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.

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.

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.

Essential Duties

• 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.

Examples of Other Duties

• 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.

 (NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this classification.  They may not include all of the duties of each position in this classification.  Each position in this classification may not be required to perform all of the duties listed.)

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

Plus 

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.)

Preferred Experience
Advance degrees in law, planning, or public administration.
Certification in Section 504 and/or  Fair Housing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• 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

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.

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.

Salary : $39 - $51