Rental Assistance Housing Specialist

Rental Assistance Housing Specialist

The Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) is seeking a collaborative, community-minded Rental Assistance Housing Specialist to help Scott County residents attain and maintain safe, affordable housing.

In this role, you will combine person-centered case management with regulatory compliance to serve as a link between program participants, property owners, and community resources. Working within a supportive team, you will manage participant caseloads, navigate complex eligibility guidelines, and utilize proactive de-escalation strategies to help local families achieve long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.

• Manage the administration of rental assistance participant cases by managing waiting lists, conducting applicant assessments to determine eligibility, and performing all annual and interim recertifications and other applicable actions, including verifying information for rent recalculations, processing portability transfers for incoming and outgoing participants, and managing specialized contracts for local, state and federal programs as assigned.
• Operate rental assistance programs in accordance with agency policy, federal guidelines, and state laws. Within this regulatory framework, ensure program integrity by maintaining accurate digital and physical records and investigating suspected program fraud. Respond and follow agency grievance procedures related to participant complaints. When appropriate issue program violations, make recommendations for termination, and represent the agency in informal hearings.
• Communicate with property owners, landlords, and program participants to build productive professional relationships that ensure timely updates and notifications on client housing situations.
• Connect households with community resources—such as childcare, employment, and mental health supports—to promote long-term security, self-sufficiency, and proactive eviction prevention.
• Support monthly accounting cycle and debt collection procedures.

• Consistently demonstrate a commitment to the Scott County CDA's core values—Collaboration, Equity, Innovation, and Attentiveness—while building strong professional relationships and working productively within a team to advance the CDA's strategic goals and agency-wide initiatives.
• Provide excellent client service, which is responsive, considerate, and respects confidentiality while delivering quality public services and service experiences to clients.
• Ability to apply a person-centered, stability-focused approach to case management; balancing the enforcement of program rules with an understanding of the complex challenges facing diverse and low-income populations.
• Ability to use professional de-escalation and conflict resolution skills to maintain productive relationships and program integrity.
• Possess general knowledge of the principles, laws, and regulations pertaining to rental assistance programs, including federal/state guidelines for subsidized housing and real estate practices regarding lease agreements.
• Collect, interpret, and verify complex financial and household data to make accurate eligibility and rent determinations while maintaining thorough records.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills to explain complex regulations to participants and property owners and to represent the agency professionally with the public.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing federal and state regulations with limited supervision.
• Demonstrate proficiency in housing-specific software and data management systems to ensure the accurate tracking of program utilization and participant outcomes.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• One to three years' experience in case management, housing program administration, or social services, particularly working with diverse and low-income populations.
• Bilingual skills desirable.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certifications:

• Valid…