Location
Description
The City of East Palo Alto invites applications for the position of
HOUSING SPECIALIST I-II
(Full-time 1-Year Limited Term)
Pay: Housing Specialist I: $36.66 - $44.56 Hourly
Housing Specialist II: $45.80 – $55.67 Hourly
Plus a great benefits package
Deadline to Apply: Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM
The City of East Palo Alto is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, welcoming full-time 1-year limited-term Housing Specialist I-II. The Housing Specialist I/II performs a variety of technical and administrative duties in support of the City’s affordable housing, rent stabilization, and anti-displacement programs. The position supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of housing policies, programs, and projects. The selected candidate will provide information and assistance to residents, property owners, tenants, landlords, and developers, and support the City’s efforts to increase, preserve, and manage affordable housing, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal housing regulations.
This is an open, competitive/ promotional recruitment, meaning that it is open to qualified permanent employees and any other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. Two employment lists will be created for internal promotional and an open list of all other, non-current EPA employees. The department may hire at either the I or II level, depending on the skills, certifications, and qualifications held by the pool of applicants.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will:
- Be highly attentive to detail, with a keen ability to catch written or numerical errors in documents and data entry.
- Be organized and efficient; able to manage multiple cases while maintaining accurate, timely, and compliant records.
- Possess skilled recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management/retention techniques.
- Possess strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear reports, notes, and correspondence.
- Possess the ability to understand, interpret, and analyze complex federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to housing and tenant rights.
- Possess cultural competency and have experience in providing exceptional customer service to various socio-economic, ethnic, and age groups.
- Have knowledge of affordable housing programs, tenant/landlord law, and local housing policies.
- Possess experience in a housing program or a community development staff support role (highly desired).
- Be proficient in Microsoft software products, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and reaching goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division while considering the budget.
- Be proficient in Spanish/English (desirable).
- Be a problem solver who can resolve issues as they arise.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, finance, economics, political science, or a field related to the work.
Experience in a housing program or community development staff support may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis to a minimum of two years.
Experience:
Housing Specialist I: One year of administrative support experience, preferably in a setting that provides knowledge of housing and/or community development concepts and terminology.
Housing Specialist II: In addition to the above, two years of increasingly responsible experience in administering housing and/or community development programs and projects at a level equivalent to the City’s class of Housing Specialist I.
License and Certifications:
- The ability to convey oneself to and from geographical locations frequently and timely.
- If operating a City vehicle, possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License (Class C) and a satisfactory driving record.
Benefits
The City of East Palo Alto offers a competitive benefits package, including choices among plan options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and CalPERS long-term care insurance.
Union Membership: This position is non-exempt and subject to the overtime rules of the Federal Labor Standards Board and is not represented by a bargaining unit.
Health Benefits: For medical coverage, the City contracts with Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente. The City pays 100% employee-only Kaiser Coverage and 65% dependent coverage up to the Kaiser Coverage Plan. If enrolled in Kaiser’s High-Deductible Plan, the City will contribute $2,000 into a Health Equity Savings Account (HSA) prorated to date of hire.
Dental insurance: is through Delta Dental. The City pays full cost for employees only.
Vision: Supplemental Insurance with VSP (employee paid).
Long-Term Disability: City paid.
Life Insurance: The City pays for coverage of $25,000.
Retirement: CalPERS Classic Members -- 2.5% @ 55 formula where employee pays an 8% employee contribution. * Three (3) year average final compensation.
CalPERS New Members—2% @ 62 formula where employee pays a 7.75% employee contribution. * Three (3) year average final compensation.
Sick Leave: 3.7 hours biweekly
Vacation: Accrual ranges from 80 – 200 hours per year based on years of continuous service with the City.
Holidays: 13 Paid Holidays per year.
Bilingual Pay: Additional $50 / pay period for those asked to translate in languages other than English in order to perform assigned job duties. The candidate will be required to pass a bilingual test.
Tuition Reimbursement: $600-$1,000 per year.
Deferred Compensation Plan: The City offers an optional 457 Deferred Compensation Plan through Mission Square.
Employee Assistance Program: The City of East Palo Alto offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and dependents that provides counseling and other services for dealing with life’s challenges at no cost to the employee.
Flexible Spending Plan: Voluntary pretax employee contributions up to $2,650 for health care expenses, and up to $5,000 for dependent care expenses per year.
Special Instructions
SELECTION PROCESS: It is important to complete all required application materials. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to move forward to the next phase in the recruitment process. The most qualified will be invited to a practical exam that may include, but is not limited to, a computer typing, written, or multiple-choice exam. Those who score the highest on the exam will advance to the next phase of the recruitment process. The tentative schedule for the panel interview is August 19, 2025, and the final selection interview is August 26, 2025. Completion of the application is a required part of the application and examination process. “See Resume” will not be acceptable as completing the application.
APPLICATION PROCESS: To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates should apply through CalOpps.org by following this link: https://www.calopps.org/city-of-east-palo-alto. Complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire.
Deadline to Apply: Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM
The City of East Palo Alto is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process or additional questions about the position should contact the human resources department hr@cityofepa.org
THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Recruitment Services Provided by Muchmore Than Consulting, LLC