Program Specialist

Summary

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Specialist

The Department of Housing Services is currently hiring for a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Specialist to contribute to our mission of creating pathways out of homelessness, promoting housing stability, and investing in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents.

In this role, the FSS Program Specialist will play a key part in administering and strengthening the (FSS) program, including developing and maintaining the Action Plan, tracking participant progress, maintaining accurate case management records, and compiling program data to meet reporting requirements. The role also provides direct case management, working closely with FSS and Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) participants to identify goals, remove barriers, and connect them with community resources. By combining structured program administration with personalized coaching and skill-building support, this position helps participants advance toward economic stability and long-term housing success.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Thorough knowledge of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, including participant goal-setting, barrier reduction, and resource coordination to support long-term economic self-sufficiency.
• Ability to assess participant needs and connect households with community services, employment opportunities, financial literacy resources, and other supports that align with individualized FSS goals.
• Skill in developing and maintaining the FSS Action Plan by gathering stakeholder input and ensuring the plan reflects program goals and community needs.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate case management records, tracking participant progress, and managing program data to meet HUD and organizational reporting requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including representing the FSS program at community events, trainings, and partner meetings.
• Ability to promote a supportive, inclusive, and motivating environment for participants and colleagues, with a commitment to access and opportunity.
• Capacity to identify process improvements within FSS service delivery, enhancing efficiency, participant outcomes, and compliance with regulations.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to applicable HUD regulations, agency policies, and reporting procedures relevant to FSS operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• An Associate's Degree in a social service, business administration, or related field; AND, One (1) year of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination, and/or contract administration; OR
• Three (3) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete a post-offer criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.

About the Department/Division:

The Department of Housing (including the Housing Authority of Washington County) is an innovative organization responsible for rent assistance, affordable housing development and operations, public housing, and homeless services programming across our community. We are a dynamic team that highly values a culture of access and inclusion, differing perspectives, and life experiences. We embrace collaboration, work-life balance, hybrid work, a supportive workplace, and are passionate about the work we do to serve and support our community.

Our commitment to you: Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Questions?

Recruiter: Gregory Garabedian

Email Address: Gregory_Garabedian@washingtoncountyor.gov

Job Description

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Specialist

The Department of Housing Services is currently hiring for a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Specialist to contribute to our mission of creating pathways out of homelessness, promoting housing stability, and investing in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents.

In this role, the FSS Program Specialist will play a key part in administering and strengthening the (FSS) program, including developing and maintaining the Action Plan, tracking participant progress, maintaining accurate case management records, and compiling program data to meet reporting requirements. The role also provides direct case management, working closely with FSS and Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) participants to identify goals, remove barriers, and connect them with community resources. By combining structured program administration with personalized coaching and skill-building support, this position helps participants advance toward economic stability and long-term housing success.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Thorough knowledge of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, including participant goal-setting, barrier reduction, and resource coordination to support long-term economic self-sufficiency.
• Ability to assess participant needs and connect households with community services, employment opportunities, financial literacy resources, and other supports that align with individualized FSS goals.
• Skill in developing and maintaining the FSS Action Plan by gathering stakeholder input and ensuring the plan reflects program goals and community needs.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate case management records, tracking participant progress, and managing program data to meet HUD and organizational reporting requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including representing the FSS program at community events, trainings, and partner meetings.
• Ability to promote a supportive, inclusive, and motivating environment for participants and colleagues, with a commitment to access and opportunity.
• Capacity to identify process improvements within FSS service delivery, enhancing efficiency, participant outcomes, and compliance with regulations.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to applicable HUD regulations, agency policies, and reporting procedures relevant to FSS operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• An Associate's Degree in a social service, business administration, or related field; AND, One (1) year of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination, and/or contract administration; OR
• Three (3) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete a post-offer criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.

About the Department/Division:

The Department of Housing (including the Housing Authority of Washington County) is an innovative organization responsible for rent assistance, affordable housing development and operations, public housing, and homeless services programming across our community. We are a dynamic team that highly values a culture of access and inclusion, differing perspectives, and life experiences. We embrace collaboration, work-life balance, hybrid work, a supportive workplace, and are passionate about the work we do to serve and support our community.

Our commitment to you: Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Questions?

Recruiter: Gregory Garabedian

Email Address: Gregory_Garabedian@washingtoncountyor.gov