Housing Specialist II

Posting Close Date

Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-13-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

As part of this online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and cover letter at the time of application.

Applications received that do not contain both a resume and a cover letter addressing the prompt below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

COVER LETTER PROMPT:

Please submit a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the Housing Specialist II position and how your experience and skills have prepared you to be successful in this role.

In your cover letter, please briefly address:

• Your relevant experience in housing programs, case management, social services, customer service, or related fields.
• Your ability to interpret and apply policies or program requirements, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and manage competing priorities.
• Why you are interested in this position and the key strengths you would bring to the role.

Please provide specific examples where possible. Your cover letter must not exceed one page

This position is grant funded and funding is reviewed on an annual basis.

Position Specific Summary

The Housing Specialist II will be responsible for performing critical functions within the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing programs, including processing applications, conducting recertifications, and managing high-volume caseloads. Ideal candidates will possess strong attention to detail, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance with housing regulations. The role requires individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, demonstrate a hands-on approach to problem-solving, and consistently deliver high-quality service to program participants. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, independent, and capable of navigating complex housing assistance tasks with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Interviews applicants, collects required data, and completes applications for continuing eligibility housing assistance. Reviews the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing Program with new applicants and answers questions in the group or individual setting. Verifies information received from applicants including income, assets, and allowances, to include social services, welfare (TANF/SNAP), childcare and medical expenses to determine continued eligibility for housing assistance or to make interim adjustments due to changes in financial circumstances of participants. Obtains criminal background from participants and applicants to ensure program compliance. Investigates reported changes in income, expenses, and participant status to determine if fraudulent information has been reported resulting in deficient participant rent portions and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Calculates and prorates applicant's net income, rent, and utility allowances concurrent with the applicant's acceptance of housing. Researches and interprets HUD regulations to effectively explain policies and procedures to disseminates rental assistance information to landlords, tenants, and applicants. Schedules eligible applicants for the program briefing session. Schedules and conducts recertification appointments and interviews to determine continued eligibility.

Issues voucher authorizing clients to rent housing based on Housing Subsidy Standards. Distributes packages of information to certified participants relative to the Housing Choice Voucher program. Identifies errors in rent calculations and initiates measures to collect rent overpayments from participants. Computes subsidy payments and total tenant payments (TTP) in accordance with established HUD formulas from income data obtained in interviews and investigations. Generates contract drafts, interim changes, re-certifications, form letters, and other client information and/or correspondence. Prepares new files for participants relocating from one unit to another unit. Counsels applicants regarding the size unit, utility allowances, and rent amount allowable under HUD guidelines. Provides applicants with a landlord packet and a list of apartment and housing listing within the County. Performs rent reasonableness studies to determine if housing unit rent is comparable to others in the same area or neighborhood.

Responds to phone inquiries, compiles information to generate maintenance work orders, processes paperwork, prepares reports, enters information into the computer system, reviews files for accuracy, and prepares correspondence. Provides customer service by demonstrating tact and persuasion when dealing with customers who may be or become irate or distraught; listens to customer concerns and asks questions, demonstrates empathy, researches inquiries and discrepancies. Refers program participants to services offered by other community-based organizations. Coordinates with landlords and participants to facilitate occupancy and resolve landlord tenant issues. Consults with other housing districts regarding billing and case progress of portables residing in and out of the housing jurisdiction. Communicates with housing inspectors to request inspections of rental units. Covers front desk in the absence of the front desk attendant to engage and assist with visitors as needed.

Assists in the preparation and analysis for required reporting including Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP), Rental Integrity Monitoring (RIM), and corrective action plans. Purges participant files to maintain current data and imports and converts data for merged files. Processes and documents participant files concerning possible determination from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Attends informal hearings related to program violations conducted by a hearing officer to provide information regarding lease agreement, case file notes, and other supporting documentation as needed. Consults and documents meetings with landlords regarding repeated violations of the dwelling lease agreement and Housing Choice Voucher program. Assists with quality control through regular audits of housing files and records to ensure compliance with program guidelines. Determines and processes income summaries for repayment agreements. Compiles and maintains applicant files consisting of initial applications and supplemental data accumulated through verification procedures. Assists in the compilation and reporting of data for HUD and other reports.

Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

One (1) year of relevant experience

Equivalency

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Associate degree or equivalent two (2) years of related experience.

One (1) year of professional work experience in Customer Service or Community and Social Services.

Proficiency with housing software.

Bi-lingual (English / Spanish).

Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Prior experience providing face-to-face customer service with customers/clients.

Housing Assistance Certifications from a certified organization.

Must be able to access HUD systems as well as State of Arizona verification systems (i.e. DES).

POSITION DETAILS

Job Profile

J1422 - Housing Specialist II

View full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.

Compensation Grade

G104

Hourly Range

$19.97 - 29.95 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Non-Exempt

Position Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Department

Housing and Community Development

Department Link

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development

Background Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US

Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

Citizenship

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

The city does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

ADA Accessibility Compliant Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov.

Recruiter Name

Stephanie Vejar

Recruiter Email

HCD_HR@tucsonaz.gov

For general Human Resources questions please contact 520-837-4190.