Applicant Review Specialist (Temporary Employment)

About Us

Founded in 1937, The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has kept the promise of public housing alive. It has done so by maintaining and modernizing its buildings and enriching the lives of its residents through innovative social services, recreational and educational programs, and job training initiatives. What makes HABC successful is the dedication of its employees and its history of strong leadership.

Position Summary

We are currently recruiting for two positions. 

This position supports the activities of the Admissions Department and is responsible for eligibility screening activities and updating waitlists for new and transfer applicants for public housing. The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned. The HABC Admission & Leasing Department is responsible for centrally managing the waiting list for all HABC sites. HABC sites include all HABC owned and managed sites, privately managed sites, and PBRA (privately owned) site.

All activities must support the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Updates applicant waitlist records.
• Conducts applicant screening tasks related to verification of preference and family information, income determination and calculation, credit checks and criminal background checks for new applicants.
• Completes EIV screening for new applicants.
• Performs third-party verifications of information related to eligibility determination, including contact with employers, community agencies, schools, etc.
• Directs applicants in securing required documentation of eligibility determination factors. 
• Maintains complete and accurate applicant folders.
• Makes preliminary eligibility determinations.
• Maintains current applicant information in the Ready Pool.
• Works with Asset Management staff concerning the status of applicant screening and updates.
• Processes timely background checks for applicants, additions to the lease and applicable household members.
• Communicates in writing and orally with applicants, residents, HABC staff, outside entities (e.g. social service agencies) related to application processing activities. Communication requires the preparation of necessary correspondence (e.g. letters, memoranda, e-mails, etc).
• Tracks the movement of applicant files between the Admissions Department and HABC sites.
• Communicates with HABC sites regarding applicant status, final eligibility determination and unit acceptance and refusal.
• Updates applicant statuses based on referral outcomes. Verifies good cause refusals.
• Communicates with owners, managers, and site staff during eligibility, referral and leasing processes.
• Prepares basic status reports to update Admissions Manager and Lead Applicant Review Specialist on caseload and work progress.
• Completes data entry related to application intake, screening and application updates including but not limited to use of the applicant portal, waiting list and public housing occupancy software modules.
• Provides staffing and support for the admissions front desk, including application/update intake, assisting applicants in completing applications/updates, and addressing any questions applicants may have.
• Provides telephone coverage as needed for the Admissions Department.
• Attends required trainings and meetings.
• Oral Presentation to applicants and owners/managers
• Facilitate Pre/Post Occupancy Trainings on behalf of Admission & Leasing  
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience

One year certificate from a college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Requirements:

• Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Successful completion of a prescreening investigation, including verification of employment history and education credentials.
• A 6-month probationary period applies to this full-time permanent position.

Benefits

We offer a competitive package of employee benefit programs that supports recruitment and retention objectives and is designed to meet the diverse and changing needs of our employees. HABC’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pharmacy Coverage

FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY: Current HABC employees who are on probation, whether due to initial new hire status (6 months) or promotion (3 months), will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within HABC once their probationary period is successfully completed. This allows time for growth, development, and the demonstration of their skills and commitment, paving the way for new opportunities within the organization.

If within the last six (6) months you have received any disciplinary action, it may impact your ability to be considered for promotional opportunities within HABC.  Please refer to the HABC Manual of Personnel Policies or the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement that may apply to you for additional information on the steps of the progressive disciplinary process.

This job posting will remain open until May 9^th, 2026.

Provides affordable housing and support services to Baltimore residents.