Occupancy Specialist I/ Occupancy Specialist II Closes- 02/05/2026

Opening Date: 01/22/2026

Closing Date: 02/05/2026

Job Title: Occupancy Specialist I/ Occupancy Specialist II 

Salary/Wage: TL 115-118

Location: Salem, Oregon

Classification: Full Time, Non/Exempt

Job Posting Number: 3861366

INTRODUCTION:  

Occupancy services ensure enforcement of tenant and homebuyer compliance with lease and policy obligations. The Specialist educates tenants and homebuyers about their lease and policy obligations, affords them an opportunity to correct any violations, and sanctions non-compliance. This position will be the contact person to coordinate activities between the Tribal Housing Department and residents. This position also administers the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program, prepares grant applications as needed, and assists with policy development for new programs. 

DUTIES:

• Explain to clients the terms and conditions regulating all housing assistance programs, including but not limited to the following: Background check, Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) income limits, tenant income worksheet calculations, amortizations schedules, tribal land lease, and termination & eviction.
• Orient new tenants and homebuyers to review their rights and responsibilities under lease and policies and execute all necessary documents prior to move-in.
• Conduct annual re-certifications annually for all active participants. Enter updated information into HDS data management software program.
• Develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with all housing development residents.
• Calculate monthly rents and homebuyer payments; make adjustments as required and notify residents in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with the Administrative Services Clerk in scheduling move-in/move-out, annual, follow-up and emergent unit inspections.
• Monitor and enforce compliance by developing and offering corrective action plans to tenants and homebuyers who violate the following lease and policy requirements: Payments, utilities, maintenance, vehicles, pets, annual re-exams reporting income and household composition.
• Obtain necessary documentation and prepare and submit notices of termination to the Housing Executive Director.
• Maintain a file for each resident household that documents: Home visits, telephone conversations, and office visits, recommendations and information provided to the resident, correspondence, Compliance enforcement actions, payment and account adjustments, verifications, applications and re-certifications, and inspections and completed work orders.
• Provide one-on-one or group counseling and training to all residents on a variety of topics relating to homeownership and renting including, but not limited to: financial management, home repairs and preventative maintenance, energy and resource conservation and fire, Security & Safety Management.
• Provide supervisor with briefings/reports relating to problem tenants/homebuyers and make recommendations for corrective action.
• Meet routinely with Self-Sufficiency, Alcohol & Drug, Indian Child Welfare and other appropriate tribal, local and state agencies to coordinate services to clients.
• Maintain close working relationships with programs, other groups, and individuals involved in crime prevention, drug education and safety to design and conduct drug prevention program activities on the Siletz reservation and nearby community.
• Conduct annual utility studies, re-calculate changes for all housing development families, and notify residents accordingly.
• Prepare and submit LIHEAP application; annually train Area Office staff on policy and application procedure.
• Participate with policy development team when requested.
• Collect and compile data, and submit Quarterly Reports.
• Grant writing as needed for development and programmatic grant opportunities. 
• Assist Tribal households in applying for partnership housing in Portland and participate in partnership meetings as needed.  
• Refer tenants to community service agencies, including but not limited to Tribal programs, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Indian Child Welfare, Legal Aid, Social Security Administration and Oregon Employment Division.
• Interpret and enforce Tribal Housing Department policies consistently and fairly and provide policy and regulation changes to residents.
• Prepare correspondence and inter-office memorandums and reports as position necessitates.  
• Assist with taking house and rent payments, preparing deposits, delivering cash receipts backing up front desk operations.
• Maintain a positive, friendly and helping manner in dealing with all clients.
• Assist in the implementation of new policies and programs including but not limited to Mortgage Relief, Rent Relief, and Energy Assistance in response to Pandemics.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: 

Occupancy Specialist I: 

Associate’s degree in Social Service, Property Management or related field and 1 year experience in determining eligibility, case management, working in a business office setting, -OR- an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. The Housing Executive Director will assist the employee with eligibility determinations and case management plans.  

Upon successful completion of at least two years of satisfactory service, and has demonstrated work skills necessary in case management, database software, and eligibility determination, the incumbent will be upgraded to an Occupancy Specialist II.

Incumbent will obtain certification in National American Indian Housing Council’s (NAIHC) Occupancy Management Specialist within 15 months of hire.

Occupancy Specialist II:

Satisfactorily performed the duties of an Occupancy Specialist I and met the criteria to be upgraded to an Occupancy Specialist II –OR- Bachelor’s degree in Social Science or related field, and one year experience in case management, or general counseling -OR- an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.  

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of problems of persons living in tribal communities with emphasis in working with the cultural, economic, and social aspects of Native American services populations.
• Correct use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers; calculator, FAX, postage meter and recording equipment, preferred.
• Filing, record keeping and program/project tracking systems.
• Public/Indian housing law and regulations.
• Electronic processing of applications and payments to vendors.

Experience in:

• Public/Indian housing or in rental property management and knowledge of public/Indian housing regulations, preferred.
• Microsoft word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications a must; MS Publisher and Housing Data Systems (HDS), preferred.
• Planning and scheduling work activities and performing duties with minimum supervision.

Ability to: 

• Work and relate well with Native Americans.
• Quickly change work priorities and job assignments. 
• Work effectively and cooperatively with staff, other department and entities.
• Effective communication both orally and written for the purpose of instructions, verifying eligibility/applications, obtaining information, and conveying messages.
• Read, understand, apply and explain Tribal/department policies/procedures and NAHASDA regulations.

Other:

• Must possess a valid Oregon State driver's license, insurance and be eligible to drive a GSA vehicle.  
• Be willing to travel within the Tribes 11-county service area.