Rental Subsidy Specialist (Housing Office) - Non-Merit

Rental Subsidy Specialist (Housing Office)

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below. Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time. You must attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial Copies are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

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

• Conducts family interviews (in person, by telephone, by mail)
• Gathers required documents from family, and third parties, in compliance with regulations.
• Calculates income, assets and expenses, applying federal or state regulations.
• Determines program violations, and processes family denials and terminations.
• Briefs families on program requirements, and issues rent subsidies.
• Determines rent reasonableness and comparability of program dwelling units.
• Conducts rent negotiations, and calculates gross rent, housing assistance payment, tenant rent and utility allowances.
• Prepares and completes contracts, lease addenda, and other leasing documents, and maintains contact with landlords.
• Maintains program records and completes status reports.
• Issues final requests for payment to landlords.
• Conducts outreach to families, landlords, supportive agencies and the public.
• Effectively manage applicant and participant inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Must possess strong communication skills including the comprehension and interpretation via correspondence and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Associate degree

Plus

Two years of relevant experience in housing programs, social services, or working with at-risk communities.

(Any combination of education and experience totaling four years.)

• Demonstrate 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.

Licenses or Certificates

• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Certified Housing Specialist Certification within 1 year of employment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ( Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: Rental Subsidy Specialist (Housing Office) - Non-Merit Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204

Conditions of Employment

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

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

Employment Benefits

For Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week. Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week. Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave

Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.

Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.

Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.

Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Deferred Compensation Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.