What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist- Homeless Services position at City of Wichita?
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.
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
Bargaining Unit: Employees Council
**Posting may close at any time **
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Salary : $24 - $33
