Admission Specialist

Unit: Teamsters

Grade: 8A

Salary Range: Starting Salary: $64,049.72

Posting Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Application Deadline: Friday, May 23, 2025

Application Procedure:

Please email your resume and cover letter (as an attachment, no shared links) detailing your qualifications to jobs@bostonhousing.org. No phone calls please. Deadline: Friday May 23, 2025. Please be sure to identify the title of the position you are applying for in your email. 

General Description:

ABOUT THE JOB: 
This job is a hybrid remote /in office position.  Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director of Admissions or their designee, evaluates and makes recommendations relative to the eligibility and suitability of households seeking admission to BHA's housing programs. Conducts personal interviews and reference checks, making home and/or field visits when necessary, collecting, reviewing, and assessing information and documentation including CORI data. Responsible for interviewing and follow-up screening activities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review information and data on file pertaining to each housing applicant.
• Interview potential housing applicants on a scheduled basis.
• Determines whether an applicant meets applicable eligibility requirements for public housing and leased housing programs based on a review of their file and the interview.
• Contact and interview references as necessary to determine whether applicants meet the BHA's suitability standards.
• Request additional documentation from the applicant and/or their references, may make field visits and/or visits to the applicant's place of residence when appropriate.
• Maintain written records of all telephone reports and observations.
• Submit recommendations for final eligibility and/or suitability in accordance with BHA policy and procedure. 
• Prepare all necessary written reports.
• Ensure that all requirements for written independent verifications of information are met in a proper and timely manner.
• Based upon a review of all information collected, determine the need for specialized housing, which may require placement in a particular type of residential complex or unit.
• Determines an applicant's need for special services, or assistance from third- party providers such as relatives or public service agencies when necessary.
• Provide detailed, written verification when specialized assistance or services is indicated, and submit for review.
• Provides information to Section 8 voucher holders on program requirements and housing search. 
• Assists Section 8 applicant voucher holders during their initial housing search; monitors voucher expiration, recommends extensions of time and cancels vouchers upon expiration. 
• Receives applicant’s Request for Lease Approval and refers to the Leased Housing Inspections Department for scheduling.
• Provides guidance on requests for rent to tenant and property owner concerning the tenant’s ability to maintain affordability for the unit.
• Review and evaluate applicant's Criminal Offender Record Information.
• Calculate rent according to federal and state regulations.
• Consult with co-workers, and other staff, on screening issues.
• Ensure that all information regarding the applicant is accurate and current.
• Conducts and/or participates in briefing sessions for groups of prospective applicants, familiarizing them with policies and procedures, BHA waiting lists, the application process, and the requirements for eligibility.
• Performs other related admissions specialist duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

High school diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Two or more years of experience in conducting investigations, interviews, and/or needs assessments is essential. Experience may be a substitute for education requirements. The capacity to perform simple mathematical calculations quickly and accurately is required. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Must be able to relate positively and in a professional manner to persons of all races, ethnicities, income levels and age groups. Proficiency in a language other than English is highly desirable.

BHA BENEFITS: 
BHA’s generous benefits package includes 14 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 2 weeks’ vacation, 3 weeks of paid sick leave, MBTA discount, participation in the City’s pension plan, and healthcare through the Commonwealth, and much more.

ABOUT US:
Boston Housing Authority (BHA) fosters sustainable communities by providing quality affordable housing, bringing stability, opportunity, and peace of mind to thousands of low and moderate-income families across Greater Boston and the City of Boston as a whole. As the largest provider of affordable housing in Boston, one of the most expensive cities in the country, BHA understands housing as a crucial platform for individual, household, and community stability. Through our public housing communities and rental assistance programs, BHA provides housing assistance and services to more than 62,000 low and moderate-income households, including families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. As a housing authority, we recognize the historical role that residential segregation has played in the City of Boston. In all aspects of our operations, internally and externally, BHA is committed to breaking down the barriers to justice in housing and related fields that disproportionately impact the communities we serve.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
BHA is a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, and military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. To the greatest extent possible, it is the policy of BHA to give preference in employment to BHA public housing and leased housing residents, and to low-income persons.