What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certification Specialist I position at Seattle Housing Authority?
Job Summary
We offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and work that matters to our community.
The Organization: The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is a mission-driven leader in affordable housing, headquartered on Elliot Ave West with sweeping views of Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound. With additional field offices across Seattle, we are committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting a workplace where people grow and thrive.
The position: We are looking for a certification specialist 1 to join our team! This role is perfect for someone who can support applicants and participants in successfully navigating program rules and regulations of the housing program to obtain and retain housing resources.
The Location: 101 Elliot Ave W, Seattle, WA 98109
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
How to Apply: To apply, complete the online NeoGov application by clicking the Apply button in the upper right-hand corner of this posting.
Application Tips
SHA values your unique background and perspective – we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. Learn more in our diversity and application equity statement.
Benefits
Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is pleased to offer an excellent benefits package for Regular and Project full-time and part-time employees scheduled to work at least 80 hours per month. (Temporary and On-Call positions are not eligible for the full benefits package).
The following is a brief summary of the SHA benefit programs:
Eligibility
As a new hire, your coverage begins on the first calendar day of the month if your hired date is on the first of that month. Otherwise, your coverage begins on the first of the following month.
Medical
Employees may select from four medical plans – Kaiser Permanente Standard Plan, Kaiser Permanente Deductible Plan, City of Seattle Preventive Plan, and City of Seattle Traditional Plan.
The monthly cost for each of the plans are as follows:
Kaiser Permanente Standard Plan is $48.40 with or without children or $99.90 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
Kaiser Permanente Deductible Plan is $25.00 with or without children or $56.92 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
City of Seattle Preventive Plan is $48.12 with or without children or $98.50 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
City of Seattle Traditional Plan is $0 with or without children or $32.34 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
Dental
Employees may select from two dental plans - Delta Dental, an incentive plan, or Dental Health Services, a managed care plan. Our dental plans include coverage for eligible dependents and are paid for by SHA.
Vision
SHA offers two vision plans through VSP Vision Care. The Basic plan is fully paid for by SHA. The Vision Buy-Up plan is paid for by the employee. The Buy-Up plan provides more frequent coverage of lenses, frames, and contact lenses and includes coverage of progressive lenses.
Long Term Disability Insurance
If you are disabled, the Basic Plan will be combined with other sources of income to pay you up to $400 a month after a 90-day waiting period. Employees may purchase long-term disability coverage that provides up to 60% of gross monthly salary during disability.
Long Term Care Insurance
Long term care benefits provide for services such as home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. Varying levels of coverage and service options are available at low group rates through Unum.
Group Term Life (GTL) Insurance
You can select from one of two plans - Basic GTL, which is one-and-a-half times your annual earnings or Limited Basic GTL of $50,000.00. SHA will contribute 40% of the cost for the GTL insurance.
If you have elected Basic GTL, you may purchase supplemental term life insurance for yourself, your spouse/domestic partner, and your dependent children. The maximum amount of supplemental life insurance available is four times your annual income for the employee, 50% of the amount of coverage you elect for the spouse, and $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000 for children.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
SHA offers an employee-paid group AD&D insurance plan. An employee may cover themself or a family member for amounts from $25,000 to $500,000 in $25,000 increments. AD&D insurance pays a death benefit if the insured person dies due to an accident or a percentage of the full insurance amount if the covered person loses a limb.
Retirement Plan
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) membership is defined by Washington State statutes and is mandatory if you are hired into an eligible position. However, if you are retired from or have been a member of the City of Seattle, Spokane or Tacoma Employee's Retirement System, your PERS enrollment must be verified and approved by the Washington State Department of Retirement System.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employees have the option of making pre-tax contributions to pay for IRS eligible expenses. There are two accounts: a Health Care Flexible Spending Account and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. Employees can sign up for one or both accounts.
Leave Benefits
Annual Leave is provided for vacation and personal time off. First year employees earn up to 3.84 hours per bi-weekly pay period (100 hours annually), increasing incrementally due to service years - up to 7.69 per hours per pay period at 25 years of service (200 hours annually). Leave hours for part time staff are pro-rated. There is a 240-hour annual carryover limit for annual leave.
Sick leave is provided for health care and related appointments. Employees earn 3.69 hours per pay period. Hours for part time staff are pro-rated. There is no maximum or carryover limit for sick leave.
Seattle Housing Authority has ten legal and personal holidays, as detailed below.
New Year's Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
The day following Thanksgiving
Christmas Day
Up to three personal holidays are granted to regular employees each calendar year. They are available to be scheduled in advance by the employee with supervisor approval.
Unless specified otherwise in a collective bargaining agreement, regular employees hired between January 1 and May 31 are granted three personal holidays. If hired from June 1 until November 10, two personal holidays are granted. If hired beginning November 11 or later, no personal holidays are granted until January 1.
