Eligibility Specialist

As an Eligibility Specialist with the City of Fort Worth, you will receive and evaluate housing-related inquiries, determine jurisdiction and eligibility for investigations, redirect inquiries to proper agencies, oversee compliance with fair housing laws, and maintain accurate records. You'll also conduct outreach to educate the public on their rights and responsibilities regarding fair housing laws.

To apply for the Eligibility Specialist position at the City of Fort Worth, you need at least a high school diploma or GED and two years of administrative experience in a social service or related program. Preferred qualifications include bilingual (Spanish/English) capabilities, experience in handling inquiries and compliance monitoring, and a strong understanding of fair housing laws.

The City of Fort Worth is committed to employee growth and offers various professional development opportunities for Eligibility Specialists. This can include training sessions, workshops, and courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge in fair housing laws, compliance monitoring, and community outreach.

Working as an Eligibility Specialist at the City of Fort Worth involves collaborating with a diverse team in a supportive environment. You will engage in both independent tasks and team projects, helping to promote fair housing initiatives while interacting with community stakeholders and residents.

To apply for the Eligibility Specialist position at the City of Fort Worth, you can visit the City’s employment page to submit your application. Be sure to include your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job responsibilities outlined in the posting.

When answering this question, emphasize any relevant coursework, training, or hands-on experience that demonstrates your understanding of the Fair Housing Act. Discuss specific instances where you have applied this knowledge, whether in a professional or volunteer capacity, to resolve inquiries or ensure compliance.

Handling sensitive inquiries requires empathy and professionalism. Share a specific approach you take to create a safe space for individuals to express their concerns, ensuring you actively listen and validate their feelings while also providing accurate information and guidance.

Highlight any past roles that necessitated detailed documentation and monitoring. Explain your techniques for maintaining organized records, ensuring accuracy, and providing easy access for audits or reporting, while showcasing your attention to detail.

Discuss your ideas for outreach initiatives, such as workshops, informational sessions, and partnerships with community organizations. Emphasize your ability to tailor educational materials to various audiences and your commitment to raising awareness about fair housing rights.

Talk about your investigative skills and your method for gathering necessary information to evaluate inquiries effectively. You might mention using open-ended questions to understand the context and referring to existing protocols when determining next steps.

Share a specific situational example, focusing on how you maintained composure and utilized effective problem-solving skills to navigate the pressure. Highlight any teamwork or communication strategies that aided in resolving the issue.

Express your commitment to continuous learning through subscriptions to relevant publications, joining professional networks, and attending workshops or conferences that address evolving fair housing legal standards and best practices.

Mention skills such as attention to detail, strong communication abilities, empathy, and a thorough understanding of fair housing laws. Discuss how these skills contribute to successful resolution of inquiries and overall compliance monitoring.

Explain your approach to conflict resolution, focusing on active listening, remaining calm, and providing clear explanations. Share an example of how you successfully de-escalated a similar situation and maintained professionalism throughout.

Articulate your passion for community service and fair housing advocacy. Share your alignment with the City of Fort Worth's values and mission, and how you see this role as an opportunity to contribute positively to the community.