Rental Subsidy Specialist; Office - Non-Merit

Job Summary

Rental Subsidy Specialist. Regular schedule: 34 hours per week. Non‑Merit vacancy in the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Under general supervision, determines the eligibility of families for participation in federal and state rent subsidy programs; conducts family interviews; gathers required verifications; completes formulaic calculations of income, assets, and expenses; briefs families on program regulations; prepares and completes leasing documents; determines rent calculations and housing assistance payments; maintains landlord contact and outreach; and performs other related functions.

• Conduct family interviews (in person, by telephone, by mail)
• Gather required documents from family and third parties, in compliance with regulations
• Calculate income, assets and expenses, applying federal or state regulations
• Determine program violations, and process family denials and terminations
• Brief families on program requirements, and issue rent subsidies
• Determine rent reasonableness and comparability of program dwelling units
• Conduct rent negotiations, and calculate gross rent, housing assistance payment, tenant rent and utility allowances
• Prepare and complete contracts, lease addenda, and other leasing documents and maintain contact with landlords
• Maintain program records and complete status reports
• Issue final requests for payment to landlords
• Conduct outreach to families, landlords, supportive agencies and the public
• Effectively manage applicant and participant inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Possess strong communication skills, including the comprehension and interpretation of correspondence and verbal communication
• Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program

• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Associate degree
• Two years of relevant experience in housing programs, social services, or working with at‑risk communities (or any combination of education and experience totaling four years)

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer software
• Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently
• Ability to understand and apply program policies, procedures, and regulations
• Ability to obtain and demonstrate knowledge of HUD federal regulations for voucher programs

• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Certified Housing Specialist Certification within one year of employment

The work of this classification is essentially sedentary. Some positions may involve occasional travel between work sites.

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to, criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.