Resident Services Specialist

Performs advocacy work for all housing assistance residents in reaching their full economic, educational, and personal potential.

Plans and performs advocacy functions related to facilitating all residents in reaching their full economic, educational, and personal potential while living in transitional public housing. Work involves implementing programs and activities in the area of resident and housing relations, such as community service and family self-sufficiency. Employee reviews program guidelines; discusses programs with residents and determines needs; develops and recommends new and existing program modifications to meet the needs of the residents; and facilitates program delivery with existing community resources. Employee participates in the initial meetings with potential residents explaining policies and rules; participates in meeting with existing residents concerning violations of these policies and rules; counsel’s residents in changing behaviors to continue their participation in housing assistance; and participates in discussions regarding resident conflicts. Employee is also involved in marketing the program and building positive public relations in the community. Work requires considerable knowledge of HUD regulations, personal enhancement, and cultural awareness of the tenant population. Independent judgment and discretion are exercised in making programming decisions which may impact the success of the program and/or the life situations of clients. Tact and diplomacy are required in all public contacts. Work is performed under the general direction of the Public Housing Director and is reviewed through conferences and reports.

• Organizes and plans the operational components of the resident advocacy program by determining programmatic service delivery needs; constructs new programs and modifies existing programs which will enhance the economic, educational, and personal potential of residents; recruits community leaders to present programs; develops programs and makes presentations; and evaluates program effectiveness.
• Works closely with residents to promote participation in programs in the Family Life Center; provides technical assistance to resident groups to develop and implement new programs; coordinates schedules within available facilities; assists community residents’ council and community watch in program implementation.
• Facilitates work with a variety of community groups and State agencies in bringing quality educational and informational programs to the residents such as adult basic education, money management, healthy cooking, GED, and Nursing Assistant certification.
• Provides activities and opportunities for each eligible resident to gain credit for community service toward their rent obligations; prepares a list of all community service opportunities; counsel’s residents regarding community service activities; tracks and maintains records of residents’ community service; conducts meetings regarding each resident’s obligations to fulfill the requirements of community service.
• Serves as a liaison between the residents and the Public Housing Department by providing updates regarding policy and procedures, upcoming events, agency plan; oversees the election process of officers annually.
• Interviews residents about complaints and conflicts with neighbors; assists the Housing Assistance Program Specialist in resolution and in the explanation of policies and procedures.
• Performs routine yard and porch inspections to ensure residents are following the property and yard maintenance policies; writes notices of violations, and alerts Housing Management of chronic violators.
• Monitors the daily Police Department bulletins for any activity on Housing Grounds or pertaining to housing residents; and participates in meetings with the Director to discuss these concerns which may lead to eviction.
• Assists the Housing Assistance Program Specialist in providing presentations of monthly lease briefings; discusses all policies and procedures.
• Schedules all facility and equipment use by community groups; ensures the proper use of all community facilities and equipment.

• Associate’s degree in social services related field with progressively responsible experience in housing assistance programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of kneeling, crouching, reaching, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

• Must be able to perform light work and exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally.

• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, to read extensively, to operate a computer terminal, and to use measurement devices.