What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist- Homeless Services position at City of Wichita, KS?

Salary : $23.58 - $33.33 Hourly

Location : KS- 10th Floor, KS

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : Housing Spec Homeless Services

Department : Housing

Division : HG Wichita Housing Authority

Opening Date : 12 / 30 / 2024

Closing Date : Continuous

Bargaining Unit : 1000

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? As a Housing Specialist in Homeless Services, you'll be at the heart of our Housing Choice Program, providing essential support to individuals and families as they build stable lives and secure housing. This is more than an administrative role-it's an opportunity to work directly with people, guiding them through the housing process, empowering them with life skills, and connecting them to resources that truly change lives.

You'll be collaborating with teams across departments, community agencies, and other organizations to provide comprehensive support tailored to each person's needs. From helping clients' complete applications to working alongside them as they achieve their HUD program goals, you'll be a trusted partner on their journey to stability. This role is perfect for a proactive, compassionate professional who thrives on seeing the direct impact of their work every day.

The days and hours for this position : Monday-Friday, 8 : 00am-5 : 00pm

Bargaining Unit : Employees Council

Posting may close at any time

Examples of Work Performed

Interviews applicants, obtains background information, clarifies questions pertaining to occupancy standards and income, and explains rules, regulations and eligibility requirements for housing programs.

Plans and conducts program application sessions.

Manages referrals received from outside agencies to the housing program.

Monitors changes in eligibility requirements, occupancy standards, rent calculations or other matters affecting an applicant's eligibility.

Establish and maintain consistent communication with each participant, property management, and a collaborative working relationships with community resources.

Meet with participants as needed.

Attend and participate in Continuum of Care and other community meetings as necessary to remain informed of current and applicable resources.

Calculates rent based on the income of the client and the regulations of WHA.

Support clients with obtaining required documents, identifying barriers to housing stability, and assisting with housing search.

May be asked to assist clients in obtaining and moving of possessions.

Compiles reports and maintains files, statistics, and records in keeping with HUD requirements and WHA guidelines.

Completion of work assignments will require the operation of a vehicle.

The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive. The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional duties as needed.

Requirements of Work

Considerable knowledge of housing leasing and inspection practices.

Knowledge and understanding of unhoused individuals and community resources available.

Ability to maintain working relationships with individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse, or other co-occurring disorders.

Ability to maintain sensitivity and awareness while working with individuals experiencing domestic violence, trafficking, and sexual assault.

Takes pride in work and encourages others to do the same. Effectively balances quality, service, and productivity.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and the public.

Ability to manage time efficiently and effectively in a fast paced environment.

Knowledge and understanding of Kansas Landlord Tenant Act, federally subsidized housing regulations and local housing codes.

Ability to make mathematical computations with accuracy.

Ability to access and maneuver through an occupied or vacant unit that is not specifically designed for handicap access.

Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 60lbs.

Ability to perform file maintenance tasks; originating, updating and storing files in manual and electronic record keeping systems.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively : orally, in writing and by whatever creative means are necessary to cross communication barriers.

Must have a valid Kansas driver's license. Must be able to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle and meet driver qualification standards.

An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training

Graduation from a four-year college and 2 years of case management experience (involving client assessment, service planning, coordination of resources, and ongoing support) OR Graduation from a four-year college with a degree in social work, psychology, or sociology.

2 years of experience in a housing assistance role, working directly with housing program eligibility, client advocacy, or community outreach.

A valid Driver's License.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Applicants must attach a copy of their transcript to their application to be considered. Transcripts should confirm that the degree meets the specific educational requirements for the position. Applications submitted without an attached transcript will not be processed.

Preferred Experience and Training

1 year of experience working with HUD-funded programs or knowledge of the Kansas Landlord Tenant Act.

Offers of employment will be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which will include drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a police records check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links :

CITY OF WICHITA

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and / or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.

2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.

3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.

4. HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care / mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.

5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.

6.LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.

7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.

8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.

9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.

10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.

11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and / or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.

12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.

13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events

Hou) Which of the following best describes your qualifications?

I have a bachelor's degree or higher and have at least 2 years of case management experience, including client assessment, service planning, coordination of resources, and ongoing support.

I have a bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, or sociology.

I have a bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, or sociology and at least 2 years of case management experience, including client assessment, service planning, coordination of resources, and ongoing support.

I do not have a bachelor's degree or the required experience in case management.

I have following years of experience in a housing assistance role, working directly with housing program eligibility, client advocacy, or community outreach.

Less than 1 year experience

1 to 2 years of experience

2 to 4 years of experience

5 years of experience

I do not have any experience in a housing assistance role, working directly with housing program eligibility, client advocacy, or community outreach

I have demonstrated work experience with HUD codes and regulations

I have knowledge of housing leasing and inspection practices.

My knowledge of the Kansas Tenant Act, federally subsidized housing regulations and local housing codes is at the following level...

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Expert

I do not have experience with the Kansas Tenant Act, federally subsidized housing regulations and local housing codes.

How many years of case management experience do you have?

Less than 1 year experience

1 to 3 years' experience

4 to 7 years' experience

8 years experience

I do not have experience in case management

This position requires you to attach a copy of your transcript as proof of a degree to complete your application.

Yes, I have attached my transcript and understand that failing to do so will make my application incomplete.

No, I have not attached my transcript and understand that my application will not be considered complete.

I have a valid driver's license.

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Required Question

Salary : $20,000

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