Housing Specialist I/II - Riverside

Housing Specialist I/II - Riverside

Salary

$52,478.40 - $79,872.00 Annually

Location

Riverside

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

26-97463-04

Department

Housing Authority

Division

Housing Authority

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The County of Riversides Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS), Housing Authority Division, is seeking to fill multiple vacancies for a Housing Specialist I/II located in Riverside, CA.

Incumbents perform a variety of duties related to providing housing assistance to low-income individuals through the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs. Duties include calculating income, responding to questions, and providing information to the public. Additionally, the position may require travel to conduct property inspections and provide in-person support and outreach. The role involves performing field-based activities and engaging with clients in various settings, which may include standing, walking, and remaining on your feet for extended periods while delivering services and providing client support.

The most competitive candidates will have experience in homeless outreach, connecting clients with resources, and providing exceptional customer service in a public agency environment. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook is preferred. Experience with Section 8 or other housing assistance programs is highly desired. This position requires at least 1 year of case management experience.

The Housing Specialist I is distinguished from the Housing Specialist II by the former's performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Housing Specialist II.

The Housing Specialist I is a natural progression underfill for the Housing Specialist II. Incumbents are eligible to promote to Housing Specialist II upon successful completion of their probationary period, which would include a satisfactory performance evaluation and any additional qualification requirements.

The Housing Specialist II is distinguished from the Housing Specialist I by the former's ability to perform the full range of assigned duties with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise.

This role may require occasional evening, weekend, or overtime work.

The level at which the position will be filled is at the discretion of the department.

Salary Range:

Housing Specialist I = $25.2320-$34.9225

Housing Specialist II = $28.6365-$38.4000

Meet the Team!

The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) Department is a dedicated group that prioritizes delivering services to the County's most vulnerable populations. Through helpful interventions that meet our county's housing and workforce related needs, HWS is promoting prosperous neighborhoods and healthy communities. Can you see yourself here?

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Housing Specialist I:

• Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants eligibility and participants continued eligibility for assisted housing programs utilizing established timelines, agency policies and federal regulations.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Conduct initial, annual and special inspections of housing assistance units or residences for various assistance programs in HWS; ensure assisted units comply with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) requirements for decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions; advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs.
• Prepare and execute contracts between the Housing Authority and property owners; negotiate rent with property owners; calculate participants rent; initiate the collection of delinquent overpayments from participants or property owners.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.
• Assist in the development and implementation of resident programs.
• Duties assigned may be either in caseload management or initial eligibility determination.

Housing Specialist II:

Examples of Essential Duties (may include but not limited to)

• Conduct specialized, technical field inspections or assessment for various assistance programs available to County residents through the HWS Department; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with applicable regulations and standards, safe and sanitary conditions; prepare work orders; implement and monitor outcomes.
• Advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections, assessment, or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs; conduct site visits with contracted vendors for quality control, provide technical consultation and make recommendations as needed.
• Answer questions and provide applicable program information to the applicants and public.
• Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants eligibility and tenants continual eligibility for the programs.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.

HOUSING AND WORKFORCE SOLUTION (In addition to the general essential duties listed above, incumbents assigned to HWS):

• Conduct initial, annual, special and vacated unit inspections for Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS); ensure decent, safe and sanitary conditions; develop service quality improvement initiatives; implement and monitor outcomes.
• Mediate between the tenant and property owner; determine liabilities and charges for tenants and owners during vacated unit inspections; process damage claims; liaison between the Department of Mental Health and state licensed board and care facilities; troubleshoot and assist in resolving issues.
• Conduct damage and move out inspections; investigate claims regarding violations of housing quality standards; counsel tenants on good housekeeping practices.
• Request and verify documents from property owners to confirm ownership of property.
• Prepare and execute contracts between the Housing Authority and property owners; prepare leases and agreements between tenants and property owners; negotiate rent agreements with property owners; calculate tenants rent; initiate the collection of delinquent overpayments from participants or property owners.
• Investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Housing Specialist I:

Experience: Minimum of one year housing or other state or federal program eligibility or social work experience is preferred; OR one year of work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree may substitute for program eligibility experience.)

Knowledge of: Basic interviewing skills and techniques; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation; safety and health standards; general construction or building inspection; principles and procedures of record keeping; basic mathematics.

Ability to: Learn Section 8 and related assisted housing programs and HQS; learn weatherization programs and energy efficiency principles and measures; policies and procedures; learn, interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; learn to perform housing inspections; determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; operate a computer terminal and standard office machines; perform accurate mathematical calculations; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including Housing Authority staff, program participants, and the general public.

Housing Specialist II:

Experience: Two years full-time work experience equivalent to Housing Specialist I duties and responsibilities; OR two years of full-time work experience in Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; OR two years of full-time work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree may substitute for one year of program eligibility experience.)

Knowledge of: Section 8 and related assisted housing programs, policies and procedures or regulations; HUD HQS; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; operations, services and activities in providing housing assistance to low-income persons under the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; general construction or building inspection; energy efficiency measures.

