Overview
The Housing Specialist description includes responsibilities to provide timely and accurate assistance to HACV HCV program participants, perform eligibility determinations, inspect units, conduct landlord outreach, monitor and determine local rental housing rates, negotiate rents, conduct investigations, brief new participants, prepare and maintain confidential documents, and represent the City and the VHA in a positive and professional manner. This position may also serve as the HCV Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator. The recruitment is being conducted to fill two full-time vacancies, and the list established may be used to fill future vacancies for up to one year. A 5% COLA increase is effective July 2026.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, effective communication, customer service orientation, the ability to work independently and in a team, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, respect for others, and an understanding of the organization and operation of the City and outside agencies. The Department is the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department, which manages HUD-funded programs. The Vallejo Housing Authority (VHA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and its subprograms, and coordinates the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The HCD Division also provides staff support to the Housing and Community Development Commission. The City of Vallejo information highlights its location, demographics, and community features.
Responsibilities Determine initial eligibility and continued eligibility of program participants; interview housing applicants; investigate and verify applicant and participant information; contact applicants and participants to clarify informational discrepancies; manage applicant waiting lists.
Inspect properties to determine compliance with Section 8 requirements regarding housing quality and safety; advise property owners and tenants of maintenance needs; document repair requirements; conduct damage and move-out inspections.
Counsel tenants, property owners and/or managers to avoid disputes; conduct follow-up inspections of previously failed inspections upon completion of work and repairs.
Perform regularly scheduled reexaminations of participants' financial situations to ensure continued eligibility; make appropriate rent adjustments.
Counsel participants regarding portability, termination procedures, and other requirements; research Section 8 availability in various areas; assist participants moving from another Housing Authority jurisdiction.
Interview and confer with realtors, property managers or owners to negotiate total monthly rents; prepare and process Housing Assistance Payment Contracts, contract terminations, and amendments.
Conduct individual and group briefing sessions and answer participants' questions.
Prepare correspondence to agencies, landlords, and businesses to verify applicant data.
Perform technical clerical functions pertaining to occupancy eligibility; prepare briefing packets; investigate searches and locate sources of information; maintain landlord information databases.
Answer technical questions; prepare routine and confidential correspondence and reports.
Operate and maintain HUD computer programs using word processing, spreadsheet, and online programs.
Perform related duties and responsibilities for all programs under the Housing & Community Development Division as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge:
Modern office practices, methods and procedures.
Modern English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Standard office machines and equipment, including computer terminals and applicable electronic equipment.
Record keeping principles and practice; basic mathematical computations.
Techniques for working with diverse individuals and backgrounds; interviewing and counseling techniques.
Legal mandates, rules, regulations, local policies related to housing and occupancy eligibility procedures.
Operational procedures, policies, rules, regulations and legal provisions specific to the assignment; housing inspections procedures.
Related codes and ordinances pertaining to public housing programs.
Abilities:
Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, and building codes.
Interpret legal mandates, policies, rules and regulations and apply to occupancy eligibility procedures.
Create and maintain filing systems; prepare indices and cross-reference files.
Interpret information from tables and forms; interview and counsel diverse individuals; multi-task and meet deadlines under pressure.
Negotiate rent agreements, contract terminations, and amendments.
Perform complex and specialized technical and clerical work with independent judgment.
Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.
Type and word process efficiently; follow oral and written directions.
Communicate clearly with clients, including those who are hostile or upset; demonstrate empathy.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and a positive public image.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Experience Two years of experience in a social or community service agency involving public contact requiring explanation and application of rules, regulations and standards, and one year of experience performing duties in a housing services environment comparable to a Housing Specialist I, or one year of experience as a Housing Specialist I. Note: One year of clerical experience in a housing program may be substituted for one of the two years of social services experience. Education Equivalent to a high school diploma with specialized training in business practices, record management, and related systems. An Associate’s Degree or certificate in business, management, social services, psychology or a related field is desirable. License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license; maintain in good standing throughout employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year (at employer’s expense), certifications in Eligibility, Occupancy, and Housing Quality Standards.
Maintain any required licenses/certifications in good standing during employment.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in an indoor office setting, with some inspection site work. Communicate with others orally, in person, or by phone. Prolonged desk or computer work; occasional physical tasks. Field and office work may involve exposure to inclement weather, noise, fumes, dust, and heavy traffic. Accommodation can be provided for qualified individuals who request it.
The Recruitment & Selection Process
Applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, February 23, 2026. Submit a City of Vallejo online application with all supplemental responses by the deadline.
Applications will be screened for qualifications the week of Monday, February 23, 2026.
Best-qualified applicants will be invited to online skills assessments the week of Monday, March 9, 2026; their responses will be scored by subject matter experts.
Minimum qualifications will be scored the week of Monday March 16, 2026; top applicants will be invited to a Performance Examination and an Oral Panel Interview.
Written Exercise and Oral Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled the week of Monday, April 6, 2026. Oral Panel Interviews are weighted at 100% of the score; a passing score of 70% is required. Those scoring 70% or higher will be placed on the Register of Eligibles for up to one year.
Reasonable Accommodations The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants as required by ADA and FEHA. Contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation before the deadline listed above.
Prior to Hire The selected candidate will undergo reference checks, pre-employment background checks (including fingerprint), a pre-placement medical exam, and verification of legal right to work in the United States.
Disaster Service Workers
- All City employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be required to complete related training and to return to work as ordered in emergencies.
Veteran’s Preference
- Veteran’s preference points apply as per Civil Service Rule 24; a DD 214 form must be filed with the application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
- The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or other non-job-related factors.
Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract and may be modified without notice.
