Family Support Specialist **East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA)** 1 Positions ID: 72358 Posted On 06/30/2025 **Job Overview** Under the supervision of the Director of Housing and Support Services, you'll play a vital role in administering Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and/or Public Housing Family/Elderly Self-Sufficiency Programs. You'll work directly with tenants, guiding them on their journey toward self-sufficiency. **What You'll Do:** As a Self-Sufficiency Program Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of our efforts to empower tenants. Your responsibilities will include: + **Tenant Empowerment & Case Management:** + Refer tenants to the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) or Elderly Self-Sufficiency (ESS) programs. + Conduct detailed needs assessments and develop personalized Contracts of Participation or action plans for participants. + Coordinate and document services, ensuring their value and effectiveness. + Meet regularly with participants to evaluate goals and assess progress. + Maintain comprehensive participant files, including demographic information, contracts, escrow details, needs assessments, and progress notes. + Calculate and maintain FSS escrow accounts, verifying program compliance for payouts. + Update FSS/ESS Action Plans and prepare policy statements on program termination and escrow payouts as needed. + **Program Development & Collaboration:** + Market the FSS program to attract new participants and service providers. + Network with other agencies to stay informed about program changes and organize task forces to improve client services. + Act as a liaison between our organization and the FSS Task Force. + Research grant opportunities and assist in preparing grant applications. + Maintain and coordinate the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC), including organizing meetings and recruiting new members. + Prepare progress reports for the board and HUD. + **Housing Program Support (as needed with HUD approval):** + Maintain FSS/ESS tenant files, complete initial lease-ups, annual reviews, and process income/family composition changes. + Provide information to owners or agents about housing program requirements and procedures, acting as a liaison between tenants and landlords. + Perform Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections and lead-based paint assessments. + Assist with property management. + Perform other related duties as assigned. **What You'll Bring:** To thrive in this role, you'll need a blend of education, experience, and key skills: + **Education:** A Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, education, business, or a related field. + **Experience:** At least two years of experience in case management, counseling, property management, or social work is desired. + **Skills & Abilities:** + Excellent verbal and written communication skills. + The ability to acquire certification as an HCV Practitioner/Specialist in HQS, Occupancy, Eligibility, Income and Rent Calculation, or PH Management Certification (where applicable), and FSS Certification within your first year of hire. + Proficiency in using personal computers and software, including word processing and financial programs. + Knowledge of housing principles and practices, fair housing laws, and federal housing programs. + Some knowledge of rental housing management practices and principles. + The ability to prepare simple reports and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. + A strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with tenants, owners/agents, other agencies, and the public. ECIA is committed to promoting and supporting a diverse workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Salary range: $ 58,500 - $65,186 plus benefits including vacation, sick, medical, dental, vision, short term disability and IPERS retirement. Send cover letter and resume to hmcpherson@ecia.org. This position will remain open until filled. Primary Contact 1646399596346 Holly McPherson Director of Human Resources & Program Development, HR & Program Development 5636905738 Phone Phone Phone Fax hmcpherson@ecia.org Email False True False **Job Details** Categories Government/Public Service Human and Social Services Volunteer and Non-profit Location Dubuque, IA Shift First Shift Job Type Employee Full/Part Full Time Pay/Salary 58,500 -65,186 Company ID 1000 Job REQ # \# Positions 1 Start Date 20250630 End Date 20250716 Featured Job 0 TH Ad 0 TH Comments **Similar Jobs** Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Transporter Hillcrest Family Services Direct Support Professional (PRN) Hillcrest Family Services 2nd Shift Direct Support Professional Dubuque or D Area Residential Care Direct Support Professional Hillcrest Family Services **Share this Job** East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) **About the Company** The East Central Intergovernmental Association is a membership supported organization of local governmental bodies in Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque and Jackson Counties. ECIA exists because of the need for local governments facing similar problems to cooperate in finding solutions. Through ECIA membership local governments share resources that they could not afford individually. The cooperative effort of neighboring governments also means greater efficiency and quality in solving regional problems.