Housing Associate

Dakota County CDA • Eagan, MN • $21 - $26 / hour • 1w ago

Housing Associates are part of the Housing Assistance team at the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), a premier organization that administers over 30 programs to enhance the economic vitality of Dakota County.

Recruitment Type: This position is open until Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
Hiring Range: $21.54 - $26.93 (Depending on Qualifications and years of experience)
Benefit package includes: Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and paid time off.
Work Hours & Location: Monday - Friday flexible schedule (start time between 7-9 a.m.)

Housing Associates perform administrative and technological support duties for the Housing Assistance department; utilize computer to assist with applicant/participant file review/processing. Assist with the administration of the Housing Assistance Department Programs by answering applicant/participant questions, providing program information as necessary, assist with New Admissions, Recertifications, Portability, and HQS (Housing Quality Standards) processes. Perform Housing Assistance receptionist duties and act in a backup capacity for other agency support personnel.

The Dakota County CDA's mission is to improve the lives of Dakota County residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing and community development. For more information about the CDA, please visit

Selection Process
• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring

1.	Support the administration of the Housing Assistance Department Programs Provide general information on how to access housing assistance programs; answer questions related to eligibility, program requirements, and status inquiries. Use office equipment to complete/prepare copies for files and mailings; create forms, form letters and documents in standard office software and specialized housing software systems. Generate portability billings to housing agencies for ongoing Housing Choice Voucher port-in participants; access software to compile billing documents, prepare billing correspondence and send via preferred method; assist with record keeping of participants who port out/in. Input portability billings, prior to HAP run, to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement of port-out participants. Work with Housing Specialists to coordinate and schedule informal hearings with hearing officers; process hearing decision paperwork and review and submit invoices for payment. Assist New Admissions Housing Specialist with applicant eligibility reports in HUD systems. Coordinate applicant appointments and briefings for New Admissions process. Process terminated applicant and participant files; enter data into appropriate HUD system and close out file in department database. Use office systems to track and complete assigned work and maintain records. Assist with annual and periodic organizing and purging of department files. Assist with special projects and complete other duties, as assigned.

2.	Provide technical support for program databases. Respond to portal inquiries to include waiting list updates, new admissions eligibility, and recertification processes. Assist applicants/participants with resetting passwords and accessing portal. Conduct initial file review for completeness, forwarding complete files to the appropriate Housing Specialist for processing and initiate first follow-up of incomplete files.

3. 4. 5.	Perform Department and Agency receptionist duties Act as back-up receptionist for the Housing Assistance department and receptionist when needed; answer telephones, direct visitors, handle inquiries or complaints, supply general information, screen and refer more complex inquiries and complaints to appropriate personnel and process incoming and outgoing mail. Perform housing inspection duties. Inspect properties for compliance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS), Federal and local standards, building codes and zoning ordinances in back-up capacity, as needed. Schedule, perform and complete assigned inspections in a timely manner. Assist with Housing Quality Standards inspection operations and process; create and maintain monthly inspection logs, sort and distribute inspection forms, generate and mail form letters, update inspections database and housing software with current inspection data. For contract inspectors, schedule and communicate inspection results to property owners and program participants, determine responsible party for any correction items and establish deadlines for completion of work. Act as a positive representative of the CDA Promote a positive image of the CDA to clients. Develop and maintain a good working relationship with CDA employees, vendors and contractors working with the CDA. Answer calls and emails within 24 business hours. Handle calls or meetings with irate parties in a professional manner to diffuse the issue/conflict. Must abide by all Board approved policies, policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, executive communications, administrative procedures, and safety procedures established by the CDA.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two-years related education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Knowledge of general office equipment.
Knowledge of office functions, policies, and procedures.
knowledge of Agency purpose, programs, and functions.
Knowledge of English language, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
HCV and/or HQS Specialist Certification, or ability to obtain within one year.

Desired Skills:

Ability to handle difficult situations in a professional manner when dealing with the public and agency employees.
Ability to work with a varied client base including special populations/clients with special needs and communication barriers.
Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with team members.
Ability to work under pressure and with interruptions.
Ability to work independently on several tasks at one time, to set and meet deadlines.
Ability to be flexible.
Ability to maintain privacy and client data confidentiality.

Dakota County Community Development Agency is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other basis protected by law.

Dakota County Community Development Agency accommodates qualified persons with disabilities in various aspects of employment, including the application process. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Human Resources at 651-675-4431.

Applicant Data Practices Advisory

According to Minn. Stat. § 13.04, Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) must advise you of the following.

Purpose and intended use of the data:

The CDA collects this information for recruitment purposes. Your data will be used to screen and select applicants for employment. In the event you are selected for hire, your data will be used to perform a criminal background check through a trusted third party agency, which may include the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Consultant, CDA and/or officials involved in the hiring process will have access to the data provided. Data may be shared upon court order or provided to the state or legislative auditor, upon request.

Whether you may refuse or are legally required to supply this data:

Application for employment as well as supplying any data in application for employment is voluntary.

Consequences arising from supplying or refusing to supply this data:

We take pride in hiring the best candidates, but we can’t do this without a complete application. Filling out the application is voluntary, and the more complete the application, the better your chances of conveying to the CDA you are the best candidate for the job. Except for explicitly optional requested information, refusal to provide a complete application may result in disqualification from consideration for a position.