Fair Housing Program Administrator - Non-Merit

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

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.

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

This position will provide subject matter expertise on fair housing, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and disability laws; will work in cooperation with DHCD leadership on fair housing policies, practices, and compliance; monitor agency compliance with HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (OFHEO) requirements outlined in the Voluntary Conciliation Agreement (VCA, coordinate trainings to ensure all DHCD staff are aware, knowledgeable, and in compliance with civil rights laws, provide landlord/tenant trainings on fair housing, and will advise on changes or proposed changes to laws and regulations that may impact DHCD’s work to ensure equal access to housing opportunities.

The incumbent reports to, and is under the supervision of, the Deputy Director and/or his or her designee.

• Ensures that DHCD’s actions, policies, and implementation comply with fair housing laws.
• Collaborates closely with the VCA Compliance Officer in the preparation of all VCA related meetings and materials including composing detailed reports, letters, memoranda, and other written documents.
• Provides education and outreach on fair housing and landlord/tenant law through trainings, technical assistance, to a broad audience including: department staff, landlords, tenants, property manager associations, and housing providers.
• Collaborates with fair housing certified counselors to promote fair housing education and rental education to county residents.
• Provides information and oversees the referrals to all housing discrimination complaints received at DHCD.
• Works with disability organizations to increase affordable housing options for persons with disabilities. Coordinates efforts with Commission on Disabilities and County ADA staff as needed.
• Remains informed of developments in federal, state, and local laws regulations, court cases, and research. Disseminates information to DHCD staff and residents.
• Revises and updates the Development Guide as needed when regulations and guidelines change. Ensures consistent compliance with all affirmative fair housing and equal opportunity requirements.
• Working knowledge of complex affordable housing programs including HUD rental assistance (Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher, Emergency Housing Vouchers), Low Income Tax Credit, HOME, CDBG, CoC, ESG, and/or other applicable regulated housing programs and Office of Housing (the HUD-recognized PHA entity) policies and procedures.
• Reviews affordable housing developer documents as appropriate.

• Prepares and presents communication programs and trainings related to Fair Housing regulations regarding such topics as new and revised policies and reports on the status of projects/programs.

• Conducts data management and analysis activities specific to the Baltimore County’s long-term affordability of the County’s portfolio
• Develops and implements innovative program enhancements in response to stakeholder needs.
• Researches, investigates and responds to questions and concerns from clients, community groups and other interested persons, as appropriate.
• Ensures programs' adherence to federal, state and local regulations.
• Interfaces with the Office of Law, Department of Planning, Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Baltimore County Human Rights Commission on matters related to program area.
• Serves as a witness in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings, or incases related to client compliance with federal, state and local requirements for housing program.
• Preparescounty,stateandfederalreports;participatesindepartmentalresponsetoHUD inquiries and audits.
• Mediates an appropriate solution to mutual concerns of clients and landlords.
• Represents the department on inter-departmental and community work groups and committees.
• Participates in the planning, development and evaluation of housing projects and programs, including development and evaluation of agreements and service delivery.
• Establishesandworkstowardachievementofprogramgoalsandobjectives, implementing corrective action when required.
• Develops policies and procedures which integrate new federal, state and local regulations
• Interpretsandprovidestechnicalassistancetostaffonfederal,stateandlocalregulations pertaining to program areas.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, community development, sociology, psychology, or a related field

Five years of experience in the field of fair housing, housing program administration, and/or housing policy.

(Qualifying education beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required experience. Additional experience in Fair Housing regulations, policies and best practices may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.)

• Knowledge of the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
• Strong aptitude for program evaluation and data tracking.
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated teamwork skills, and an aptitude for problem solving.
• Ability to work respectfully, cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups of people and organizations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and attentiveness to detail. Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as creatively and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and work flexibly and efficiently – producing high quality work and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to assess needs, develop strategies and plans, implement policies and procedures and adjust to changing priorities.
• Demonstrated training background and comfort with making presentations and public speaking– ideally around issues of fair and affordable housing.
• Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret, implement and explain federal, state and local housing programs and/or relocation regulations and integrate such regulations into the planning, development and administration of public housing programs

Conditions of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification is essentially sedentary but may include the operation of office equipment and occasional walking, standing, or other limited physical activities.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification 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.