Ability to: Perform housing inspections, determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve complaints; identify and respond to program participants and public issues and concerns; work effectively with people from a variety of social, economic and racial backgrounds; work independently in the absence of supervisor.

ALL OPTIONS

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Experience: MUST possess at least one (1) year of case management experience.

Physical/Environmental: Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time. May be required to travel to conduct property inspections and provide in-person support and outreach. Work may be performed in both office and field settings and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.

License/Certificate: Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver's License at the time of application is required, as this position requires driving to perform essential job duties (including travel between Housing Authority sites, meetings, and other work-related locations). Employees must maintain a driving record that meets the insurable requirements of the Housing Authority's carrier.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Notice

In accordance with the HUD Annual Contributions Contract HUD-53012, applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to the Housing Assistance Program. This includes financial interests held by the applicant or certain close family members or associates, such as owning rental property receiving Section 8 assistance.

Under Section 16ofHUD-53012, ownership of units leased to Section 8 participants by the applicant or their close family/associates may affect eligibility for certain positions. This disclosure ensures transparency and compliance with federal regulations (24 CFR § 982.161). Additional information may be requested during the recruitment process.

Applicants should review this requirement carefully and be prepared to provide relevant information.

For details, see: HUD-53012 Annual Contributions Contract.

For questions regarding this recruitment

Please contact Genesis Ochoategui at gochoategui@rivco.org, or call (951) 955-4593. Please allow 1-3 business days for response to general inquiries.

____

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veterans Preference

The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouses) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouses death certificate, a letter of spouses disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veterans Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations

The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Work Location and Telework

In-person attendance is the standard work expectation for County of Riverside assignments. Certain assignments may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule; however, telework arrangements are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Employees who telework are expected to be able to report to their assigned worksite on short notice or as operational needs require. Unless otherwise specified for a particular position, employees are expected to reside in California following appointment. Limited exceptions may apply. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding work location expectations, telework eligibility, and residency requirements.

Proof of Education

If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period

As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information

Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the Apply link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veterans preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

BENEFIT PROGRAM: SEI

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.

MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,

Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If theres any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:

Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave Benefits. The wage replacement rate is determined by current law, offering 60-70% of the wages earned during the SDI eligibility period.

Additionally, employees receive employer-paid Long-Term Disability Benefits, which cover 66.67% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. There is a 365-day waiting period before these benefits become active. Employees may coordinate these benefits with other available leave balances to receive up to 100% of their regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

01

Are you a current regular or temporary employee with the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions Department?

• Yes
• No

02

Select the answer that best describes your current drivers license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I am able to obtain a valid California drivers license.
• I currently have a valid out-of-state drivers license, and I am able to obtain a valid California drivers license.
• I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California drivers license.

03

I understand that this position may require driving to other facilities in the County of Riverside to conduct property inspections. (A County vehicle will be provided.)

• Yes
• No

04

I understand the physical requirements of this position as stated in the job posting, and I am willing and able to perform these duties with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Yes
• No

05

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree? (Please upload your transcript or diploma with your application.)

• Yes
• No

06

I acknowledge that I am required to provide proof of my degree or a copy of my transcript(s) as verification of educational units completed prior to the closing date of the job posting. (Official and unofficial transcripts will be accepted. If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation.)

• Yes
• No

07

How many years of experience do you have with housing or other state or federal program eligibility or social work? (Include details on your resume/application.)

• None
• Less than 12 months
• 1 year or more, less than 2 years
• 2 year or more, less than 3 years
• 3 year or more, less than 4 years
• 4 year or more, less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

08

How many years of experience do you have providing case management services to clients in a social services, human services, housing, homeless services, or closely related program? (Include details on your resume/application)

• None
• Less than 12 months
• 1 year or more, less than 2 years
• 2 year or more, less than 3 years
• 3 year or more, less than 4 years
• 4 year or more, less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

09

How many years of experience do you have working with Section 8 or other housing programs? (Include details on your resume/application.)

• None
• Less than 12 months
• 1 year or more, less than 2 years
• 2 year or more, less than 3 years
• 3 year or more, less than 4 years
• 4 year or more, less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

10

This position may require occasional evening, weekend, or overtime work. Are you able to work this schedule when needed?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you, or any of the following persons related to you, have a financial interest in the Riverside County Housing Authority's Housing Assistance Program as a property landlord receiving rental assistance income on behalf of tenants? (Persons related to you include: Spouse, domestic partner, significant other, child, parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, in-law or step of any aforementioned relations, business partner, and/or organization employing any of the aforementioned persons.) If yes, you will be asked to provide additional details to allow for evaluation of any potential conflicts of interest.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer County of Riverside

Address County Admin. Center P.O. Box 1569

4080 Lemon St., 7th floor

Riverside, California, 92502-1569

Phone Contact Recruiter for Job Information

Website http://www.rc-hr.com