Housing Specialist

Job Title Housing Specialist Revision Date July 10, 2026 ​ Department Rental Assistance Reports To Associate Director, Program Manager, or Program Supervisor Supervises N/A Pay Grade 110 Salary Range $73,284 - $81,760 ​ Work Schedule ☒ Full-Time ☐ Part-Time Status ☒ Regular Position ☐ Temporary Position Wage and Hour Status ☒ Non-Exempt ☐ Exempt Union Status ☒ Union ☐ Non-Union MISSION Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) provides high quality, stable and sustainable housing, and supportive services to people in need.

It does this in ways that help them prosper and help our communities become safe, vibrant, prosperous, attractive, and just. THA’S VALUES We value the diversity of our staff. It makes us stronger and more effective. Service, Integrity, Stewardship, Communication, Collegial Support and Respect, Excellence and Leadership are all values of THA.

PURPOSE OF POSITION The Housing Specialist supports THA’s strategic and operational objectives by efficiently performing a range of functions to ensure that THA’s housing programs run effectively, efficiently and in compliance with applicable rules and that THA clients and landlord partners receive high-quality service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the federal housing assistance and public housing programs positions Coordinate with other departments to incorporate updated Public Indian Housing (PIH) notices, changes to CFR, and other regulatory requirements. Maintain a highly proficient knowledge of detailed federal leased housing regulations, specifically, Housing Choice Voucher, Special Purpose Voucher, Project Based Vouchers and local non-traditional programs as well as working knowledge of portability procedures and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

Assist with creating and monitoring all applicable reports related to monitoring program compliance and coordination. Maintain positive and constructive external relations with community and real estate organizations, property owners and prospective sources of eligible residents and rental information. Work closely with Client Support and Empowerment (CSE) staff to engage and assist families at risk for eviction or termination.

Participate with other service providers, staff, and volunteers in communicating and coordinating available services. Prepare monthly reports for Board meetings as directed. Provide feedback on expenditures for inclusion in THA’s budget. Provide general information to interested parties regarding subsidized housing programs including eligibility requirements, application process, waiting list status, and housing policies.

Determine resident eligibility, calculate rent and initiate leasing or voucher process. Re-verify, as necessary, relevant information of annual income, family composition, allowable deductions, and allowances. Ensure complete and accurate information by accepted verification methods. Request background checks when applicable.

Determine continued income eligibility and preference status. Send, receive, and confirm third party verification. Rental Assistance Work in any assigned housing specialist position within our HCV programs. Coordinate with team members around tasks as assigned. Determine eligibility, prepare contracts, and accept property owners and their properties into leased housing programs.

Process all reports and correspondence associated with leasing, recertification, and portability processes. Compute property owners HAP payments for programs. Perform interim and annual re-certifications of all leased housing residents. Mediate issues between property owners, residents, and the agency’s leased housing programs.

Investigate and develop documentation in conjunction with policies and procedures relating to all programs in the rental assistance department. Respond to complaints, schedule appointments, and provide general information relative to leasing function. Compute repayment agreement amounts. Eligibility Manage always open waitlists by performing random applicant selections according to current policies.

Launch monthly Save My Spot process. Schedule, notify, and conduct applicant interviews. Assist applicants with completing and submitting forms and documents. Screen applicants to determine eligibility or ineligibility for THA’s programs. Offer assistance of HCV voucher or THA unit to maintain utilization and occupancy.

Maintain resident selection function for timely operation of vacancy status. Conduct briefing for new residents upon initial occupancy. Monitor and coordinate transfer lists for over and under housed residents, Reasonable Accommodations transfers, choice mobility, and other transfers. Employee accountability Perform all responsibilities in service to THA’s social justice and business mission to assist low-income households and other customers, and to do so in ways that aspire to programmatic and administrative excellence.

Fulfill all duties and responsibilities with a high level of integrity, honesty, and adherence to agency policies and rules. Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers, management, partner agencies, and the community. Present a professional image as a representative of THA. Maintain a high degree of confidentiality relative to work performed.

SECONDARY POSITION TASKS Organize meetings as necessary or mandated regarding THA housing programs. Serve as a member of committees as directed. Remain current with trends, industry knowledge, and continuing education related to the position. Perform related duties or responsibilities as assigned. POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Educational level and experience Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.

2 or more years related work experience, program planning and implementation preferably in social services delivery with families and/or elderly or disabled persons. Fair housing and reasonable accommodation experience. Experience or knowledge of housing choice vouchers or HUD programs and low-income housing; experience interpreting federal rules and regulations.

Housing authority or tax credit housing experience preferred. Experience working with Yardi preferred. Or, a combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Certification/Registrations Depending upon assignment a certification in area of specialization may be required; housing choice voucher or affordable housing certifications preferred.

Depending upon assignment, a WA driver's license with acceptable driving record and auto insurance may be required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of federal conventional and leased housing rules and regulations. Knowledge of procedures and practices pertaining to the selection process, eligibility criteria, rental and income limitations contained in assisted housing programs, preferred.

Considerable knowledge of leasing agreement procedures, interim recertification process, public housing standards and housing quality standards inspection. Knowledge of housing options, community resources and services for low-income families, elderly persons and persons with disabilities preferred. Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local tenant laws.

Familiarity with social services available in the community. Demonstrate an ability to get along with others effectively, to lead and inspire, to participate as a team member, and to give and accept criticism constructively. Write clearly and informatively, edit work for spelling and grammar, able to read, write and interpret documents of a technical nature.

Able to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Ability to use critical thinking to solve problems collaboratively and individually; high attention to detail. High level ability to plan projects effectively, manage their timely implementation and effectively use the agency’s management tools.

Have a high regard and ability to meet schedules and timelines, demonstrate excellent ability to work independently with little direction. Ability to effectively and respectfully interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, maintaining professionalism, courtesy, and a positive attitude. Highly proficient in commonly used business IT tools, such as Microsoft Office products, and otherwise to be effective without close clerical support.

Experience with Yardi preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee must handle to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires working regularly within THA’s offices.

The job’s activities occur primarily in indoor office settings: Occasional standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reaching with hands and arms; climbing stairs; balancing; stooping, kneeling, talking or hearing; occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.

Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.