Community Services Representative III; Housing Aide

THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION WITH CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT DEPENDENT ON FUNDING THAT DOES NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A SET END DATE.

The Rental Assistance Division of the Department of Housing is seeking a Community Services Representative III (Housing Aide) to assist in administering subsidies and services to participants in government‑funded rental subsidy programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). The current vacancy is in our Rental Assistance Division of the Housing Department. This position supports management‑level and paraprofessional staff involved in the implementation of Section 8 subsidies, and will provide program compliance counseling to program participants, assist in the collection of paperwork to establish initial and ongoing program eligibility, prepare documents for informal hearings regarding program participation, and serve as liaison between the Housing Department and various supportive service providers and property managers/landlords.

The ideal candidate will have experience in providing community services, especially in verifying eligibility for a social services program, and a desire to serve the very low‑income community. Experience assisting people experiencing homelessness is especially desired. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, displaying empathy and care for others, attention to detail, and organizational skills to support a busy housing operation.

• Provides support to the Rental Assistance Division in the initial screening, preparation of forms and documentation, verification of initial or ongoing eligibility for rental assistance programs, gathering client documents and reviewing program forms, including accurately entering data into housing software systems.
• Prepares correspondence and documentation related to the administration of rental assistance programs.
• Answers, screens, and refers telephone calls, emails, and other forms of client contact.
• Responds to questions from applicants and the public regarding City programs and services including clarification of regulations, eligibility requirements, processes, and procedures.
• Addresses escalated customer questions and complaints over the phone or at the public counter.
• Provides recommendations on other services and community resources available to participants.
• Becomes familiar with new rental subsidy and affordable housing programs; stays abreast of changes in existing program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• May assist in conducting unit inspections and assists with tenant leasing and rent negotiations.
• Assists in providing direct services offered at the Department of Housing.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention to Detail
  -Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work product.
• Professional Integrity and Ethics
  -Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Oral Communication
  -Engaging effectively in dialogue.
• Handling Conflict
  -Managing interpersonally strained situations.
• Teamwork
  -Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Valuing Diversity
  -Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent
• At least three years of experience in providing community services, social services programs such as rental housing services and/or affordable housing services.
• Knowledge of the local Pasadena community and resources; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Bilingual in Armenian or Spanish.
• Experience determining eligibility for social services programs, specifically income eligibility programs.
• Experience assisting people experiencing homelessness.
• Familiarity with rental housing or affordable housing programs.

The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, subject matter expert review, interview panel, department‑level interviews and may be required to complete a brief soft‑skills assessment during…