Housing Outreach Specialist

HOUSING OUTREACH SPECIALIST

(Albany Housing Authority)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, an incumbent of this position performs complex clerical support work and administrative tasks for the department/division head. The work performed is higher level in nature and requires good knowledge of the policies, functions, and procedures of a department. Ability to interact with tenants, landlords, and supervisory staff; and exercise of independent judgment is a major aspect of the work. The incumbent also will act as a landlord liaison for the Section 8 Subsidy Program.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Develops and maintains housing provider relationship promoting retention for housing assistance programs;
• Identifies property owners, property managers, service providers and management companies who are willing to provide housing for the voucher program applicants and participants;
• Develops outreach methods for the housing assistance programs on continuous basis;
• Engages with community landlords and property owners as effective partners to preserve and expand the quality and quantity of available affordable housing options;
• Collects, compiles, and maintains detailed information, data and statistical reports,
• Maintains data on rent reasonable and available rental housing units
• Performs outreach, briefings, group meetings and conducts housing market research;
• Solicits input from realtors, merchants, private landlords, Not-for-Profit Corporations, and other sources of projects;
• Develops and maintains open lines of communication between the residents, community, landlords and the housing authority;
• Receives telephone calls, makes appointments, and acts as receptionist;

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of housing  market research methods
• Proficient knowledge of personal computers and office equipment;
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills;
• Skills and sensitivity to work in a liaison role with low income individuals and landlords;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and organize and implement projects on his/her own initiative;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of two (2) years experience in market outreach, housing counseling, or related fields.