Housing Services Application Specialist

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Performs tasks of moderate difficulty requisite to and necessary for the application for and admission to dwelling units owned by or administered by the Housing Authority in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development regulations and Housing Authority policies and procedures.

The City of Des Moines promotes a healthy work life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Residency Incentive Program
• Alternative Work Schedule Options
• Paid Volunteer Time-Off
• Parental Leave
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health/Dental/Life/LTD Insurance
• Wellness Programs and Activities
• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education Programs
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Benefit
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan through IPERS
• Deferred Compensation Plan with City Match up to 2.5%
• Voluntary Insurance Benefit Options
• Employee Discount Program

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from High School with courses in office practices and social interrelationships; and
• Two years practical experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

College transcripts must be submitted with your application or separately to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by email to humanresources@dmgov.org , by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail or hand delivery to 1200 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309 on or before the application deadline to receive credit.

Required Special Qualifications

• A minimum typing speed of 40 wpm (requires completion of performance examination - see information below).
• Ability to obtain Rent Calculation Certification within one-year of appointment.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.
• Possession of a valid Iowa driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

COMPLETION OF PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION:
Please go to speedtypingonline.com to complete a free 5-minute typing test (the site defaults as a 1 minute test but you will need to change this to 5 minutes) . On the site you are able to “Personalize Results”. Please type in your first and last name as it appears on your application. The online typing test can be accepted if it is from this site only and witnessed by another person. Results printed from the testing website must meet the following requirements.

Submitted exam results must show:

• Net number of words typed (Speed).
• Show that you completed a Five minute timed test.
• Your name (on the site you are able to “Personalize Results”. Please type in your first and last name as it appears on your application) and the date the exam was completed.
  • Name and date must be shown on the printed results from the testing website not hand written or added by someone. Again, you can “Personalize Results” on the site.
• Witness signature, witness printed name, and valid email address for the witness. Witness must be age 18 years or older.
  • If you do not have printing capabilities, please email your results to humanresources@dmgov.org and your witness. Your witness may then "Reply All" to the email stating their name and that they witnessed you completing the online typing test on the specified date. It is your responsibility to make sure your witness responds by the exam deadline.

You must submit exam results to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department via email ( humanresources@dmgov.org ) by 4:00 pm CT on Monday, June 22, 2026. Passing score is 40 net words per minute (Speed).

IN LIEU OF THE PERFORMANCE EXAM : Applicants must currently hold a City of Des Moines Civil Service position requiring a typing speed of 40 WPM or higher OR have previously taken the online timed typing test resulting in a score of 40 NWPM or higher within 1 YEAR of the application deadline. The applicant is required to contact the City's Human Resources Department at (515) 283-4213 or by email at humanresources@dmgov.org to attach a previously submitted typing test to their current application by the application deadline (no later than 4:00 pm CT on Monday, June 22, 2026 ).

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Performs the tasks and activities associated with the taking of applications from persons or families interested in assisted housing accommodations.
• Interviews applicants and from responses received completes appropriate application form.
• Initiates the method or methods necessary to verify information received applicable to family composition, sources and amounts of income and assets, and present living circumstances.
• Explains program requirements to applicants.
• Establishes applicant files.
• Establishes and maintains waiting lists. Responsible for the purging and updating of waiting lists.
• Monitors lists and files for status of actions required.
• Performs other duties related to applications as assigned.
• Assists with the showing and leasing up of units to prospective tenants.
• Prepares and conducts briefings with prospective tenants.
• Prepares and conducts informal reviews for denial of assistance.
• Assists with managing and data entry into the work-order system within Public Housing.
• Assists with marketing public housing units.
• Screen applications for program eligibility.
• Answers telephone and web inquires.
• Receives and replies to routine correspondence.

Click here for benefit summary

Closing Date/Time: 6/22/2026 4:00 PM Central

• 

• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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