**This is a Provisional Temporary assignment dependent on grant funding. The current estimated end date is in June 2027.**

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to assist in the administration and operation of all paraprofessional activities of the Housing and Homeless Services Division; provides technical assistance related to housing-based programs focusing on Vista residents experiencing and at-risk of homelessness in support of the Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This class receives assignments from and reports to the Management Analyst. Positions in this class have considerable independence in selecting work methods from a variety of standard methods or procedures. Resolve most problems confronted through the application of judgment and precedent, referring only those which involve the establishment of new procedures or which involve solutions which are inconsistent with departmental procedures and policies to the Homeless Services Program Manager.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Conducts interviews with housing providers, referred applicants, verifies and determines applicant eligibility, and makes field investigations and inspections on the same.
Certifies and advises applicants seeking admission to eligible housing programs, and counsels housing providers and tenants to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and administrative policies.
Reviews all documents submitted by housing providers and applicants and participants and processes applications.
Maintains documentation according to established program guidelines
Verifies income, assets and other financial information as well as housing status through written inquiry or telephone contacts.
Conducts basic research into programs designed to address housing instability, risk and protective factors, behavioral change methodologies, and community outreach programs.
Maintains computerized records and databases on client and housing information.
Performs basic analysis of survey results and prepare basic reports of findings.
Assists in working with community representatives and officials to identify potential resources to address risk and protective factors.
Assists in the planning and scheduling of community meetings and attend community meetings as needed.
Performs outreach activities to inform community of programs, activities, and events.
Establishes procedures and contacts to obtain and retain housing, including developing a housing support crisis plans in conjunction with contracted partners that includes prevention and early intervention services when housing is jeopardized.
Identifies, coordinates, and secures, funding for non-emergency, non-medical transportation to assist members’ mobility to ensure reasonable accommodations and access to housing options prior to transition and on move in day.
Identifies, and coordinates, environmental modifications to install necessary accommodations for accessibility.
Prepares documents to process payments.
Assists in the preparation of special activity and statistical reports.
Inspects housing units to ensure compliance with established housing quality and safety standards.
In conjunction with contracted partners, advises tenants and property owners on their rights and responsibilities; including rent determinations, program regulations, administrative policies and other questions related to housing programs.
Responds to inquiries and/or problems over the telephone and in person regarding City housing and homelessness programs; investigates complaints and recommends corrective action necessary to resolve the dispute or directs individuals to appropriate sources.
Provides information and referrals to applicants on the availability of housing and housing assistance programs in the City and local communities; works as a resource person on housing programs, including those experiencing homelessness.
Ensures accuracy of City records, Grantor records, and internal financial reconciliation.
Assists in the administration of public service programs; facilitates the review of City program activities by outside agencies and programs.
Aids in administration of programs for housing and prepares and updates housing and homelessness reports on the same. KNOWLEDGE OF:
Trauma informed care and customer service principles and practices.
Community-based prevention and education programs.
Local resources available to support individuals experiencing housing instability and homelessness.
Methods of statistical data collection and analysis.
Methods and techniques of conflict resolution and mediation procedures.
English usage, proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern office equipment and software programs, including spreadsheets.
Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
Landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities.
Housing agencies and their respective powers and responsibilities.

ABILITY TO:
Work with a marginalized community often with high acuity needs.
Understand the housing problems of individuals with special housing needs, especially those applicable to persons experiencing homelessness.
Work cooperatively and effectively with contractors, vendors, the general public, and other governmental agencies.
Work independently with general supervision and interact constructively with client concerns and develop effective resolutions.
Manage a variety of work assignments.
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Understand income and debt ratios in relation to the State and Federal laws which define affordability.
Interpret, determine, and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to housing assistance programs.
Market the housing programs to the community and clients.
Complete work write-ups and inspection reports for potential housing venues.
Complete complex forms accurately.
Develop methodology to monitor and track multiple priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical combination would include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field. Three years of experience providing technical assistance in support of community outreach and education programs.

**This is a Provisional Temporary assignment dependent on grant funding. The current estimated end date is in June 2027.**

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by
telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands or arms. The employee occasionally walks and stands and lifts and moves records and documents weighing 20 pounds or less.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.
The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. The employee may work outdoors, including housing site visits, and on nights and/or weekends.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A City application and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted and received by the closing date. Application materials may be obtained online at www.vista.gov.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and live scan fingerprinting. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

**This is a Provisional Temporary assignment dependent on grant funding. The current estimated end date is in June 2027.

This position will be At-Will and benefited.**

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*:
Recruitment Closes - Monday, June 23rd, 2025
Virtual Oral Board - Week of July 7th

Department Interviews - Week of July 14th

*Please note, all dates are subject to change.

City of Vista jobs

Housing Specialist (Provisional)