Senior Resident Programs Specialist

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is an award-winning, mission-driven public agency and a recognized leader in the affordable housing industry. Known for our attractive, well-maintained communities, we have developed and secured over 4,300 units of affordable rental homes throughout Santa Barbara. But our work goes far beyond building housing, we are committed to delivering innovative, long-term solutions that address our community’s housing challenges. 

At HACSB, we empower residents to thrive through forward-thinking housing programs and supportive services. At the same time, we invest in our employees by offering meaningful work, professional growth and a shared sense of purpose. We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful work environment where every team member plays a critical role in advancing our mission: providing safe, quality and affordable housing to those with limited incomes. Our dynamic leadership team leads a talented and dedicated team of professionals guided by our core values, the “5 C’s”: Competence, Cooperation, Commitment, Communication, and Compassion.

Exciting opportunity for a full-time Senior Resident Programs Specialist to join our Resident Services team. HACSB is seeking a passionate, innovative professional who enjoys helping others and making a meaningful impact in the community. Under general supervision, the position leads and coordinates resident services programs, activities, and events for youth, families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other Housing Authority residents. The Senior Resident Programs Specialist uses independent judgment to plan and implement programs, build strategic partnerships with community organizations, connect residents with vital resources, and develop new or expanded services that improve resident outcomes.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate linkages to community and social services programs and resources for Housing Authority clients. Develop and design a variety of marketing materials.
• Develop and establish strategic partnerships between the Housing Authority and community-based agencies to generate improved resources for clients.
• Act as a liaison with other Departments to encourage resident participation in programs and promote lease compliance. Work with residents to increase understanding of Housing Authority policies and resolve issues.
• Develop, implement and evaluate resident programs; maintain records and reports; and recommend improvements or new services to better serve resident needs and promote positive outcomes.
• Support residents and families facing critical needs by developing service plans, identifying resources, and promoting housing stability. 
• Identify and secure funding and grant opportunities and prepare cost estimates and program requirements.
• Plan, coordinate, promote, and lead resident programs, including workshops, advocacy initiatives, senior activities, food and school supply distributions, and community events. Collaborate with community groups to coordinate programs for Housing Authority clients; assist with the preparation of interagency agreements.
• Lead project teams in accomplishing project objectives. Ensure activities support program objectives and comply with Housing Authority policies and applicable regulations.
• Perform a variety of routine clerical and administrative tasks related to assigned area of responsibility. Compose a variety of documents and letters. 
• Drive vans to safely transport program participants.
• Interact with colleagues, residents and Agency contacts in a professional, tactful and courteous manner, ensuring excellent customer service is delivered.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and personal attributes:

• Equivalent of an associate's degree with coursework in social services, sociology, or a related field and 3 years of experience coordinating social services programs including experience leading and developing programs;
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to build collaborative partnerships and effectively lead teams and projects;
• Knowledge of current social and economic programs and community resources; 
• Principles and practices of program development and implementation; 
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent rapport with residents, families, children, seniors and community services organizations and motivate others; 
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel and Outlook); 
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to make sound decisions and use tact, initiative, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines;
• Basic methods, techniques and procedures of mediation and interviewing; 
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain and apply government regulations and Housing Authority policies; 
• Proof of legal right to drive in CA and DMV driving record in good standing that meets HACSB’s insurability requirements is required; and
• Bilingual with Spanish (highly desirable).

Full-time position; 9/80 schedule Monday-Thursday and alternate Fridays. Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as needed. 

Compensation and Benefits

The 5 step salary range is $29.83-36.25 per hour + Bilingual Pay if applicable. 

HACSB offers eligible employees a generous and well-rounded benefit package including:

· Cafeteria Benefit Plan

· Vacation

· Group Health, Dental and Vision Plan

· Sick Leave and Catastrophic Leave

· Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability

· 13 Paid Holidays

· 401(a) Employees’ Money Purchase Pension Plan

· Training and Development

· 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

· Recognition and Incentive Programs

Selection Process

For primary consideration, applications must be received no later than Thursday, September 3, 2026; thereafter position open until filled. The selection process will include an interview and may include other testing processes designed to predict successful job performance. A full job description may be viewed on our website at www.hacsb.org.

If HACSB determines an applicant is suitable for the position based on a job related evaluation of skills and experience, prior to final selection and subsequent employment, applicant will be subject to a DMV and criminal background check, appropriate to the job functions and business necessity. Criminal convictions will not automatically disqualify a candidate for employment. The nature of the crime, time since offense, surrounding circumstances, and relevance of the offense to the position applied for will be considered. 

The Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the ADA, HACSB provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations may contact Human Resources at (805) 965-1071 or (805) 965-2521 TDD to make accommodation requests.