POSITION: Housing Programs Assistant  - NON-EXEMPT, REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: November 10, 2026   

CLOSING DATE: December 1, 2026, or until filled   

SALARY RANGE: New hires typically start at $24.77 - $26.53/hour, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $24.77 - $32.62/hour and employees enjoy a 36-hour work week.

ABOUT THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY:

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BWCHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BWCHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.

We are recruiting for a talented, detail oriented, and service focused Housing Programs Assistant. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

JOB SUMMARY:  

This position is responsible for providing exceptional compassion-centered customer service to everyone that contacts BWCHA for assistance. This position provides front desk duties, client support and administrative support contributing to the overall effectiveness of the authority. Works cooperatively with and supports the efforts of the Housing Programs department staff. The duties of staff in this position may vary in an effort to balance workloads, maximize individual strengths, and provide opportunities for personal and department growth and effectiveness. The essential job functions are not to be considered a detailed description of every duty allocated to this classification but rather an illustration of the more typical functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Works effectively and cooperatively with a wide range of people, using courtesy, compassion, and tact. 
2. Provides superior customer service to BWCHA clients, landlords, community partners and public.
3. Analyzes needs of the client and recommends appropriate programs or referrals.
4. Manages BWHCA’s front desk, including: Answers multi-line phone system and appropriately directs calls. Provides front line customer service both in person and over the phone. Analyzes the needs of the client and provides appropriate program information and/or referrals. Receives paperwork from clients, and routes it to the appropriate staff person. Sorts, and distributes agency mail as received. Completes receipting for funds received in the mail or at the front desk.
5. Processes and posts outgoing agency mail.
6. Supports Housing Programs Coordinator I in the management of program waitlists and eligibility determinations.
7. Provides additional administrative and clerical support to Housing Program staff and special projects as assigned. Performs additional duties as assigned.
8. Assist clients with completing applications, recertifications and other required documentation, as needed.
9. May provide bilingual support.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

This position functions primarily in an office environment. Incumbents must be able to effectively utilize computers and related software, computer printers, photocopiers, fax, and telephone system (multiple line).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional compassion-centered customer service skills
• Basic working understanding of the organization's programs, software processes, policies, and terminology.
• Ability to analyze needs of the client and family and recommend support services.
• Working knowledge of business English composition, spelling, punctuation, and mathematics.
• Ability to interpret and apply program information in making work decisions or in providing information to others.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a wide range of people, including patrons, which may be under significant personal stress.
• Ability to organize, establish priorities and independently perform work assignments.
• Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions. 
• Communicates effectively and cooperatively with diverse populations and demographics.
• Maintains a courteous, compassionate, and tactful demeanor with clients and coworkers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Two years in a social services environment with administrative support and/or rental management experience preferred.
• Administrative support with an emphasis on compassion-centered customer service experience.
• Knowledge of affordable housing programs, Fair Housing laws, and community resources preferred.

Licenses or Certificates:

• Washington State Driver's License and an acceptable driving record (according to BWCHA standards) preferred, due to the fact that incumbent may travel to Post Office.

Physical

This position requires the incumbent to be able to perform normal office functions at minimal levels of exertion. Some travel by auto may be required in the performance of this position. 

Mental

The ability to work effectively with and for a wide variety of people while maintaining a courteous, friendly, and tactful manner. Working in an environment characterized by continual interruptions from staff and clients.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $24.77 - $32.62/hour plus exc. benefit/retirement package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• Employer $95 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account 
• 36 Hour Work Week