Housing Programs Specialist (Chesterfield-Colonial Heights)

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s). 

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Customer Experience: It’s Our Business, It’s Our Passion. 
The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is hiring a Housing Programs Specialist to assist our team with a wide range of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program duties to service the individuals and families in our community.

 

What You Do and How You Do It:
As a Housing Programs Specialist, you will be responsible for staying current with and applying all relevant federal, state, and agency guidelines to ensure compliance with HCV policies. You will manage accurate data entry into housing software systems, ensuring all information aligns with documentation in participant files. Being a Housing Programs Specialist involves preparing and submitting timely reports, conducting program intake and eligibility assessments, and managing annual and interim recertifications and briefings. You will also be responsible for scheduling and conducting inspections in accordance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, as well as gathering and analyzing data to support rent reasonableness determinations and utility allowance adjustments. A key part of this role is effectively communicating program policies and procedures to a wide range of stakeholders, including applicants, participants, landlords, and agency personnel. Building strong relationships with property owners and management companies is essential, and you will play an active role in landlord education and outreach efforts. As a Housing Programs Specialist, you’ll also handle application intake, determination of program eligibility, recertification of participants, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts, and the inspection of units to govern Housing Quality Standards (HQS) for initial, interim, and annual program participation. You will need to have the ability to manage caseload documents and prepare accurate reports.

The ideal candidate will maintain a thorough understanding of updates to Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Notices and ensure all practices align with HUD and Virginia Housing (VH) policies. You will also compile documentation for Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) audits and maintain records in full compliance with applicable regulations. Confidentiality is paramount, and you will be expected to handle all participant and landlord information with the utmost discretion. This position may evolve over time, and additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the success of the program.

Here's What You Need:

• High school diploma supplemented with some leasing and real estate inspection experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

We’re Looking for Ideal Candidates Who Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field with experience in housing eligibility and case management with HQS housing inspections preferred.
• Working knowledge of HUD policy concerning the various Section 8 programs; management policies and procedures concerning the Section 8 program; the laws, ordinances, standards relating to housing programs; structural aspects of building design and construction; housing issues; and social issues relating to family needs.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret the laws, ordinances, and standards related to the position; comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations and procedures; conduct inspections of homes; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in operating a computer to enter, retrieve or modify data; and the use of work processing, spreadsheet, database, E-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Completed or can complete Rent Calculation training, NSPIRE/HQS Inspection training, and Fair Housin