Housing Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Specialist provides comprehensive administrative and customer service support for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and/or Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) programs. This role manages the full participant lifecycle—from application through lease execution to program termination—while ensuring compliance with HUD regulations, local ordinances, and HANH policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Administration

• Conduct program briefings, eligibility determinations, and income certifications/recertifications
• Process applications, manage waitlists, and maintain accurate participant files in compliance with HUD and HANH procedures
• Schedule and coordinate unit inspections; prepare HAP Contracts and PHA leases
• Apply rent reasonableness tests and negotiate lease terms on behalf of participants

Customer Service & Compliance

• Serve as primary contact for residents, participants, and landlords; handle high volume of inquiries via phone, email, and in-person
• Provide technical assistance on Fair Housing requirements, tenant/landlord rights, and program regulations
• Conduct home visits for elderly or disabled applicants when necessary
• Mediate landlord-tenant disputes to prevent evictions and unnecessary displacement

Financial & Administrative Support

• Monitor housing search progress and process extension requests
• Review rent changes, landlord damage claims, and unpaid rent issues
• Coordinate with Finance department on billing, HAP payments, and record-keeping
• Generate tenant charges and maintain accurate financial documentation

Maintenance Coordination

• Serve as initial contact for maintenance requests and work order processing
• Perform quality control on work order completion
• Identify and escalate emergency maintenance issues
• Process preventive maintenance work orders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree preferred
• years of experience in property management, housing programs, or social services
• Experience with affordable housing programs strongly preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of HUD regulations for Section 8 and public housing programs
• Knowledge of Connecticut landlord/tenant law
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database management systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for home visits and site inspections
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and remain professional under pressure