Services Specialist

Job Overview

Make a difference – join our team to empower communities and build futures! The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development works in partnership with the Redevelopment and Housing Authority to serve the people of Fairfax County by creating housing opportunities to promote inclusive and thriving communities. Our Rental Assistance Division is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented housing services specialist to support state-funded rental assistance programs, including the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).

The position maintains accurate and timely data entry in the department’s systems of record, assists in receiving and processing participant referrals from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) in accordance with state and agency requirements, and requires strong interpersonal skills to communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately with clients, service providers, and team members.

• Ensures sensitive information is entered accurately and promptly in the system of record.
• Performs quality control.
• Coordinates with the partner agency to support the selection and notification of waitlist applicants for eligibility determination.
• Assists professional staff with routine tasks such as program outreach, client contact, and obtaining program documentation.
• Provides timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries, ensuring all clients feel heard, respected, and supported.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be in crisis or experiencing housing instability.
• Exercises patience, empathy, and sound judgment when handling sensitive or challenging situations.
• Delivers consistent, high-quality customer service in person, by phone, and through written communication.

NOTE: This position is grant funded and the salary is competitive within the scope of the funding available and is subject to the terms and conditions of the grant.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, public or business administration, counseling or a related field.

• Experience performing accurate and high-volume data entry in a fast paced environment.
• Experience and proficiency utilizing data management software, case management systems, or database platforms (such as YARDI, Housing Pro, or similar systems).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct data inconsistencies or errors.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information responsibly and in compliance with agency policies.
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, patiently, and professionally with experience providing customer service to diverse populations, including individuals experiencing housing instability or crisis.
• Experience working in social services, housing programs, or other public service environments.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to explain program processes and requirements to clients in an accessible and supportive manner.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, especially in languages commonly spoken in the service area.
• Proficiency in standard office software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).

Ability to read information on a computer monitor; effectively communicate; operate keyboard-driven equipment and computer. Work is generally sedentary in nature; however, the incumbent is required to frequently move about to perform office work such as accessing files, attending meetings, making presentations, operating general office equipment, and performing other essential job duties; may be required to move items up to approximately 15 pounds in weight.

All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English  encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact: TTY . DHREmployment. EEO/AA/TTY.