Job Description
The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) Department is recruiting for a Housing Specialist II position within its Community Action Partnership (CAP) - Weatherization Division, located in Riverside, CA. The selected candidate will be required to travel throughout Riverside County.
The incumbent, serving as a Housing Specialist II, is responsible for evaluating residential properties to determine energy efficiency needs and recommending cost-effective weatherization improvements. This role supports program goals by reducing energy consumption, improving home safety, and enhancing comfort for eligible households, with frequent travel to areas including remote locations like Blythe. The role includes evaluating housing conditions, conducting on-site weatherization assessments-including inspections of insulation, HVAC systems, windows, and appliances-and performing diagnostic testing such as shell leakage, duct blaster, and combustion safety checks. Responsibilities also involve identifying health and safety needs, infiltration reduction measures, and energy-saving opportunities to develop and approve detailed scopes of work in compliance with federal, state, and local program standards. Additional duties include maintaining strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information, performing quality-control checks on contractor and vendor work, reviewing quotes, coordinating with external partners and program staff, educating clients on energy-efficiency practices, and maintaining accurate records and documentation for audits.
The most competitive candidates will demonstrate strong knowledge of building science, energy-efficiency principles, and weatherization techniques, along with the ability to accurately use diagnostic equipment and auditing software. Candidates who communicate effectively with clients and team members, manage their time and workload efficiently, and maintain professional conduct in clients' homes will be highly competitive. A commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, as well as ongoing participation in required training and certification activities, is preferred.
Highly Recommended Certifications (California): Certification as a Building Analyst or equivalent through a recognized credentialing body such as the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Compliance with training and certification standards established by the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Completion of CSD-approved Energy Auditor/Assessor training Certification in Lead-Safe Work Practices in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Paintin.
The position requires physical activity such as standing, walking, climbing, crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds, and entering confined spaces, and involves the use of diagnostic tools like manometers, pressure gauges, and related equipment.
A valid California driver's license is also required, as responsibilities include independent travel throughout Riverside County for various assignments. These may include delivering and retrieving documents or materials from other county departments and supporting event coordination activities.
Meet the Team!
The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) Department is a dedicated group that prioritizes delivering services to the County's most vulnerable populations. Through helpful interventions that meet our county's housing and workforce related needs, HWS is promoting prosperous neighborhoods and healthy communities. Can you see yourself here?• Conduct specialized, technical field inspections or assessment for various assistance programs available to County residents through the HWS Department; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with applicable regulations and standards, safe and sanitary conditions; prepare work orders; implement and monitor outcomes.
• Advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections, assessment, or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs; conduct site visits with contracted vendors for quality control, provide technical consultation and make recommendations as needed.
• Answer questions and provide applicable program information to the applicants and public.
• Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants' eligibility and tenants' continual eligibility for the programs.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.
CAP WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM(In addition to the general essential duties listed above, incumbents assigned to the CAP Weatherization Program):
• Assess the dwelling of income-eligible applicants to determine whether the premises qualify to receive the weatherization grants using the California Department of Community Services and Development Technical Reference Manual (CSD TRM).
• Conduct a walk-through of the dwelling to assess both the interior and exterior of the premises to determine their present condition.
• Assess whether attic insulation, windows, doors, and walls meet energy efficiency standards under the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) of the California Code of Regulations; determine point of air penetration, leakage, and proper function of these items through weather stripping and seals.
• Assess the dwelling for mold, discoloration, asbestos, or lead-based paint.
• Assess and determine whether the dwelling plumbing and electrical systems, and appliances are functioning properly.
• Discuss the findings with applicants on the process including placing the case on deferral so the deferred items can be corrected within the applicable timeframe; prepare required forms for acknowledgment by applicants.
• Provide applicants with informational pamphlets on energy efficiency, health and safety information on mold, asbestos, and lead-based paint.
• Prepare work orders detailing all the weatherization measures that need to be completed.
• Conduct follow up inspection on completed weatherization dwellings to ensure completeness and compliance with applicable standards. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years full time work experience equivalent to Housing Specialist I duties and responsibilities; OR two years of full-time work experience in Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; OR two years of full-time work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of program eligibility experience.)
Knowledge of: Section 8 and related assisted housing programs, policies and procedures or regulations; HUD HQS; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; operations, services and activities in providing housing assistance to low-income persons under the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; general construction or building inspection; energy efficiency measures.
Ability to: Perform housing inspections, determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve complaints; identify and respond to program participants and public issues and concerns; work effectively with people from a variety of social, economic and racial backgrounds; work independently in the absence of supervisor.Conflict of Interest Disclosure Notice
In accordance with the HUD Annual Contributions Contract HUD-53012, applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to the Housing Assistance Program. This includes financial interests held by the applicant or certain close family members or associates, such as owning rental property receiving Section 8 assistance.
Under Section 16 of HUD-53012, ownership of units leased to Section 8 participants by the applicant or their close family/associates may affect eligibility for certain positions. This disclosure ensures transparency and compliance with federal regulations (24 CFR § 982.161). Additional information may be requested during the recruitment process.
Applicants should review this requirement carefully and be prepared to provide relevant information.
For details, see: HUD-53012 Annual Contributions Contract .
Other Requirements:
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required as the candidate will be traveling to other facilities.
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please contact Genesis Ochoategui at gochoategui@rivco.org , or call (951) 955-4593. Please allow 1-3 business days for response to general inquiries.
