Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

The City of Takoma Park is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to assist the Housing Division within the Housing & Community Development Department. The incumbent would investigate, mediate and resolve landlord-tenant issues, engage both tenants and landlords to understand the City of Takoma Park’s housing laws and resources, assist residents in accessing County and State resources, and participate in the administration of Housing Division programs. This position is subject to membership within the AFSCME union.

Typical duties include:

• Resolving landlord-tenant disputes, including investigating complaints, mediation and resolution of matters involving tenants and landlord consistent with applicable laws;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with tenants, tenant associations, landlords, brokers, agencies, referral sources, community organizations, and other key stakeholders;
• Conducting outreach activities and developing systems for distributing information to community residents;
• Coordinating community events and facilitating and conducting housing-related workshops for landlords and tenants, tenant associations, and other housing associations, on relevant housing topics;
• Assisting landlords and tenants in understanding their rights and responsibilities;
• Researching and preparing articles, memos and other written documents that are disseminated internally and externally;
• Administering City housing assistance programs such as the Home Stretch, Rental Assistance, and Emergency Assistance programs by reviewing applications, processing payments, and preparing documents and reports related to the programs;
• Monitoring assigned contracts for services, preparing and submitting contractor payment requests, maintaining related files and records, and responding to contractor questions regarding contract scope and contractor activities;
• Preparing a variety of regular and special reports;
• Serving as City liaison on assigned committees, task forces, and work groups.
• Developing and maintaining contacts, and participating in meetings with stakeholders regarding housing issues;
• Assisting with rental licensing and rent reporting as needed;
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to be successful are:

• Strong writing, digital communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and strategic thinking skills
• Experience with G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated experience in successfully working with diverse populations
• Experience with subsidized housing programs and federal, state and local landlord and tenant laws, including rent stabilization

Minimum Qualifications include:

• A baccalaureate degree and one to three years of experience in community engagement, social work, or related field; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job
  
• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Preferred candidates may possess the following:

• A baccalaureate or graduate degree in urban studies, sociology, anthropology, social work or related field;
• Foreign language skills (especially Spanish, Arabic and/or Amharic)
• Knowledge of mediation and dispute resolution principles
• Knowledge of investigation techniques and principles

The salary for this position is graded between 59,877.54 and 70,532.69 and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.

We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% paid premiums of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee only coverage, and 80% paid premiums for dependents.

Please include one or more writing samples along with your resume and cover letter. These additional documents may be uploaded in the "documents" section of the application. A first review of resumes is expected to begin on March 1, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled.

Please note that COVID vaccinations are now mandatory for all City staff, and will be confirmed with other pre-employment screenings once an offer has been extended.

The City of Takoma Park is a small jurisdiction in Montgomery County, Maryland bordering the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County. Inhabited by a diverse and politically active population of 17,000 residents, Takoma Park is known for its progressive policies, historic tree-lined neighborhoods, and independent businesses. We are proud to be a workforce of almost 200 full-time and part-time employees that are as diverse as the community we serve. We strive to maintain excellent customer service and responsiveness to our residents and everyone we work with. It is with this in mind that we seek to improve by championing quality and efficiency through a dedicated workforce and cooperative spirit.

The City of Takoma Park is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the residents we serve and the area in which we live. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where employees of diverse backgrounds can thrive and make a positive impact in the services we provide.