Rental Subsidy Specialist - Non-Merit

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.

Definition Of Responsibility
Under close supervision, the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals with job placement problems to secure and retain employment by means of counseling, job search assistance, referrals, and occupational skill training.

Essential Duties

• Conducts participant interviews (in person, by telephone, by mail).
• Gathers required documents from participants, and third parties, in compliance with regulations.
• Briefs families on program requirements.
• Helps participants to identify their strengths, experience and skills while composing resumes for job openings, after reviewing data from the participant’s enrollment assessment. 
• May conduct mock interviews.
• Assists participants with setting career goals
• Assists participants with create and complete goals to increase earned income.
• Connects job seekers to job readiness, training, educational programs and placement activities.
• Refer participants with resources in the community, such as childcare, counseling, and transportation.
• Maintains program records and completes status reports.
• Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
• Conducts outreach to participants and collaborates with the Workforce Development Center, community businesses, local agencies, service providers and other stakeholders.
• Assist with Program enrollment and provide case management.
• Conduct needs assessments, provide referrals to services and training.
• Collaborate with employers and service providers to help participants find jobs and services.
• Maintain program records, including assessments, and activity reports of progress.
• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions to help clients develop and achieve career goals.
• Assess clients' skills, interests, and abilities to help them identify employment barriers.
• Conduct workshops on job seeking and resume writing.

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 (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.)Required Qualifications
Associate degree and two years of experience in the housing field, including eligibility determination;

or

Four years of experience in recruitment, placement, job development, personnel interviewing, employment counseling, or training

or

A combined total of four years of relevant education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• Ability to 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer software.
• Skill in interviewing and counseling people from various socio-economic and ethnic groups.
• Skill in the instruction of resume writing.
• 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.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Licenses or Certificates

• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Certified Housing Specialist Certification within one 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.

This position primarily follows a full-time, in-office, Monday through Friday schedule but may require occasional evening or weekend hours for events, community activities, or client needs. 

Physical and Environmental Conditions
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.

Salary : $23 - $33