in regularly assigned shifts; respond to applicants and prospective applicants on the telephone in regularly assigned shifts; provide and explain resource material about SHA's programs; provide correct information to applicants and authorized advocates about the status of their applications.
• Make correct referrals to community resources.
• Assist applicants and prospective applicants who have disabilities as needed to insure they have equal access to SHA's housing programs. Grant requests for special assistance outright or refer request to supervisor following SHA policies and procedures on providing accommodation to people with disabilities.
• Create waitlist records from Pre-Applications and Applications; maintain and update database information for applicants throughout application process, including changes in address, claimed preferences, choice of community waiting lists, and other household information.
• Create and complete application files for LIPH, New Construction, Seattle Senior Housing program, and other SHA housing programs in accordance with SHA policies and procedures. Pro-actively solicit and track receipt of documents needed to establish applicant eligibility and suitability including background checks, housing history references, non-residential references, and third-party documentation of applicant household income and assets. Make every effort to give every applicant the maximum opportunity to establish eligibility and suitability, within prescribed policies and procedures. Establish clear and auditable record in the file of contacts with applicants, references, advocates, and sources of third-party documentation of elements of eligibility. Handle all functions related to the imaging and indexing of admission documents via SHA's document imaging software.
• Assist in the maintenance of information system for tracking referrals of files to Operations (Housing Specialist/file referral position)
• Arrange for interpreters, or other assistance as needed by applicants to SHA employees.
• Operate assigned equipment such as computer, printers, scanners, voice mail, copiers, fax machines, etc., in accordance with SHA policies on use of equipment.
• Act as back-up for other Admissions positions as may be required, including caseloads of other Housing Specialists, assignments, or projects assigned to other staff, to ensure that workloads are appropriately balanced and that the process as a whole, adequately serves the principal objectives of the Agency.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, work plans, performance measures, and continuous improvement of service delivery to assist in attaining the unit/program/department initiatives and goals, agency core strategies, and mission through a spirit of service, teamwork and respect. Work respectfully and courteously with other employees, residents, and the general public. Follow direction and work well under pressure.
• Attend all required training and safety meetings; use, maintain and replace assigned personal protective equipment; report all injuries and illnesses to supervisor immediately; complete and submit incident/accident reports as required; report hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices to supervisor; and follow all safety and health guidelines, practices, policies and procedures, and actively support and participate in the Emergency Preparedness program and tasks.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The Location: 190 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle WA 98109

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive salary
• Great benefits
• Reasonable hours
• Opportunities for on-the-job training
• We offer medical, dental, vision insurance, and Public Employees' Retirement (PERS)
• We also offer generous paid leave and holidays

At Seattle Housing Authority a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and tenants, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, are valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We encourage women, non-traditional leaders, people of color, and people from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.

Job Type: Full-time