County of Orange

  • Housing Specialist I

  • Orange County, CA
  • Orange County, California United States View Map
CAREER DESCRIPTION

HOUSING SPECIALIST I

SALARY INFORMATION

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and 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/future Housing Specialist I positions within OC Community Resources/OC Housing Authority. The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and/or lower-level classifications throughout the County of Orange

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PT)

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately

ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY (OCHA)
Orange County Housing Authority administers federally funded programs to provide monthly rental assistance to qualified tenants in privately owned rental housing. OCHA is a division within OC Community Resources (OCCR).

For more information on OC Community Resources click here.
For more information on the County of Orange click here.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Housing Specialist I is a trainee class in the Housing Specialist series and is considered an entry-level position. There is no permanent status at the Housing Specialist I level. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate progressive proficiency by performing work with increasing independence in order to advance to the Housing Specialist II level after one (1) year of appointment.

Incumbents learn to perform a variety of office and/or field duties involved in providing housing assistance to low-income households under the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher Program (and similar subsidized housing programs).

The Orange County Housing Authority is divided into four (4) sections:
  • Occupancy Section
  • Leasing/Inspection Section
  • Special Housing Programs
  • Administration

The general responsibilities and duties associated with this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Performs initial and ongoing eligibility as it pertains to rental assistance and interprets and applies regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Manages caseloads through ongoing review, tracking, and assessment.
  • Collects required documentation from applicants, participants, and landlords.
  • Determines rent reasonableness and affordability of rental units and calculates rental assistance payments and repayment arrangements.
  • Performs Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections and leasing activity.
  • Prepares reports and correspondences for various agencies, landlords, or businesses that seek or report housing information.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will possess experience related to housing programs as well as working knowledge/experience of interpreting and applying local policy and federal regulations.

Bilingual candidates who are fluent in speaking, reading, and writing another language other than English are highly encouraged to apply.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the knowledge and/or experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Expertise
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the housing industry.
  • Ability to interpret, understand, apply and explain housing laws, regulations, policies, etc.
  • Ability to prepare clear, well-written, and technically accurate documents and correspondence.
  • Experience in collection, aggregation, calculation, and analysis of data
  • Demonstrated knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including contemporary office technology, computerized record-keeping systems, and basic business mathematics.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office software.
Customer Service
  • Accurately apply regulations and/or policies and follow procedures to solve challenges.
  • Provide the highest quality service to the public by addressing concerns timely, accurately, and professionally.
Analysis & Problem Solving
  • Take the initiative to identify and solve problems.
  • Compile facts, data, and input prior to making important decisions.
  • Act decisively and demonstrate good judgment.
Organization & Planning
  • Organize, plan and structure workload(s) in a manner, which maximizes productivity while ensuring excellent quality
  • Prioritize workload(s) in accordance with deadlines and Department/County goals/initiatives
  • Manage time efficiently
Oral & Written Communication
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
  • Communicate technical and complex information in a clear and easy to understand manner.
  • Compose correspondence for a wide range of audiences.
  • Create and conduct informative presentations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here to view the minimum qualifications for Housing Specialist I.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.

Online Exam | Multiple Choice (Weighted 100%)
An online exam consisting of job-related questions will be administered. Candidates who pass this test will be referred to the next step.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS 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 click 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 specific information related to this recruitment, contact Rula Dabit at 714-480-2884 or email at Rula.Dabit@occr.oc.gov.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.



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

Closing Date/Time: 7/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
County of Orange

County of Orange

714.834.5315

Discover 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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