Pay for Performance Program & Merit Awards
Regular Administrative non-represented staff are eligible for Merit Pay and Merit Leave awards based on their annual performance evaluation, as well as on the agency's fiscal year performance from January through December of each year. An employee's merit awards are based on the employee's performance rating, the position of the employee's salary within the salary range, and the fiscal performance of the agency. For new and promoted employees, the merit awards will be pro-rated based on length of time in the current position during the calendar year.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
As an SHA employee, you may be eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This federal program was created to assist full-time public service professionals in reducing their federal student loan debt burden.
Employee Transportation Program
A discount commuter ORCA Passport is offered for use on Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, Sound Transit, Link Light Rail, Sounder Commuter Train routes. It can also be used on the Seattle Center Monorail. ORCA Passport also provides reduced or fully covered fares on most vanpool routes.
Additionally, an Emergency Ride Home Program, bike racks at various sites, and shower facilities at several offices are also provided, along with discount Zipcar membership (if accepted). Finally, group discount parking is available for registered vanpools in certain areas.
Flex-Time
With supervisor approval, work hours may be scheduled around core hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or a compressed 4/10 workweek. This option is not available for every position.
Telework
With supervisor approval, employees can perform assigned duties from home at certain times. This option is not available for every position.
Employee Assistance Program
Confidential counseling, referral, and information services are available through Wellspring Family Services.
Washington Deferred Compensation Program
Tax deferred savings plans are available through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems' Deferred Compensation Program.
01
Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?
Are you a current OPEIU member?
Please note that SHA does not accept external attachments for resumes and cover letters. Did you update the education and work history sections of your application with your latest information?
We offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and work that matters to our community.
The Organization: The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is a mission-driven leader in affordable housing, headquartered on Elliot Ave West with sweeping views of Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound. With additional field offices across Seattle, we are committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting a workplace where people grow and thrive.
The position: We are looking for a certification specialist 1 to join our team! This role is perfect for someone who can support applicants and participants in successfully navigating program rules and regulations of the housing program to obtain and retain housing resources.
The Location: 101 Elliot Ave W, Seattle, WA 98109
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Two years of college-level course work in social services, bookkeeping, business, or a related field
- May substitute two years of relevant work experience for the college-level course work
- One year of experience in social services, data entry, government administration, housing, or a related field
- Experience with data entry, document processing, or case management systems
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems (Yardi, OnBase preferred)
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in calculations
- Strong communication who can balance compliance with customer service to explain complex information clearly
- Administer, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures needed for eligibility and continuing assistance
- Meet high customer service standards, including prompt return of phone calls and meeting with walk-in clients
- Partner with all interested parties, including family members, landlords, caseworkers, and SHA staff to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of responses during the housing program process
- Evaluate program eligibility and guide applicants through the voucher application process
- Issue vouchers to eligible program applicants and transfers. Conduct voucher issuance briefings and counsel about subsidy calculations and unit affordability
- Assist participants in navigating the leasing and move-in process according to program rules
- Partner with other housing authorities to assist families when moving between jurisdictions
- Educate participants about reporting and documentation requirements for income
- Ensure accurate payment is made to landlords in a timely manner
- Maintain recordkeeping and file completeness and accuracy for all processes to meet program and audit standards
- Review and process contract rent increase requests in accordance with Housing and Urban Development regulations and agency policy
- Evaluate rent reasonableness using approved comparables and market analysis tools
- Demonstrate concise presentation abilities to explain complex technical details
How to Apply: To apply, complete the online NeoGov application by clicking the Apply button in the upper right-hand corner of this posting.
Application Tips
- Update the Work Experience and Education sections with your most current information. Note: SHA does not accept external attachments, such as resumes or cover letters.
- Complete the Agency-Wide questions. Even if you have applied to SHA before, please review and update your responses.
- Respond to any Supplemental Questions, if applicable.
- Our Culture: SHA offers a supportive, energetic workplace where collaboration and growth thrive. Our talented team has helped make us a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community development.
- Competitive Salary
- Comprehensive Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
- Generous paid leave and holidays
- Work-Life Balance
- Reasonable hours
- Opportunity for part-time remote work
- Professional Development
- On-the-job training and growth opportunities
SHA values your unique background and perspective – we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. Learn more in our diversity and application equity statement.
Benefits
Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is pleased to offer an excellent benefits package for Regular and Project full-time and part-time employees scheduled to work at least 80 hours per month. (Temporary and On-Call positions are not eligible for the full benefits package).
The following is a brief summary of the SHA benefit programs:
Eligibility
As a new hire, your coverage begins on the first calendar day of the month if your hired date is on the first of that month. Otherwise, your coverage begins on the first of the following month.
Medical
Employees may select from four medical plans – Kaiser Permanente Standard Plan, Kaiser Permanente Deductible Plan, City of Seattle Preventive Plan, and City of Seattle Traditional Plan.