The incumbent, serving as a Housing Specialist II, is responsible for evaluating residential properties to determine energy efficiency needs and recommending cost-effective weatherization improvements. This role supports program goals by reducing energy consumption, improving home safety, and enhancing comfort for eligible households, with frequent travel to areas including remote locations like Blythe. The role includes evaluating housing conditions, conducting on-site weatherization assessments-including inspections of insulation, HVAC systems, windows, and appliances-and performing diagnostic testing such as shell leakage, duct blaster, and combustion safety checks. Responsibilities also involve identifying health and safety needs, infiltration reduction measures, and energy-saving opportunities to develop and approve detailed scopes of work in compliance with federal, state, and local program standards. Additional duties include maintaining strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information, performing quality-control checks on contractor and vendor work, reviewing quotes, coordinating with external partners and program staff, educating clients on energy-efficiency practices, and maintaining accurate records and documentation for audits.
The most competitive candidates will demonstrate strong knowledge of building science, energy-efficiency principles, and weatherization techniques, along with the ability to accurately use diagnostic equipment and auditing software. Candidates who communicate effectively with clients and team members, manage their time and workload efficiently, and maintain professional conduct in clients' homes will be highly competitive. A commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, as well as ongoing participation in required training and certification activities, is preferred.
Highly Recommended Certifications (California): Certification as a Building Analyst or equivalent through a recognized credentialing body such as the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Compliance with training and certification standards established by the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Completion of CSD-approved Energy Auditor/Assessor training Certification in Lead-Safe Work Practices in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Paintin.
The position requires physical activity such as standing, walking, climbing, crawling, lifting up to 50 pounds, and entering confined spaces, and involves the use of diagnostic tools like manometers, pressure gauges, and related equipment.
A valid California driver's license is also required, as responsibilities include independent travel throughout Riverside County for various assignments. These may include delivering and retrieving documents or materials from other county departments and supporting event coordination activities.
Meet the Team!
The County of Riverside's Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) Department is a dedicated group that prioritizes delivering services to the County's most vulnerable populations. Through helpful interventions that meet our county's housing and workforce related needs, HWS is promoting prosperous neighborhoods and healthy communities. Can you see yourself here?• Conduct specialized, technical field inspections or assessment for various assistance programs available to County residents through the HWS Department; ensure proper condition of units including compliance with applicable regulations and standards, safe and sanitary conditions; prepare work orders; implement and monitor outcomes.
• Advise and assist property owners and tenants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections, assessment, or complaints; conduct follow up inspections of completed work and repairs; conduct site visits with contracted vendors for quality control, provide technical consultation and make recommendations as needed.
• Answer questions and provide applicable program information to the applicants and public.
• Perform a variety of duties involved in the determination of applicants' eligibility and tenants' continual eligibility for the programs.
• Prepare reports on inspections and related matters.
CAP WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM(In addition to the general essential duties listed above, incumbents assigned to the CAP Weatherization Program):
• Assess the dwelling of income-eligible applicants to determine whether the premises qualify to receive the weatherization grants using the California Department of Community Services and Development Technical Reference Manual (CSD TRM).
• Conduct a walk-through of the dwelling to assess both the interior and exterior of the premises to determine their present condition.
• Assess whether attic insulation, windows, doors, and walls meet energy efficiency standards under the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) of the California Code of Regulations; determine point of air penetration, leakage, and proper function of these items through weather stripping and seals.
• Assess the dwelling for mold, discoloration, asbestos, or lead-based paint.
• Assess and determine whether the dwelling plumbing and electrical systems, and appliances are functioning properly.
• Discuss the findings with applicants on the process including placing the case on deferral so the deferred items can be corrected within the applicable timeframe; prepare required forms for acknowledgment by applicants.
• Provide applicants with informational pamphlets on energy efficiency, health and safety information on mold, asbestos, and lead-based paint.
• Prepare work orders detailing all the weatherization measures that need to be completed.
• Conduct follow up inspection on completed weatherization dwellings to ensure completeness and compliance with applicable standards. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years full time work experience equivalent to Housing Specialist I duties and responsibilities; OR two years of full-time work experience in Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; OR two years of full-time work experience in general construction or trade work, including but not limited to, carpentry, HVAC, electrical.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by additional course work in social science or a related field. (Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of program eligibility experience.)
Knowledge of: Section 8 and related assisted housing programs, policies and procedures or regulations; HUD HQS; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; operations, services and activities in providing housing assistance to low-income persons under the Section 8 and related assisted housing programs; general construction or building inspection; energy efficiency measures.
Ability to: Perform housing inspections, determine needed repairs and estimate cost of repairs; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve complaints; identify and respond to program participants and public issues and concerns; work effectively with people from a variety of social, economic and racial backgrounds; work independently in the absence of supervisor.Conflict of Interest Disclosure Notice
In accordance with the HUD Annual Contributions Contract HUD-53012, applicants must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to the Housing Assistance Program. This includes financial interests held by the applicant or certain close family members or associates, such as owning rental property receiving Section 8 assistance.
Under Section 16 of HUD-53012, ownership of units leased to Section 8 participants by the applicant or their close family/associates may affect eligibility for certain positions. This disclosure ensures transparency and compliance with federal regulations (24 CFR § 982.161). Additional information may be requested during the recruitment process.
Applicants should review this requirement carefully and be prepared to provide relevant information.
For details, see: HUD-53012 Annual Contributions Contract .
Other Requirements:
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required as the candidate will be traveling to other facilities.
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please contact Genesis Ochoategui at gochoategui@rivco.org , or call (951) 955-4593. Please allow 1-3 business days for response to general inquiries.
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