Program Specialist

Program Specialist:

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description:

The Program Specialist is responsible for coordinating social services programs for residents in various housing programs and the administration of the HUD McKinney Supportive Housing grant programs.

Work requires considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of the social work field and housing programs (i.e. Section 8 and McKinney housing programs). Services can be provided to a variety of age groups and backgrounds or solely to a specific age group. The duties are performed under general guidance from the supervisor with a lot of independence in the planning and selecting appropriate methods to complete the work. Guidelines are normally provided through grant regulations, HOC’s policies/procedures, and methods used for similar programs but a lot of adapting and formulating new procedures is required which rely solely on the individual area of expertise. At this level, the individual effectiveness impacts directly upon the adequacy of services begin provided to individuals and proper administration of the grants. Work would entail handling a variety of problems (i.e. coordinating services to residents, and monitoring the regulatory compliance of certain grants) where conventional methods may not be sufficient requiring creative problem-solving.

The work requires the individual to have a high degree of communication skills because of the need to address, organize, and persuade groups of residents, the general public, outside organizations, and community agencies. Work is sometimes performed outside of an office setting requiring the individual to drive to various locations at HOC and elsewhere. There is some risk involved in performing the duties because of the unpredictable and possible unmannerly reactions exhibited by both the general public and residents. Work, at times, may be crisis-driven.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Serve as program liaison with the Continuum of Care (CoC) and other program partners; MCCH, Interfaith Works, Cornerstone Montgomery, Vesta, DHS, etc…
• Coordinate program intake with Montgomery County Continuum of Care (CoC).
• Assist with the administration of the McKinney and Montgomery County DHCA, and DHHS grants and prepare necessary quarterly reports.
• Responsible for handling the leasing of housing units in the private sector.
• Conduct annual recertification as well as intermittent rent adjustments as needed.
• Coordinate and manage monthly check runs to landlords for Resident Services tenant-based housing programs.
• Authorize payment of monthly rents and utilities for McKinney housing units, following Rent Reasonableness and program FMR.
• Conduct client interviews and selections for various housing programs.
• Investigate and resolve rent delinquencies.
• Perform administrative work for clients move-in or move-out.
• Review, investigate, and recertify monthly internal compliance findings for Resident Services tenant-based housing programs.
• Maintain participant files with proper documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

Experience:

• At least four years (4) related experience in case management with low-income, culturally diverse adults including one year of experience working with adults who are homeless and or have mental health disabilities.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field. Master's Degree in Social Work preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current social, economic, and health issues affecting individuals and their families.
• Knowledge of the functions and resources of public and private agencies available for referral.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to relate well to people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Must have familiarity with the age process, elder services, and disability services.
• Must have familiarity with eligibility procedures for federal and state entitlement programs.
• Must have working knowledge of community resources
• Must have a good driving record and a valid driver’s license.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Low-income residents in Montgomery County with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

• Grade 22- Min: $65,642 / Mid: $86,890 / Max: $108,138 | Salary determined by departmental budget - Offer commensurate with experience

HOC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.