City of Garden Grove
Senior Housing Specialist / Housing Specialist
SALARY
See Position Description
LOCATION
Garden Grove, CA
JOB TYPE
Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
2027-028
DEPARTMENT
City Administration
OPENING DATE
11/04/2026
CLOSING DATE
11/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
SALARY
See Position Description
LOCATION
Garden Grove, CA
JOB TYPE
Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
2027-028
DEPARTMENT
City Administration
OPENING DATE
11/04/2026
CLOSING DATE
11/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
City and Job Overview
The City of Garden Grove is now accepting applications for the position of
SENIOR HOUSING SPECIALIST / HOUSING SPECIALIST
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is **Wednesday,**November 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST .
Click here to apply online:Join Our Team****
Under general supervision, the Senior Housing Specialist and Housing Specialist positions perform various duties required to administer housing programs offered by the Garden Grove Housing Authority.
The ideal Housing Specialist candidate will possess:
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to interact with a variety of people;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- The capability to independently prioritize and handle multiple projects; and
- Critical thinking skills to quickly resolve problems with available tools and resources.
The ideal Senior Housing Specialist candidate will possess all the above, and:
- Strong knowledge of housing inspection standards, HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS), Section 8 program requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations;
- Experience supervising staff, conducting quality control reviews, addressing performance deficiencies, and providing additional training and guidance;
- Experience investigating suspected fraud, housing code violations, and program noncompliance;
- Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication skills when working with landlords, property owners, tenants, and staff; and
- knowledge of how to mantain accurate records, prepare technical reports, and ensure consistent enforcement of housing standards and regulations.
Bilingual skills in Vietnamese, Spanish, and/or Korean is a plus!
There is currently two (2) full-time vacancies in the Housing Authority Division of the Economic and Development and Housing Department. The eligibility list from this recruitment will be used to fill this, and future vacancies, so apply now!
Essential Duties
HOUSING SPECIALIST ($5,406 - $7,987 monthly)
Essential Duties
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Interpret federal, state and local regulations for lower-level staff, to property owners and to program participants
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Prepare a variety of correspondence and reports
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Represent the City in meetings with groups and/or individuals to provide information and counsel owners and tenants on program requirements
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Explain programs to applicants and participants
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Conduct eligibility and recertification interviews with program applicants and participants
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Conduct unit inspections for Housing Quality Standards and City codes
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Maintain records and files
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Compile routine reports
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May be required to work overtime
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Negotiate contract rent with landlords
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Perform related duties as assigned
SENIOR HOUSING SPECIALIST ($5,970 - $8,821 monthly)
In addition to the above, Senior Housing Specialists:
- Assign, review, and/or conduct eligibility interviews and unit inspections
- Perform quality control reviews of HQS inspections and execution of HAP contracts
- Conduct preliminary fraud investigations
- Conduct housing briefings
- Responsible for monthly MTCS transmissions and corrections
- Conduct preliminary negotiations with owners to establish rents and improvements
- Prepare termination packets for hearings
- Assist in budget preparation and grant applications
- Administer special housing programs
- Perform related duties as assigned
Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
HOUSING SPECIALIST: Two (2) years of experience in housing, social services, welfare administration, or a related field with an emphasis on public contact including interviewing, case management, or investigations and one (1) year (minimum 30 semester units) college coursework in public administration, social services, business administration, or a related field.
SENIOR HOUSING SPECIALIST: Two (2) years of experience working with Section 8 programs and two (2) years (minimum 60 semester units) college coursework in public administration, social services, business administration, or a related field.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a valid California class C driver license and an acceptable driving record. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.
Bilingual Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations and procedures; Section 8 Rental Assistance programs; building codes and federal Housing Quality Standards; effective interview and negotiation techniques, counseling principles and practices; the range and type of social services provided by various public agencies; customer service practices and principles; and Microsoft Word and Excel computer programs.
ABILITY TO:
Perform property inspections, including visually discern detail accurately, and crawling, climbing, squatting, stooping and/or bending over in dusty or dirty surroundings in order to complete inspections properly; interview, counsel and evaluate applicants for housing assistance and make sound analyses and evaluations on eligibility based upon learned program criteria and related local, state and federal regulations; negotiate effectively and diplomatically with property owners; perform arithmetic calculations and use basic principles of math and record keeping; use a PC or a hand-held computer to input data and capture information, generate appropriate business correspondence, maintain records and create reports; create and maintain well-organized, confidential files and records; read, write, speak, follow oral and written instructions, and present information to groups; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish effective relationships and provide good customer service to all encountered in the course of work; work independently with minimal supervision; respond appropriately and empathetically to clients, and work well with Garden Grove's diverse citizens.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification sit; use hands or wrists repetitively with twisting or pressure; speak clearly; hear normal voice conversation; use visual depth perception; distinguish shades and colors; see small details; operate office equipment related to job duties; work on a personal computer; type or use 10-key; and use a telephone.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification either work in an office environment with frequent public contact, or alternatively, perform field inspection work which may necessitate working in confined, dirty and/or unhealthful conditions in all types of weather.
Other Important Information
HOW TO APPLY
Online applications can be completed by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday , November 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Online application packets must include:
- a completed online employment application
- a completed supplemental questionnaire
The job application and supplemental questionnaire must be completely filled out. Be sure to detail any education, training, or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
Only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may consist of:
- Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for December 10, 2026
CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL. Candidates should check their email, including spam, for all notices regarding their status.
