Housing Specialist

Job Title: Housing Choice Voucher Program Specialist
Department: Housing Operations
Reports To: Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Effective Date: May 20, 2026

Position Summary: The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Specialist is responsible for administering various functions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program in accordance with HUD regulations, federal guidelines, agency policies, and program requirements. This position performs eligibility determinations, recertifications, interim adjustments, participant briefings, landlord communications, and case management activities to ensure program compliance and high-quality customer service to program participants, landlords, and community partners. The HCV Program Specialist serves as a key liaison between the Housing Authority, voucher participants and landlords while supporting the Authority's mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Process new admissions, annual recertifications, interim recertifications, and portability documentation.
• Determine participant eligibility in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies.
• Maintain accurate participant files and documentation within the housing management software system.
• Calculate tenant rent portions, housing assistance payments (HAP), utility allowances, and income adjustments.
• Conduct voucher briefings and explain program responsibilities to participants and landlords.
• Issue vouchers and process Requests for Tenancy Approval (RFTA).
• Ensure compliance with HUD regulations, Fair Housing laws, agency policies, and program procedures.
• Monitor participant compliance with family obligations and program requirements.
• Review and verify income, assets, deductions, and third-party documentation.
• Provide professional customer service to applicants, participants, landlords, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate with landlords regarding leases, HAP contracts, rent reasonableness, and participant issues.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records in accordance with retention requirements.
• Generate reports and correspondence related to participant status and program activity.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and HUD-related workshops.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support agency operations and departmental objectives.

Qualifications:

• Education
  • Associate degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Services, or related field preferred. High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in affordable housing, property management, social services, or related administrative work preferred.
  • Experience working with HUD programs and regulations is strongly preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Must become certified as Housing Choice Voucher Specialist within one year of employment.

Skills:

• Knowledge of HUD Housing Choice Voucher regulations and affordable housing programs.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and tenant/landlord relations.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and housing management software systems.
• Strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills.

Flexibility/Adaptability to Change

Responds positively to and champions change to others; demonstrates an ability to incorporate innovative practices into the workplace to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.

Leadership/Achievement Orientation

Influences others to accomplish the mission in ways consistent with the organization's values; holds self (and others) accountable to meet goals and objectives; accomplishes desired outcomes; sets an example of integrity and ethics through demonstrated performance. Must be a collaborative leader that will bring renewed energy, innovation, and rebranding to the organization.

Quality Service Definition

Strives to meet the expectations of internal and external customers; demonstrates skill and knowledge specific to serving others.

Results Driven

The ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and implementing and evaluating programs and policies, stressing accountability and continuous improvement.

Business Acumen

The ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner that instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making.

Professionalism

Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Stressful situations may occur when dealing with the public.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The level of manual dexterity should be sufficient to allow for the operation of a typewriter, terminal keyboard, telephone, facsimile machine, office supplies, etc. Employees must be able to move, handle, or lift moderately heavy objects such as computer equipment (printer, monitor, laptop, tablet, CPUs, etc.) around the desk area.

Must have a valid Florida Driver's License.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential functions, marginal functions, responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.