Public Housing Program Specialist

The Department of Housing Services is currently searching for a Public Housing Program Specialist to contributes to our mission of creating pathways out of homelessness, promoting housing stability, and investing in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents by working directly with public housing residents through the cycle of their participation in public housing - from qualification to lease up to exit.

The position is responsible for coordinating public housing program elements and delivering assistance to clients directly, as well as through the coordination of support staff. The role serves as the primary technical resource for the program administration to clients and coordinates the administration of the public housing program to ensure compliance with statute guidelines and monitors data to fulfill expanded responsibilities. This work is accomplished by way of a respectful, and constructive style guided by the Department of Housing Services values of equity, responsiveness, collaboration, accountability, and sustained impact.

• experience with affordable housing property management, and an understanding of low-income housing, HUD programs, or with a Public Housing Authority (PHA)
• knowledge of housing regulations, including HUD guidelines, Fair Housing laws, and local housing codes
• advanced interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to work effectively with residents, staff, and local agencies.
• proficiency in property management software and recordkeeping.
• ability to handle crisis situations, resolve tenant disputes, and enforce lease agreements professionally.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple properties or units, schedule inspections, and ensure compliance.
• Demonstrates a commitment to serving vulnerable populations with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Understands the importance of equity and access in public housing services.
• Bilingual skills, especially in communities with diverse populations.
• Experience working with Asset Management

Why Washington County?

Are you interested in challenging, meaningful, and rewarding work? Join Washington County in our commitment to advancing racial equity. Our Board of Commissioners worked closely with various community stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Resolution. Adopted in February 2020, this resolution commits to the equitable delivery of Washington County's services, resources, and opportunities for growth and development to every county resident.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program on the "Benefits" tab above!

In any given week, this role will work on the following types of tasks:

• Acts as the primary point of contact for public housing residents, responding to tenant inquiries, concerns, and requests for information.
• Fosters positive relationships through engagement, trauma-informed communication style and conflict resolution practices.
• Coordinates and ensures the effective and efficient administration of the public housing program, working directly with public housing residents to provide high quality, affordable, stable housing.
• Performs eligibility determinations for housing programs by obtaining and reviewing third-party verification documentation, calculates rent amounts and utility allowances, obtains owner/tenant signatures, and completes files according to department standards.
• Interviews and briefs program participants on program regulations and requirements, evaluates requests for accommodation from prospective program participants to determine if reasonable, and assesses for need. Recommends, develops, and implements effective self-sufficiency programs for participants.
• Coordinates requests for regular and emergency maintenance to ensure clear communication between residents and on-site response staff; tracks unit turnover, assessing damage and coordinating repairs or updates in conjunction with maintenance staff.

Education and Experience:

• An Associate's Degree in a social service, business administration, or related field; AND One (1) year of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination, and /or contract administration; OR
• Three (3) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration.

• Completion of a criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy. To review the Driver's License and Record Policy, please use this link: Driver's License & Records Policy.

Our Commitment to You: We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process:
1 .Minimum Qualifications (MQ) Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Additional preferred qualifications screening may be applied depending on the number of applications received. The timeframe to review will be the week of July 27, 2025.

2. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Your responses may be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). This process will begin the week of August 3, 2025 and may take up to 2 weeks.

3. Panel Interviews: Our goal is to schedule oral panel interviews with candidates that successfully passed the SME evaluation step as soon as possible.

4. Conditional Offer: The top candidate will be required to successfully clear a third-party background check as a pre-employment condition.

Please note: candidates that are successful in the evaluation process may have their applications referred for additional vacancies in the same classification, or job family.

Veterans' Preference:
If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail at: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via e-mail. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" of e-mail notification from notices in NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about job postings.

Questions Regarding This Recruitment?
Gregory Garabedian, Talent Acquisition Business Partner
Gregory_Garabedian@washingtoncountyor.gov

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