Housing Program Specialist Jobs

Whatcom County Health and Community Services is seeking an experienced human services professional to fill the critical role of Housing Program Specialist. This position independently creates and establishes multi-faceted homeless housing system interventions and programs, working with local governments and community partners on the development and safe operation of emergency housing projects throughout Whatcom County. It administers homeless housing programs and services in Whatcom County, utilizing monies from federal, state and local funding sources. Coordinates the work of community partners and contractors to ensure objectives are accomplished. Provides leadership to the community by convening meetings and developing partnerships that foster integrated, supportive and community-based shelter and permanent housing options across Whatcom County. Provides on-site support for interim housing projects when necessary.
Job duties include:

• Providing leadership to community forums, partner agencies, advisory boards and stakeholders for homeless housing and low-income housing programs, systems, and critical issues.
• Developing and helping to implement expanded interim shelter response as necessary.
• Designing, implementing and analyzing community-wide needs assessments.
• Occasional on-site work within interim shelters needing support during severe weather events as well as in preparation.
• Providing staff support to Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee.
• Working with local jurisdictions and community partners to assess the needs of vulnerable populations in response to severe weather or other unforeseen events. These can include but are not limited to cold weather, smoke and excessive heat environments.
• Overseeing partner interim shelter development and operations by monitoring contract performance and compliance.
• Independently designing, coordinating and leading the development of community-wide interim and permanent housing systems and programs.
• Working with colleagues to support role as lead to Washington State Department of Commerce for Balance of State and homeless advisory capacity.
• Providing technical assistance and training opportunities to community partners and contractors.
• Establishing budgets to assure sustainability of programs, adjusting in response to revenue and expenditure trends. Ensuring that funding allocations represent the priorities and values of the Housing program, and are following all federal, state and local program and funding requirements.

For more information, please review the generic job description and supplemental job description.

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field AND four years of progressively responsible experience developing and coordinating housing/human service programs, especially targeted to vulnerable and/or homeless populations.

Master's Degree preferred, and may be substituted for up to six months of required experience.

Requires knowledge of:

Housing/human service program design, implementation and evaluation.

Current best practices in homeless housing field.

Affordable housing development, including use of tax credits and the state's housing trustfund.

Requires the ability to:

Contribute to a work environment where continuous quality improvements in service andprofessional practice are pursued.

Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse customers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at timeof hire and throughout employment.