Housing Program Specialist IV
Job Description
The Housing Specialist IV serves in an essential leadership role within the Department of Mental Health's Metro Boston Office, shaping how housing systems support individuals with mental health needs to live safely and successfully in the community. You will lead the planning, coordination, and oversight of housing initiatives that bridge public and private sectors, working closely with state and federal partners, housing authorities, municipalities, and nonprofit and for-profit providers. This role blends strategy and execution, requiring strong judgment, policy fluency, and the ability to translate complex housing regulations into practical, effective solutions that expand access to stable, service-enriched housing for DMH clients.
In this role, you will also act as a trusted technical resource and problem-solver, guiding agencies through compliance, funding strategies, program improvement, and performance monitoring while ensuring alignment with DMH's recovery-oriented mission. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence housing development, manage department-owned residential properties, and strengthen partnerships across systems that intersect housing, mental health, and community services. Candidates drawn to mission-driven public service, cross-sector collaboration, and hands-on program leadership will find this role both challenging and deeply impactful, with clear opportunities to shape policy, practice, and long-term housing outcomes across Metro Boston.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee housing programs and services for DMH clients, including supported housing, subsidies, fuel assistance, weatherization, and public-private housing partnerships.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, housing authorities, municipalities, and nonprofit and for-profit housing providers to expand housing access and capacity.
• Review and analyze housing program data, funding applications, leases, contracts, development proposals, and management agreements to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and program criteria.
• Provide technical assistance and training to DMH staff, providers, housing officials, and program participants on housing regulations, subsidies, fair housing, housing search activities, and service-enriched housing models.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on supported housing, recovery-oriented services, and the intersection of housing and mental health systems, promoting best practices across programs and partners.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret housing data related to availability, condition, location, and community characteristics to inform program development, policy recommendations, and system improvements.
• Develop procedures, guidelines, and performance monitoring methods for housing programs and administering agencies, recommending corrective actions and program enhancements as needed.
• Review, monitor, and evaluate program and property management budgets, expenditures, and contracts, recommending cost-effective strategies and ensuring fiscal accountability.
• Manage department-owned residential properties, including oversight of property management contracts, capital planning, and repair and improvement projects from procurement through completion.
• Negotiate contracts, recommend agencies for funding, support program marketing and participant engagement, and maintain records, reports, and documentation related to housing initiatives and development projects.
Required Qualifications:
• Minimum of five years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional experience in government program management, administration, or the development and management of real estate, property, or public housing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of housing management principles, including housing terminology, contracts, leases, and property management practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing public and private subsidized housing.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with housing-related laws, regulations, contracts, and program requirements.
• Ability to analyze housing and program data, draw sound conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, leases, funding applications, budgets, and housing program documentation.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and maintain detailed records, including statistical and program data.
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Boston, MA delivered to your inbox every week.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information and provide instruction to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and database tools.
• Knowledge of the community mental health system, supported housing, and service-enriched housing models.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing housing programs serving individuals with serious mental illness or other vulnerable populations.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local housing regulations, including subsidized housing programs, fair housing requirements, and compliance standards.
• Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with housing authorities, municipalities, service providers, and public and private funding entities.
• Experience reviewing and administering contracts, leases, and housing development or management agreements.
• Ability to analyze housing and program data to inform policy decisions, program improvements, and funding recommendations.
• Experience developing, monitoring, and managing program and property management budgets, including capital planning and cost-control strategies.
• Demonstrated skill in providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to multidisciplinary stakeholders with varying levels of housing expertise.
• Knowledge of supported housing, service-enriched housing models, and recovery-oriented practices within community mental health systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, guidance materials, and recommendations for leadership and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, and the ability to learn and use housing or program information systems.
DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
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.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4
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) five years of full-time of equivalent part-time, professional experience in the government program management, administration and/or development of real estate, property and/or public housing.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.*
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two (2) years of the required experience.
III. A Master's degree or higher with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of three (3) years of the required experience.
* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
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.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program