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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
SENIOR HOUSING SPECIALIST
SALARY INFORMATION
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Senior Housing Specialist vacancies within OC Community Resources/OC Housing Authority. This eligible list may also be used to fill positions in lower-level classifications within this series.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm (PT).
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR)
The Orange County Housing Authority is a division of Orange County Community Resources that administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program and other similar subsidized housing programs on behalf of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Click here for more information on the County of Orange.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Make a positive difference in the community by providing essential housing assistance to low-income households, by joining a dynamic and innovative team as a Senior Housing Specialist with the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA). The Senior Housing Specialist understands and applies the regulations and processes associated with the administration of Housing Choice Voucher Program and similar subsidized housing programs funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). OCHA is divided in four (4) sections, generally performing the following functions:
Occupancy Section : In compliance with federal regulations and local policy, staff in the Occupancy coordinate the opening of the waiting list, verify preference status, determine initial and ongoing eligibility, conduct program briefings, calculate potential rent payments, issue housing choice vouchers, refer potential program abuse for investigation, and execute repayment agreements.
Leasing Section : In compliance with federal regulations and local policy, staff in Leasing conduct initial and biennial Housing Quality Standards inspections of rental units, determine rent reasonableness, negotiate and approve rent amounts, calculate Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), execute HAP contracts with landlords and promote OCHA rental assistance programs in an effort to generate landlord interest and participation.
Special Housing Programs: In compliance with federal regulation and local policy, staff in Special Housing Programs perform similar tasks as those in the aforementioned sections for specialized programs and functions, including but not limited to: Family Self Sufficiency, Family Unification, Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing, and Non-Elderly Disabled Housing, Mainstream, and Continuum of Care program.
Administration : Staff in Administration manage operational functions and oversee program integrity in support of the agency as a whole, including all aforementioned sections.
The general responsibilities and duties associated with this position may include but are not limited to the following:- Monitoring, assigning, and reviewing tasks/workloads of subordinate staff.
- Performance of quality control review of work performed by Housing Specialists such as initial and ongoing determinations of eligibility, Housing Quality Standards inspections, and execution of HAP contracts.
- Responding to inquiries from a variety of sources.
- Conducting program integrity activities such as reviewing investigation responses from District Attorney's investigator and presenting cases during appeals addressed via the Informal Hearing process.
- Collaborating with counsel regarding records requests, policies, procedures, practices, and litigations.
- Providing technical support for administrative and operational functions such as ensuring compliance, sorting, and distributing mail, and overseeing the File Room and Reception.
- Representing the Housing Authority at various meetings, conferences, and trainings.
A hybrid telecommuting work schedule may be available for this position. This may revert to a regular on-site schedule depending on business needs .
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Program, as well as a strong working knowledge of interpreting and applying local policies, State and Federal regulations. They will be customer focused with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a positive, collaborative attitude. Candidates with experience providing training and monitoring workloads for operation effectiveness and ensuring compliance with federal regulations are preferred.
In addition to the minimum qualifications the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:
Leadership Skills- Extensive experience conducting staff development and providing technical guidance.
- Embracing continuous learning and be receptive to change.
- Extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations governing the Housing Choice Voucher Program and similar subsidized housing programs.
- Ability to interpret, understand, apply, and explain housing laws, regulations, and policies.
- Knowledge and experience with reviewing and preparing documents, procedures, correspondence and reports related to rental assistance and housing information.
- Effectively communicate in writing and orally, technical and complex information.
- Ability to compose complex correspondence and reports for a wide range of audiences.
- Present information clearly and in an organized manner.
- Create and conduct informative presentations to the public.
- Shows interest and understanding of the needs, expectations, and circumstances of internal and external customers.
- Explore options and pursues solutions until customers are satisfied.
- Responsive, pleasant, professional, and easy to do business with.
- Organize, plan and structure workload in a manner, which maximizes productivity while ensuring excellent quality.
- Prioritize workload in accordance with deadlines and Department/County goals and initiatives.
- Manage time efficiently.
Click here to view the complete minimum qualifications for the Senior Housing Specialist classification.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and desirable qualifications. After screening, only qualified applicants will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Recorded Structured Oral Interview | rSOI (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will participate in a recorded interview; the recorded interview will then be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant’s rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicant's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedure listed above may be modified. All applicants will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, Human Resource Services will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please clic k here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Rula Dabit at Rula.Dabit@occr.ocgov.com or(714) 480-2884.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 5/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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