If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Benefits
VACATION
Accrues at the following rates:
- 80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
- 120 hours after one (1) year - 10 hours per month
- 132 hours after four (4) years - 11 hours per month
- 144 hours after nine (9) years - 12 hours per month
- 156 hours after eleven (11) years - 13 hours per month
- 168 hours after fourteen (14) years - 14 hours per month
- 186 hours after sixteen (16) years - 15.5 hours per month
- 207 hours after nineteen (19) years - 17.25 hours per month
- 246 hours after twenty-four (24) years - 20.6 hours per month
HOLIDAYS: 14 paid holidays a year (up to 125 hours)
SICK LEAVE: Accrues at 8 hours for each full calendar month of service.
CAFETERIA PLAN HEALTH INSURANCE: The City provides each eligible employee a fringe benefit allocation to purchase benefits for themselves and their dependents. Any unused portion of the allowance may be put into a deferred compensation plan, or taken as cash at the end of the year, or invested into a Flexible Reimbursement Account in which employees may tax-defer funds to use to pay for childcare or to cover those health and dental care expenses (deductibles, etc.) that are not reimbursed by an insurance carrier.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees may contribute to a 457(b) account up to the maximum as determined by the IRS annually. There is no City contribution.
RETIREMENT:
Tier I - Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2.5% at 55" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute eight percent (8%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 that have already been enrolled in CalPERS or another reciprocal retirement system and do not have a break in service of more than six (6) months may be hired into Tier I. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
Tier II - Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2% at 62" three highest year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half of the normal cost to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Employees may receive $85 per pay period if designated by the department head and certified by Human Resources to use bilingual verbal and translation abilities for languages such as Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or other designated languages. A designated and certified bilingual employee required to utilize his/her verbal-only bilingual abilities (Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish and/or any other language designated by the City Manager) on City business will be paid $65 each pay period.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Employees who successfully pass probation may receive up to $3,000 per year for pre-approved completed coursework toward a college degree.
RIDESHARE PROGRAM: Incentives in the form of various gift certificates and transportation subsidies are provided to encourage ride sharing and other types of alternate commuting modes.
Please visit the City's website for more information: https://ggcity.org/hr/salary-and-benefits
THE BENEFITS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY RELEVANT TO FULL TIME EMPLOYEES. BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME BENEFITED AND NON-BENEFITED EMPLOYEES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE.
EmployerCity of Garden Grove
Address
11222 Acacia Parkway
P.O. Box 3070
Garden Grove, California, 92840
Phone
(714) 741-5004
Websitehttps://ggcity.org/hr
EmployerCity of Garden GrovePhoneWebsitehttps://ggcity.org/hrAddress
11222 Acacia Parkway
P.O. Box 3070
Garden Grove, California, 92840
Senior Housing Specialist / Housing Specialist Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1Please carefully read these instructions:
Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position.
You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from this examination process.
No – I have read, understood, and do not agree to these terms. I wish to withdraw my application from this process.
Yes – I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
- QUESTION 2 What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Some high school
High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent
One (1) year of college (at least 30 semester units)
Associate degree (or at least 60 semester units)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate or Ph.D.
None of the above
- QUESTION 3 How many years of work experience do you have in housing, social services, welfare administration, or a related field with an emphasis on public contact including interviewing, case management, or investigations?
I do not have experience in this area
Less than 1 year
1 year but less than 2 years
2 years but less than 3 years
3 years but less than 4 years
4 years but less than 5 years
5 years or more
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QUESTION 4 Please describe your experience in housing, social services, or welfare administration. If you do not have any experience in these areas, please type "N/A."
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QUESTION 5 How many years of Section 8 experience do you possess?
I do not have experience in this area
Less than 1 year
1 year but less than 2 years
2 years but less than 3 years
3 years but less than 4 years
4 years but less than 5 years
5 years or more
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QUESTION 6 Please describe your professional experience administering the Section 8 program, conducting housing inspection, and determining applicant eligibility. If you do not have any experience in these areas, please type "N/A."
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QUESTION 7 How many years of professional experience do you have conducting housing inspections to determine compliance with applicable housing habitability, quality, and property maintenance standards and regulations?
I do not have experience in this area
Less than 1 year
1 year but less than 2 years
2 years but less than 3 years
3 years but less than 4 years
4 years but less than 5 years
5 years or more
- QUESTION 8 How many years of professional experience do you have determining eligibility for housing assistance programs?
I do not have experience in this area
Less than 1 year
1 year but less than 2 years
2 years but less than 3 years
3 years but less than 4 years
4 years but less than 5 years
5 years or more
- QUESTION 9 Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver license?
Yes
No
- QUESTION 10 Are you willing to work overtime hours, if needed?
Yes
No
- QUESTION 11 Are you willing to enter residents' homes to conduct unit inspections for Housing Quality Standards and City code violations?
Yes
No
- QUESTION 12 Being fluent is defined as having the ability to read, speak or write a foreign language effectively and with relative ease. Are you fluent in any of the below languages?
Spanish
Vietnamese
Korean
I am not fluent in any of the languages listed above.
- Required Question