The monthly cost for each of the plans are as follows:
Kaiser Permanente Standard Plan is $48.40 with or without children or $99.90 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
Kaiser Permanente Deductible Plan is $25.00 with or without children or $56.92 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
City of Seattle Preventive Plan is $48.12 with or without children or $98.50 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
City of Seattle Traditional Plan is $0 with or without children or $32.34 with spouse/domestic partner with or without children
Dental
Employees may select from two dental plans - Delta Dental, an incentive plan, or Dental Health Services, a managed care plan. Our dental plans include coverage for eligible dependents and are paid for by SHA.
Vision
SHA offers two vision plans through VSP Vision Care. The Basic plan is fully paid for by SHA. The Vision Buy-Up plan is paid for by the employee. The Buy-Up plan provides more frequent coverage of lenses, frames, and contact lenses and includes coverage of progressive lenses.
Long Term Disability Insurance
If you are disabled, the Basic Plan will be combined with other sources of income to pay you up to $400 a month after a 90-day waiting period. Employees may purchase long-term disability coverage that provides up to 60% of gross monthly salary during disability.
Long Term Care Insurance
Long term care benefits provide for services such as home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. Varying levels of coverage and service options are available at low group rates through Unum.
Group Term Life (GTL) Insurance
You can select from one of two plans - Basic GTL, which is one-and-a-half times your annual earnings or Limited Basic GTL of $50,000.00. SHA will contribute 40% of the cost for the GTL insurance.
If you have elected Basic GTL, you may purchase supplemental term life insurance for yourself, your spouse/domestic partner, and your dependent children. The maximum amount of supplemental life insurance available is four times your annual income for the employee, 50% of the amount of coverage you elect for the spouse, and $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000 for children.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
SHA offers an employee-paid group AD&D insurance plan. An employee may cover themself or a family member for amounts from $25,000 to $500,000 in $25,000 increments. AD&D insurance pays a death benefit if the insured person dies due to an accident or a percentage of the full insurance amount if the covered person loses a limb.
Retirement Plan
Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) membership is defined by Washington State statutes and is mandatory if you are hired into an eligible position. However, if you are retired from or have been a member of the City of Seattle, Spokane or Tacoma Employee's Retirement System, your PERS enrollment must be verified and approved by the Washington State Department of Retirement System.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employees have the option of making pre-tax contributions to pay for IRS eligible expenses. There are two accounts: a Health Care Flexible Spending Account and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. Employees can sign up for one or both accounts.
Leave Benefits
Annual Leave is provided for vacation and personal time off. First year employees earn up to 3.84 hours per bi-weekly pay period (100 hours annually), increasing incrementally due to service years - up to 7.69 per hours per pay period at 25 years of service (200 hours annually). Leave hours for part time staff are pro-rated. There is a 240-hour annual carryover limit for annual leave.
Sick leave is provided for health care and related appointments. Employees earn 3.69 hours per pay period. Hours for part time staff are pro-rated. There is no maximum or carryover limit for sick leave.
Seattle Housing Authority has ten legal and personal holidays, as detailed below.
New Year's Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
The day following Thanksgiving
Christmas Day
Up to three personal holidays are granted to regular employees each calendar year. They are available to be scheduled in advance by the employee with supervisor approval.
Unless specified otherwise in a collective bargaining agreement, regular employees hired between January 1 and May 31 are granted three personal holidays. If hired from June 1 until November 10, two personal holidays are granted. If hired beginning November 11 or later, no personal holidays are granted until January 1.
Pay for Performance Program & Merit Awards
Regular Administrative non-represented staff are eligible for Merit Pay and Merit Leave awards based on their annual performance evaluation, as well as on the agency's fiscal year performance from January through December of each year. An employee's merit awards are based on the employee's performance rating, the position of the employee's salary within the salary range, and the fiscal performance of the agency. For new and promoted employees, the merit awards will be pro-rated based on length of time in the current position during the calendar year.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
As an SHA employee, you may be eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This federal program was created to assist full-time public service professionals in reducing their federal student loan debt burden.
Employee Transportation Program
A discount commuter ORCA Passport is offered for use on Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Everett Transit, Sound Transit, Link Light Rail, Sounder Commuter Train routes. It can also be used on the Seattle Center Monorail. ORCA Passport also provides reduced or fully covered fares on most vanpool routes.
Additionally, an Emergency Ride Home Program, bike racks at various sites, and shower facilities at several offices are also provided, along with discount Zipcar membership (if accepted). Finally, group discount parking is available for registered vanpools in certain areas.
Flex-Time
With supervisor approval, work hours may be scheduled around core hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or a compressed 4/10 workweek. This option is not available for every position.
Telework
With supervisor approval, employees can perform assigned duties from home at certain times. This option is not available for every position.
Employee Assistance Program
Confidential counseling, referral, and information services are available through Wellspring Family Services.
Washington Deferred Compensation Program
Tax deferred savings plans are available through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems' Deferred Compensation Program.
01
Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?
- Yes
- No
Are you a current OPEIU member?
- Yes
- No
Please note that SHA does not accept external attachments for resumes and cover letters. Did you update the education and work history sections of your application with your latest information?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $400