The Livable Public Housing Communities Specialist (LPHCS) will be responsible for policy development, program implementation and special projects related to improving the resident experience in State Public Housing. The LPHCS serves in the Bureau of Policy, Operations, and Performance and will support and in some cases take primary responsibility for existing resident service programs within the Division of Public Housing and Rental Assistance. The LPHCS will also facilitate development of a coherent, implementable strategy for the Division to assist Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) meet the complex physical, mental, and social needs of their residents. Residents of state-aided public housing are generally severely resource constrained but are diverse in terms of age, family status, disability status, Veteran status, and racial and ethnic identity. As a result, residents require connections to a variety of services and changes to physical structures (e.g., accessibility upgrades, affordable broadband, improved community and educational space, etc.) to help them live lives of dignity during their stay in public housing.

While the Division supports various activities that enhance services for its residents, including the Resident Service Coordinator program, Self Sufficiency Program, creative place-making initiatives, this work would benefit from increased coordination and strategy. This position will work under the supervision of the Division of Public Housing and Rental Assistance Director of Policy, Operations, and Performance and will frequently collaborate with the Public Housing Data and Programs Coordinator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1. Needs Assessment:

• Increase the Division's knowledge of the needs of residents of state-aided public housing and existing programs and initiatives designed to meet those needs, both inside and outside the Secretariat.

• Needs include services, service connections (e.g., referrals), relocation efforts, and changes to the built environment (e.g., accessibility). Use research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, especially local housing authorities (LHA) and other Secretariats, to build and expand this knowledge base.

• Identify gaps and areas of overlap in programs addressing resident services and the livability of physical spaces across the portfolio of state-aided public housing. Identify novel programmatic interventions and areas to improve effectiveness or efficiency.

2. External Communications & Relationship Building:

• Engage in relationship building with key stakeholders, especially Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) and other Secretariats, to identify barriers, opportunities, and potential partners for collaboration in relevant work.

• Serve as a critical point of contact for new inquiries and proposals related to residents of state public housing.

3. Program Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Develop more effective program monitoring and evaluation processes for programs that EOHLC directly administers, including the Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) program and Self Sufficiency Program (SSP). This should include data collection and analysis as well as process improvement, with a focus on measuring outcomes and progress toward program goals.

4. Program Design:

• Design and stand-up new programs approved by the Undersecretary of Public Housing and Rental Assistance.

5. Project Management:

• Manage projects in support of the mission of the Division of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, as required. The needs of the Division are dynamic, and this will constitute a non-trivial part of this position.

6. Other:

• Manage the tenant survey and LHA board member training programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Significant community or social service experience that included case management.

2. Significant experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation, especially for programs designed to serve residents of subsidized housing (e.g., public housing, housing voucher programs).

3. Demonstrated ability to translate program data into insights that drive changes in business processes.

4. Proficient in the use of Excel for data analysis and Tableau for building, maintaining, and using data dashboards.

5. Proficient in the use of at least one case management software.

6. Experience working in state-aided or federal public housing.

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division's Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.