Housing Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Housing Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Housing
LOCATION: Toledo WA (On-site)
REPORTS TO: Deputy Director
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $29.05 - $33.40 per hour

Closing Date: June 3 2025

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Assists in the timely and efficient administration of housing services provided by Cowlitz Indian Tribal Housing (CITH); provides assistance to tribal members applying to receive services; coordinates processing of applications; ensures compliance with CITH and HUD policies and procedures. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission vision values of CIT and Housing department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Determines client eligibility for CITH programs; initiates and processes applications in accordance with CITH and HUD policies and procedures.
• Assists clients with application process; communicates application progress and changes to clients.
• Coordinates services with banks and title companies to ensure accurate administration of the Down Payment program.
• Acts as policy communicator and spokesperson to applicants tenants and the community.
• Communicates and disseminates information to residents and Housing staff as needed; incorporates changes into procedures as necessary.
• Answers and responds to incoming telephone calls and emails regarding CITH services and programs in a timely and efficient manner ensuring professional telephone and email etiquette.
• Processes payment requests; communicates with CITH Accountant to verify proper payments.
• Establishes maintains and updates files databases records and/or other documents.
• Attends training as necessary to obtain knowledge in IHA NAHASDA & HUD policies and regulations as it pertains to resident services occupancy development modernization and financial management.
• Completes and submits accurate and timely required reports.
• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external customers of the operations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and presents a positive professional demeanor and image.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Skilled in completing accurate legally binding documentation.
• Exceptional attention to detail skills and abilities.
• Skilled in customer service especially providing clear direction and information to people seeking services.
• Knowledge of CITH and HUD policies procedures and programs.
• Knowledge of applicable federal state county and local laws regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of business English proper spelling grammar punctuation and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of customer service practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of records management.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to tribal customs and beliefs.
• Ability to operate various word-processing spreadsheet presentation database and financial software programs.
• Ability to create compose and edit written materials.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to gather data compile information and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to use good judgment analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal state county and local laws regulations requirements ordinances and legislation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree or certificate in General Studies Business or related field is desirable.
• Two years professional administrative support experience completing legally binding documents. Escrow experience is highly desirable.
• Two years customer service providing services in person on the phone or in writing.
• Related work experience may be substituted year-for-year for education.
• Valid drivers license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CITs established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks education and employment verification.
• Federal state and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently is required to use hands wrists and fingers associated with computer equipment. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. Normal visual acuity and ability to talk and hear is required by this job.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a typical interior office setting. Exposure to dirt dust allergens and potentially dangerous situations may occur. Noise level is usually minimal to moderate. Evening and weekend work may be required.