Housing Specialist I at Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, FL

About the Department

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This position performs a wide range of technical and administrative duties related to the operation of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, including VASH, Emergency Housing, and Portability vouchers. Responsibilities include determining and documenting program eligibility, calculating rent, maintaining case files, and maintaining the waiting list for all programs. The position also supports budget and recordkeeping functions in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, County policies, and departmental procedures. Additional duties include providing front office support, assisting with program reporting and data entry, and maintaining positive working relationships with property owners, participants, and community partners. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations are essential. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of the Housing Services Manager.

Position Duties

• Determine initial and continued eligibility for applicants and participants in accordance with HUD regulations, the County’s Administrative Plan, and departmental procedures.
• Collect, verify, and document income, assets, family composition, and other required eligibility information; notify applicant families of their eligibility or ineligibility and maintain accurate records.
• Schedule and conduct interviews; notify clients of appointments, required documents, and deadlines.
• Calculate rents, utility allowances, and housing assistance payments for new admissions, annual reexaminations, interims, and portability cases.
• Issue vouchers timely and monitor cases for compliance with program requirements.
• Educate applicants and participants on program rules, family obligations, and available community resources; refer to supportive services as needed.
• Maintain case files ensuring all documentation is accurate, complete, and current.
• Maintain and update the waiting list; generate and review reports, document changes, and ensure audit compliance.
• Prepare and distribute Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts; obtain signatures and process within required timeframes.
• Conduct group and individual orientation sessions regarding program policies, federal regulations, and participant responsibilities.
• Perform National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspections and home visits as required; assist with Quality Control inspections.
• Accurately enter and update applicant and participant information in the housing management software system.
• Maintain organized and confidential case files, both electronic and paper; receive, log, and track incoming documentation.
• Assist with invoice processing, HAP payment reconciliation, budget tracking, and procurement of office supplies; maintain inventory and record disposal/receipt of fixed assets.
• Prepare forms, reports, and correspondence as needed to support program operations.
• Provide front desk support, answer calls, greet visitors, respond to inquiries, and direct individuals appropriately.
• Perform general administrative duties including mailings, copying, scanning, filing, and document tracking.
• Participate in audits, quality control reviews, and special projects as directed.
• Promote positive working relationships and professional communication with landlords, tenants, coworkers, and other County departments.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client and program information appropriately.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient operation of the Housing Services Division.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.) 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in business, social services, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• One (1) year of administrative, customer service, or social services experience required; housing or government experience preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license. 
• Must possess the HCV Housing Specialist certification or obtain the certification within (1) one year after employment. 

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of rental assistance programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), and Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) programs.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing laws, reasonable accommodation requirements, and National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).
• Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local regulations, policies, and procedures governing housing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire, interpret, and implement complex program regulations and administrative requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, with the ability to learn and utilize specialized software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with participants, landlords, and colleagues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, program participants, other departments, and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service and resolving issues with professionalism, empathy, and tact.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to analyze and solve practical problems and make sound decisions within established guidelines.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, and copiers.

Other Qualifications

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTESTATION 

I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.

If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.

I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this 
 form.

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