Housing Assistance Program Manager

Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, supplemental attachments, and questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking an experienced Housing Assistance Program Manager to provide oversight of the County’s Housing Grants (HG) Program and the Real Estate Tax Relief (RETR) program. The HG program provides rental subsidies to eligible, low-income Arlington residents seeking affordable housing and stability assistance within the County. The RETR program provides tax relief to qualifying Arlington County residents to prevent displacement from their homes. This position sits within the Housing Assistance Bureau (HAB), responsible for assessing community needs and evaluating services to assure quality, and efficient service delivery within State, Federal and local policies and regulations.

The Program Manager position supervises a team that provides housing-subsidy-focused case management and administration services for residents seeking program support. In addition, the position is responsible for developing and implementing program changes, ensuring program integration with other DHS programs and initiatives, managing the fiscal integrity of program budgets, collaborating with County and DHS management and staff, commissions, financial institutions, contractors, and other stakeholders on program delivery.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leading quality assurance of delivered programs and services to comply with all County board policies and codes;
• Developing and analyzing performance metrics and work processes to optimize operations;
• Evaluating changes in demographic data, political and economic conditions, and industry trends to identify service gaps;
• Managing program fund expenditures in accordance with policies and regulations;
• Partnering with the County Treasurer’s Office, DHS Information Systems Bureau, and contracted systems vendor for development needs;
• Developing and maintaining external relationships with critical partners such as housing providers, landlords and commissions;
• Coordinating and facilitating informational engagement sessions, presentations, and trainings for community stakeholders;
• Developing outreach materials and coordinating website management to disseminate information to the community;
• Mentoring staff through professional guidance, coaching and technical expertise; and
• Resolving issues with program participants and applicants that escalate, as they arise.
  
  

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following

• Proven conflict resolution skills and interpersonal skills with ability to develop positive, trusting relationships with program consumers, landlords, and other stakeholders;
• Ability to utilize sound judgement to make decisions and be responsive to consumer questions and needs.;
• Experience working well under pressure to complete necessary tasks within specified timelines;
• Proven experience leading teams for optimal performance;
• Ability to work under pivoting conditions and outside core business hours is also essential for this role;
• Knowledge of affordable housing regulatory requirements and programs providing housing financial relief;
• Knowledge of housing programs including rental subsidy programs;
• Strong written, data analysis, and oral communication skills to exchange complex information clear and concisely; and
• Ability to manage technical systems, fiscal and staffing resources.
  
  

Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Minimum

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, human services, social sciences or a related field;
• Significant and progressively responsible experience working in housing or other supportive programs (such as serving low-income residents, residents with disabilities, or the unhoused), including demonstrated supervisory leadership; and
• A cover letter describing your experience (See Special Requirements section for details).
  
  

Substitution: Additional directly related experience may be substituted for the education requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates who possess a Master’s degree in Housing Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Human Services, or a closely related field and one or more of the following:

• Significant and progressively responsible management experience as a first line supervisor or manager in rental assistance program administration, such as public housing or housing choice voucher programs, or any other residential property management and housing program experience;
• Experience working with system developers or contractors in the design of consumer facing technical systems; and/or
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
  
  

Special Requirements

Cover Letter: A complete application will include a cover letter addressed to the hiring manager. This letter will highlight how your background, experience, and any applicable certifications that you feel qualifies you for this position, including your management experience in housing or other supportive programs targeting low-income subpopulations and your ability to manage fiscal resources while thinking strategically to develop and implement effective programs and services.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. A pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry check will also be completed before hire.

Additional Information

Work hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a flexible schedule as needed to accommodate occasional nights and weekends. This position is eligible for some telework.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment .