The Housing Program Specialist performs professional, and administrative work in administering and monitoring the City of Rockville's REAP (Rental Emergency Assistance Program) and Bridge programs, along with providing cross-trained support for the City's Landlord-Tenant programs. The role involves planning, coordinating, and delivering housing and community services, and requires frequent interaction with landlords, tenants, service providers, and other agencies to ensure effective program implementation and resident support.
Essential Job Functions
Program Administration:Administer and monitor REAP and Bridge programs, ensuring compliance with City policies and relevant laws.Act as a liaison between residents, landlords, and service providers to ensure the effective delivery of program services.Provide technical assistance to participants, landlords, and other stakeholders involved in the programs.Conduct assessments of resident needs and serve as liaison between residents and area service provider/partners to monitor and coordinate assistance to ensure housing stability and progress toward self-sufficiency.Landlord-Tenant Program Support:Cross-train to support the city's Landlord-Tenant programs, including handing disputes, providing mediation, and advising on legal obligations.Prepare and distribute public information materials related to Landlord-Tenant programs to ensure community awareness.Assist with preparing for Landlord-Tenant Commission meetings and ensuring proper documentation is provided.
Community Engagement:Develop and implement community initiatives designed to enhance livability and support networks for residents.Maintain a clearinghouse of information for residents on available housing and social services at the city, county, and state levels.Create promotional materials and ensure their distribution across various platforms to inform residents of available services.
Collaboration a Partnerships:Work closely with landlords, courts, service providers, and other agencies to coordinate and monitor assistance to residents.Establish and maintain partnerships with local, state, community, and faith-based organizations to maximize residents access to services.
Data Management and Reporting:Maintain accurate records and databases related to the REAP, Bridge, and Landlord-Tenant programs.Prepare reports as required to meet funding, grant, and agency requirements.Attend and represent the city in professional group meetings and training sessions to stay updated on trends in housing and community services.
General Duties:Respond to inquiries from residents, landlords, and the public regarding the programs.Provide training and guidance to other staff members as needed.Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.Minimum 5 years of progressive professional working within affordable housing policies, affordable housing programs, and planning and development-related work.Preferred Qualifications:Work experience with managing projects which involve politically sensitive or controversial issues.Work experience in an office/department/division of housing for a city or county, housing trust, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) entity, housing authority, public housing management company, or non-profit housing provider, resource leveraging.Work experience within the non-profit or for-profit affordable housing development arena.
Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThorough understanding of housing assistance programs, landord-tenant laws, and community service delivery.Ability to handle complex and sensitive situations involving landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create effective public information materials.Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and organizations.Proficiency in maintaining databases and preparing reports.Knowledge of community resources and social service networks.