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The Housing Specialist description includes responsibilities to provide timely and accurate assistance to HACV HCV program participants, perform eligibility determinations, inspect units, conduct landlord outreach, monitor and determine local rental housing rates, negotiate rents, conduct investigations, brief new participants, prepare and maintain confidential documents, and represent the City and the VHA in a positive and professional manner. This position may also serve as the HCV Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator. The recruitment is being conducted to fill two full-time vacancies, and the list established may be used to fill future vacancies for up to one year. A 5% COLA increase is effective July 2026.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, effective communication, customer service orientation, the ability to work independently and in a team, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, respect for others, and an understanding of the organization and operation of the City and outside agencies. The Department is the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department, which manages HUD-funded programs. The Vallejo Housing Authority (VHA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and its subprograms, and coordinates the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The HCD Division also provides staff support to the Housing and Community Development Commission. The City of Vallejo information highlights its location, demographics, and community features.
Responsibilities Determine initial eligibility and continued eligibility of program participants; interview housing applicants; investigate and verify applicant and participant information; contact applicants and participants to clarify informational discrepancies; manage applicant waiting lists.
Inspect properties to determine compliance with Section 8 requirements regarding housing quality and safety; advise property owners and tenants of maintenance needs; document repair requirements; conduct damage and move-out inspections.
Counsel tenants, property owners and/or managers to avoid disputes; conduct follow-up inspections of previously failed inspections upon completion of work and repairs.
Perform regularly scheduled reexaminations of participants' financial situations to ensure continued eligibility; make appropriate rent adjustments.
Counsel participants regarding portability, termination procedures, and other requirements; research Section 8 availability in various areas; assist participants moving from another Housing Authority jurisdiction.
Interview and confer with realtors, property managers or owners to negotiate total monthly rents; prepare and process Housing Assistance Payment Contracts, contract terminations, and amendments.
Conduct individual and group briefing sessions and answer participants' questions.
Prepare correspondence to agencies, landlords, and businesses to verify applicant data.
Perform technical clerical functions pertaining to occupancy eligibility; prepare briefing packets; investigate searches and locate sources of information; maintain landlord information databases.
Answer technical questions; prepare routine and confidential correspondence and reports.
Operate and maintain HUD computer programs using word processing, spreadsheet, and online programs.
Perform related duties and responsibilities for all programs under the Housing & Community Development Division as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge:
Modern office practices, methods and procedures.
Modern English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Standard office machines and equipment, including computer terminals and applicable electronic equipment.
Record keeping principles and practice; basic mathematical computations.
Techniques for working with diverse individuals and backgrounds; interviewing and counseling techniques.
Legal mandates, rules, regulations, local policies related to housing and occupancy eligibility procedures.
Operational procedures, policies, rules, regulations and legal provisions specific to the assignment; housing inspections procedures.
Related codes and ordinances pertaining to public housing programs.
Abilities:
Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, and building codes.
Interpret legal mandates, policies, rules and regulations and apply to occupancy eligibility procedures.
Create and maintain filing systems; prepare indices and cross-reference files.
Interpret information from tables and forms; interview and counsel diverse individuals; multi-task and meet deadlines under pressure.
Negotiate rent agreements, contract terminations, and amendments.
Perform complex and specialized technical and clerical work with independent judgment.
Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports.
Type and word process efficiently; follow oral and written directions.
Communicate clearly with clients, including those who are hostile or upset; demonstrate empathy.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and a positive public image.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Experience Two years of experience in a social or community service agency involving public contact requiring explanation and application of rules, regulations and standards, and one year of experience performing duties in a housing services environment comparable to a Housing Specialist I, or one year of experience as a Housing Specialist I. Note: One year of clerical experience in a housing program may be substituted for one of the two years of social services experience. Education Equivalent to a high school diploma with specialized training in business practices, record management, and related systems. An Associate’s Degree or certificate in business, management, social services, psychology or a related field is desirable. License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license; maintain in good standing throughout employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year (at employer’s expense), certifications in Eligibility, Occupancy, and Housing Quality Standards.
Maintain any required licenses/certifications in good standing during employment.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in an indoor office setting, with some inspection site work. Communicate with others orally, in person, or by phone. Prolonged desk or computer work; occasional physical tasks. Field and office work may involve exposure to inclement weather, noise, fumes, dust, and heavy traffic. Accommodation can be provided for qualified individuals who request it.
The Recruitment & Selection Process
Applications are due by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, February 23, 2026. Submit a City of Vallejo online application with all supplemental responses by the deadline.
Applications will be screened for qualifications the week of Monday, February 23, 2026.
Best-qualified applicants will be invited to online skills assessments the week of Monday, March 9, 2026; their responses will be scored by subject matter experts.
Minimum qualifications will be scored the week of Monday March 16, 2026; top applicants will be invited to a Performance Examination and an Oral Panel Interview.
Written Exercise and Oral Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled the week of Monday, April 6, 2026. Oral Panel Interviews are weighted at 100% of the score; a passing score of 70% is required. Those scoring 70% or higher will be placed on the Register of Eligibles for up to one year.
Reasonable Accommodations The City of Vallejo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants as required by ADA and FEHA. Contact the Human Resources Department to request an accommodation before the deadline listed above.
Prior to Hire The selected candidate will undergo reference checks, pre-employment background checks (including fingerprint), a pre-placement medical exam, and verification of legal right to work in the United States.
Disaster Service Workers
- All City employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be required to complete related training and to return to work as ordered in emergencies.
Veteran’s Preference
- Veteran’s preference points apply as per Civil Service Rule 24; a DD 214 form must be filed with the application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
- The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or other non-job-related factors.
Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract and may be modified without notice.
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