HOUSING PROGRAM ASSISTANT (PAY GRADE 20) AFSCME LOCAL

Salary : $43,518.00 - $70,890.00 Annually

Location : New Castle, DE

Job Type : Regular Full-time

Job Number : 00202

Department : Community Services

Division : Community Services

Opening Date : 10 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 10 / 17 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at

EXAMINATION PROCESS : The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES : Provides assistance and information to eligible participants and landlords who participate in County housing programs; serves as liaison for housing program applicants and participants; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS : An employee in this class performs interviewing and client contact services to document information in order to determine eligibility for housing assistance programs. The work involves reviewing, interpreting, and following federal regulations and guidelines, while making mathematical calculations regarding family size, amount of rent, and utility allowance. This employee also coordinates and prepares housing program contracts, lease addendums, and other related materials with landlords. This employee may also be required to maintain statistical data and prepare reports necessary to the housing programs. Supervision may be exercised over support staff. This employee works under general supervision.

EXAMPLES OF WORK : (Illustrative only)

• Reviews, interprets, and follows Federal regulations regarding housing assistance programs;
• Interviews program applicants / participants and determines eligibility;
• Provides information and explains forms, contracts, regulations, policies, and procedures to program applicants / participants, landlords, and other agencies;
• Assesses applicant / participant and landlord information and determines eligibility status for housing programs;
• Conducts in-home interviews for elderly and / or clients with disabilities;
• Calculates income, deductions, amount of rental payment, amount of utility allowance, and related figures;
• Assists in writing newsletters to landlords and tenants;
• Prepares automated and manual payment requests to meet contractual obligations;
• Prepares documents including, but not limited to, leases and contracts for certified and recertified housing applicants / participants and landlords;
• Processes status changes as needed during contract year to ensure program requirements are met;
• Refers clients to other agencies as needed;
• Maintains records and prepares related reports;
• May supervise support staff;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES : Good knowledge of business mathematics and English; some knowledge of community resource and social service agencies and their functions; ability to interpret and follow applicable laws, regulations, and policies; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to conduct interviews of a sensitive nature; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with housing assistance applicants and program participants, social service agencies, and the public; ability to handle emergency situations; ability to make mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately; ability to maintain accurate records and to compile and record data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : At least one (1) year experience in the social service field which includes working with program clients and possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the social or behavioral sciences or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS : Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver's license or its equivalent. Must pass a Class III County physical examination and background check.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Laura McDermott

Office of Human Resources

Laura.McDermott@newcastlede.gov

Health Insurance : Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from the date of hire. Charges for coverage vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen. The following plans are currently available through Highmark (Comprehensive 80% Plan; a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and Aetna (Open Access HMO.) Deductibles and co-pays may also apply.

Dental Insurance : Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from date of hire. Currently, there are two PPO options and an HMO option. Charges vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen.

Sick Leave : Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation : Vests on December 31 of the calendar year preceding the vacation year. Vested vacation is to be used in the 12 months following the vesting date. Employees are entitled to vacation as follows :

Holidays : 13-1 / 2 paid holidays per year (1 / 2 day on Christmas Eve).

Life Insurance : Provided by the County in the amount of one and one-half times your salary. Minimum benefit $50,000; Maximum benefit $200,000.

Pension : Employee contributory amount of three percent of base salary to defined benefit plan. County will make a non-elective contribution of one percent of base salary to defined contribution account. In addition, the County will also make an annual matching contribution of one hundred percent of employee's contribution, up to a maximum of two percent to defined contribution account. 10-year vesting.

Deferred Compensation Plan :

Optional employee contributory plan available.

Additional Benefits : Salary increases each year dependent upon appropriate negotiated increase and / or merit increases; Credit Union, Blood Bank, Sick Leave Bank (after two years of service), Fitness Center, and an Employee Assistance Program are all benefits available to employees at no cost.

Supplemental Benefits : Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional life insurance, vision, group accident, group hospital indemnity, group disability, and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Union Affiliation : Some positions are affiliated with a local bargaining unit, and, therefore, will require a monthly dues deduction ranging from $23 to $46.65 per month.

Special Note : The above benefits are subject to change. For detailed information on any of the above, contact the Office of Human Resources at (302) 395-5180.

Revised : 12 / 15 / 15

01

Do you possess at least one (1) year of experience in the social service field which includes working with program clients? If yes, please describe your experience in detail.

02

Please describe your experience working with clients for housing assistance programs.

03

Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the social or behavioral sciences or related field?

Required Question