Program Specialist I

About Us

Founded in 1937, The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has kept the promise of public housing alive. It has done so by maintaining and modernizing its buildings and enriching the lives of its residents through innovative social services, recreational and educational programs, and job training initiatives. What makes HABC successful is the dedication of its employees and its history of strong leadership.

Position Summary

Under direct supervision, provides clear and informative information orally and in writing to clients, tenants, landlords, other agencies, and employees. Performs client eligibility calculations that are in compliance with HUD guidelines. Maintains case management information, performs data entry and creates reports. Position requires excellent customer service skills and mathematical abilities. 

All activities must support the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned, as needed. 

• Communicates with clients, property owners, tenants, other agencies, and employees by telephone, in writing, or in person.
  • Provides information about housing assistance programs.
  • Assists with new client and landlord orientations.
  • Explains HUD regulations and contract terms.
  • Obtains documentation to assist clients.
  • Completes accurate and expedient contract work.
• Determines client eligibility and completes HUD’s re-certification and re-examination procedures for new and existing clients. Verifies household composition and income, coordinates unit inspections, contacts clients, and prepares paperwork. 
• Performs rent calculations on all approved units to determine contract rent, tenant portion, and Housing Assistance Payment portion. Performs rent reasonableness and rent affordability on all RFTA’s.
• Gathers information from clients concerning landlord/tenant disputes and non-payment issues. Assists with preparing reports and work orders.
• Prepares a variety of reports, documents, and records concerning Section 8 properties and property owners. 
• Performs case management functions. Maintains and analyzes information on account activities and accurately completes related data entry.
• May perform the following duties:
  • Total Tenant Payments (TTP), Housing Assistance payments (HAP), and utility allowances.
  • Annual Income Reexaminations and Interim Changes.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Business or Social Service-related degree.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may include: an associate’s degree in business or social service and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing client eligibility calculations in compliance with HUD guidelines and maintaining case management information. 

Other Requirements:

• Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks. 
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Successful completion of a prescreening investigation, including verification of employment history and education credentials.
• A 6-month probationary period applies to this full-time permanent position.

Benefits

We offer a competitive package of employee benefit programs that supports recruitment and retention objectives and is designed to meet the diverse and changing needs of our employees. HABC’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pharmacy Coverage
• Retirement Program
• Overtime*
• Compensatory time*

*Overtime and compensatory time are subject to supervisor approval.

All new employees are required to receive at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot in a two-shot series or be fully vaccinated prior to the date of hire.

FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY: Current HABC employees who are on probation, whether due to initial new hire status (6 months) or promotion (3 months), will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within HABC once their probationary period is successfully completed. This allows time for growth, development, and the demonstration of their skills and commitment, paving the way for new opportunities within the organization.

If you are currently under the progressive disciplinary process, you may not have the chance to be considered for a promotion (s) within HABC. Please review the Manual of Personnel Policies or the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement for more information on the disciplinary process.