Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

Under general supervision, the Housing Specialist coordinates, administers, and supports a variety of City housing programs, services, and initiatives. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, implementation and administration of rent stabilization and rental housing programs; rental and housing assistance programs; residential rehabilitation and home ownership assistance programs; and housing and homelessness prevention and response initiatives. The Housing Specialist coordinates with consultants, contractors, property owners, tenants, community organizations, governmental agencies, and service providers to support effective program implementation and connect residents with available housing and supportive services.

The position also assists with community outreach and education, including workshops, public information materials, social media, and other methods of communicating program requirements, resources, and services to the public. The Housing Specialist may also assist with program compliance, application and eligibility review, recordkeeping, data tracking, reporting, grant-funded activities, and other housing-related programs and initiatives as assigned.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan and prioritize the services and activities of assigned programs within the Housing Division, including tenant / landlord assistance programs, rental assistance program, Cal Home grant for first-time home buyer and housing rehabilitation assistance; duties will include being the liaison between the City's grant consultant, other resource agencies such as Stay Housed LA and the Los Angeles County Development Authority(LACDA), and the public to ensure the public is receiving every opportunity to connect and receive available housing resources (e.g. Program Development and Grant Administration (PLHA, CDBG, LACAHSA, etc..)
• Represents the City at meetings with community-based organizations, other County departments, regional housing efforts and small businesses providing housing and supportive housing (e.g. Maintain collaborative community partnerships (DHS, HSH, SCHARP, LAHSA, etc.)
• Plan, develop, coordinate, manage, and evaluate housing services, events and workshops, and programs relating to eviction defense activities, these include but are not limited to programs relating to basic needs such as food, housing, and jobs, resource workshops such as renters' rights, eviction information, and financial literacy workshops.
• Provide on-going support and assistance to county case managers.
• Prepare and provide information on low-cost utility services and programs.
• Establish schedules and methods for providing assigned services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Develop procedures for new programs; develop and receive approval for policies and procedures to implement federal regulations and new programs; participate in development of new policies and procedures to improve service delivery.
• Provide information and resolve problems with applicants, tenants, owners, and the public as needed; coordinate and participate in the preparation of newsletters and outreach material.
• Participate in the selection of assigned staff, including consultants; provide or coordinate staff training as applicable; identify and bring in consultants to conduct quality control audits of…