Housing Programs Specialist

Job Description

Closing Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at 4:00pm

HOUSING PROGRAM SPECIALIST-AFFORDABLE

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION: The Affordable Housing Program Specialist provides a variety of subsidized low-income housing rent services and case management to low-income individuals and families sourced from a portfolio of state and federal-funded subsidized housing programs. This position performs property management duties that maintain and enhance the value of real estate assets in order to maximize the owner’s financial return and for the benefit of the tenants, consumers and the community; represents the property owner to both the tenants and the public

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives immediate direction and supervision from the assigned manager and/or assistant manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS – Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Essential Functions:

Effectively manage a caseload of multi-family units as assigned, in compliance with Federal Regulations and the HACSB Administrative Plan;

Remain familiar with current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ever changing Federal Regulations as they relate to government-subsidized rental assistance programs.

Conduct comprehensive review of rental assistance client case files to ensure eligibility determination, rental assistance calculations, case management activities, and documentation are accurate, complete and in accordance with Agency policies and procedures and applicable funding source rules and regulations; refer sensitive, highly complex issues to the Housing Manager for resolution

Review data, evaluate applicable rules and regulations, and make determinations of client eligibility for program assistance; review client intake files for accuracy and completeness and process

Assume full responsibility to conduct certifications and re-certifications; tenant eligibility determination on time and correctly

Identify income reporting discrepancies; calculate payments owing to HUD and execute repayment agreements

Respond to inquiries, phone calls, correspondence, and e-mail in a timely and responsive manner.

Coordinate with Housing Quality Inspections (HQS) team to ensure timely inspections at admission to program

Perform property management functions; move-in / move-out inspections, lease enforcement, mitigate neighbor-to-neighbor disputes, serve termination notices, perform housekeeping inspections, and other property management-related duties.

Maintain proper maintenance of client files and computer records to insure accuracy according to HUD regulations and HACSB policies and procedures. This includes renewing of contracts for HCV housing participants, including interims and re-certifications/review of income and household composition.

Respond in a timely manner to all allegations received such as drug-related criminal activity, activities that threaten the health or safety of residents, any gang related activity, violent criminal activity, any sexual offenses, fraud allegations, income discrepancies, household composition and any program participant responsibilities that have been violated. Attend informal hearings pertaining to any of the above allegations.

HASBARCO is considered a public district, and all employees are designated as disaster service workers (DSWs). Signing the California Loyalty Oath and fulfilling its obligations is a condition of employment.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

24 CFR Parts 5, 902, 903; and 982; current HUD PIH Notices

California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) regulations

Project-Based Rental Assistance subsidy (PBRA/Multi-Family)

HOME, CDBG, Joe Serna

Code of Civil Procedures relating to Notice/Service requirements

Non-discrimination Laws and Fair Housing compliance; Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Microsoft Office; Excel, MS Word, Outlook

Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) System - HUD

YARDI software

California landlord/tenant law

Ability to:

Follow established procedures and recommend improved processes

Interpret and analyze regulations and procedures

Clearly explain Housing Authority programs, procedures and activities

Work with minimum day-to-day supervision

Prioritize tasks; organize work assignments to ensure timely completion of projects

Work well under pressure under stressful deadline-driven situations

Competencies:

Analytical

Communication Proficiency – bilingual English/Spanish highly desirable

Thoroughness

Customer/Client Focus

Experience and Training Guidelines - Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of property management experience in development of no less than 100 units preferred but not required. Two years of responsible work for a social service agency or another similar community-based organization.

Training: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with specialized course work in computer software programs, general accounting, real estate, property management, psychology, or social work.

License or Certificate: Successfully pass assigned program training within six months of employment. May require Proof of valid California Driver’s License and driving record acceptable to HA insurance carrier required dependent upon area needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job.

Environmental Conditions: Indoors in a climate-controlled environment and outdoors with exposure to weather conditions. Moderate noise with exposure to talking, music, telephones, printers and frequent interruptions. Working in a confined area with or without windows; exposure to fluorescent lights and computer screen for an extended period. Public contact.

Physical Conditions: Stationary position 50%. Move about the office to access file cabinets and office machinery. Move about the housing development and grounds to inspect units, monitor the common area and deliver notices. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. Frequently communicates with others. Moderate to light lifting and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara makes reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants or employees with handicaps, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the Authority's programs.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AT-WILL EMPLOYER

AND MAINTAINS A DRUG-FREE/SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE

Most staff positions work a 9/80 schedule during regular business hours between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

Full-time