Housing Program Specialist IV

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

16h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed