Program Specialist

About Us

Founded in 1937, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has kept the promise of public housing alive. It has done so by maintaining and modernizing its buildings and enriching the lives of its residents through innovative social services, recreational and educational programs, and job training initiatives. What makes HABC successful is the dedication of its employees and its history of strong leadership.

HABC Benefits

Health and Well-Being

At the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC), we offer a competitive benefits package that supports our recruitment and retention goals and meets the diverse, evolving needs of our employees. HABC’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

Vacation and Leave

• Universal leave program
• 12 paid holidays

Health and Wellness

• Medical and dental insurance
• Employer‑paid vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free health and wellness programs

Income Protection and Retirement

• Life insurance with optional additional coverage
• Short‑term disability
• Voluntary Plans
• Retirement programs with employee contribution options

Position Summary

Under direct supervision, provides clear and informative information orally and in writing to clients, tenants, landlords, other agencies, and employees. Performs client eligibility calculations that are in compliance with HUD guidelines. Maintains case management information, performs data entry, and creates reports. Position requires excellent customer service skills and mathematical abilities.  

All activities must support the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Communicates with clients, property owners, tenants, other agencies, and employees by telephone, in writing, or in person.
  • Provides information about housing assistance programs.
  • Assists with new client and landlord orientations.
• Explains HUD regulations and contract terms.
• Obtains documentation to assist clients.
• Completes accurate and expedient contract work.
• Determines client eligibility and completes HUD’s re-certification and re-examination procedures for new and existing clients. Verifies household composition and income, coordinates unit inspections, contacts clients, and prepares paperwork.
• Performs rent calculations on all approved units to determine contract rent, tenant portion, and Housing Assistance Payment portion. Performs rent reasonableness and rent affordability on all RFTA’s.
• Gathers information from clients concerning landlord/tenant disputes and non-payment issues. Assists with preparing reports and work orders.
• Prepares a variety of reports, documents, and records concerning Section 8 properties and property owners.
• Performs case management functions. Maintains and analyzes information on account activities and accurately completes related data entry.
• May perform the following duties:
  • Total Tenant Payments (TTP), Housing Assistance payments (HAP), and utility allowances.
  • Annual Income Reexaminations and Interim Changes.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

Graduation from an accredited four (4)- year college or university with a Business- or Social Service-related degree. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may include: an Associate’s Degree in Business or Social Service and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience performing client eligibility calculations in compliance with HUD guidelines and maintaining case management information.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Maryland driver's license.
• Must be able to be covered under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy.

Other Requirements:

• Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Successful completion of a prescreening investigation, including verification of employment history and education credentials.
• A 6-month probationary period applies to this full-time permanent position.

FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY: Current HABC employees who are on probation, whether due to initial new hire status (6 months) or promotion (3 months), will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within HABC once their probationary period is successfully completed. This allows time for growth, development, and the demonstration of their skills and commitment, paving the way for new opportunities within the organization.

If you are currently under the progressive disciplinary process or have received disciplinary action within the past six (6) months, it may impact your ability to be considered for promotion within HABC. Please refer to the Manual of Personnel Policies or the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement for additional information regarding the disciplinary process.

This job posting will remain open until September 8^th, 2026.