The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is currently seeking energetic, self-motivated, and detail-oriented candidates for the position of Housing Specialist. The WPCOG is an innovative and forward-thinking organization dedicated to addressing planning issues for the region. Situated in the beautiful rolling hills and mountains of western North Carolina, WPCOG is a regional governmental agency owned by the 28 local governments in the region and organized in 1968 to provide long-range planning, technical assistance, and regional delivery of services. Our organization is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina formed under NC General Statutes 160A 470-478. Local governments eligible for WPCOG membership include Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties located in Western NC and the 24 cities and towns within those counties.

REGIONAL HOUSING DEPARTMENT:

The RHA operates a Housing Choice Voucher program and Valdese Public Housing with funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The RHA continues to be the leader in providing Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance to income-eligible families in the region. The RHA currently has HUD funding for 1,416 potential units for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and 121 units with Valdese Public Housing and is continuously growing.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Housing Specialist performs eligibility determination based on income, assets and criminal history for applicants seeking a Housing Choice Voucher. They will determine eligibility for the program by interviewing, verifying information, and gathering data from applicants. They will be required to educate applicants, landlords and the public on federal guidelines and regulations regarding the Housing Choice Voucher program. Work requires knowledge of income eligibility requirements, Housing Choice Voucher program, and ability to verify information such as income, childcare, assets, criminal history and other information. They will be expected to take the initiative when making decisions regarding applicants’ housing eligibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates degree in human services or related field preferred, supplemented with 1 year or more of professional experience in a related service eligibility role
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Experience in marketing/PR preferred
Bilingual Skills (English-Spanish) helpful
Knowledge and ability to manage data in a complex software system required

HOW TO APPLY:

This position is open until filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, and WPCOG application to HR Manager, Tasmin Mack, at WPCOG, PO Box 9026, Hickory, NC 28603. Emailing application materials is acceptable at tasmin.mack@wpcog.org. Questions should be directed to Tasmin at (828) 485-4275. Final candidates will be subject to an interview process. The WPCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For the full job ad, please visit our website at www.wpcog.org/career-opportunities.

Western Piedmont Council of Governments

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Housing Specialist