Housing Support Specialist

This is skilled community outreach, research, and field inspection work securing and maintaining regulatory compliance with established housing and zoning codes, laws and regulations affecting the life, health, and welfare of the community. Work includes conducting interior inspections in rental units to ensure compliance with minimum property maintenance standards; collaborating with city departments, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders that provide housing and social services; coordinating with PATH (Police Assisting the Homeless) and homeless outreach staff; referring tenants and/or owners to available assistance programs; interpreting and explaining ordinances and code requirements to ensure compliance is achieved; researching records, court filings, ownership, zoning, previous code violation proceedings and other applicable records available online such as real estate/rental listings and short-term rental advertisement platforms; preparing reports of findings; initiating appropriate correspondence and notices to offenders; initiating legal action against offenders failing to comply; coordinating legal action and serving as a witness against offenders during public hearings; and making decisions requiring considerable technical judgment. Other duties may be assigned that will focus on ensuring equitable access to safe, affordable, and quality housing for all residents of St. Petersburg. This position may be assigned to work a schedule that includes Saturdays.

Salary: $58,046 - $91,369

Close Date: 07-15-2026 (11:59 PM)

To Qualify

Minimum Qualifications. Applicants must

• Possess a valid high school diploma or GED equivalency.

• Possess and continue to maintain a valid Driver License.

• Be able to establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with employees, community groups and organizations, and the public.

• Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

• Be able to competently use a personal computer to write reports, enter data, and conduct research.

• Have some knowledge, understanding, and/or experience in housing or property maintenance, repair, or inspection.

• Have some knowledge, understanding, and/or experience in housing or tenant assistance programs.

• Be able to prepare and accurately maintain moderately complex records, reports, and case files.

• Be able to interpret and enforce laws, regulations and codes with firmness, tact, and impartiality.

• Be able and willing to work a schedule that includes Saturdays.

• Acknowledge this position is designated as Emergency Critical (EC) and if hired into the position, an applicant must be immediately available to the department before, during, and after a declared emergency and/or disaster.

Desirable Qualifications. Preferred applicants

• Possess a valid Bachelor’s degree with major course work in public administration, business administration, communication, or a related field.

• Are able to competently present various ordinances, laws and regulations at public meetings.

• Have some knowledge of State and local housing and zoning ordinances, laws, and regulations especially tenant-owner issues.

• Are highly competent in the use of computers for word processing, email, and database activities, and are familiar with Microsoft Word and Outlook, and SunGard HTE Code Enforcement software.

• Are able to obtain and accurately document verbal complaints and supporting evidence of potential ordinance violations while maintaining professional telephone etiquette.

• Are able to accurately, clearly and concisely record observations of the conditions of property.

• Are able to competently testify to facts in a well-organized and credible manner during quasi-judicial Board and Court proceedings.

• Have considerable experience in housing maintenance practices.

Are able to exercise good judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Selection Process

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicant will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.

The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.

How To Apply

Apply online at www.stpete.org/jobs - Select See Open Jobs. City employees must use the Current City Employee link or use a City computer to access iRecruitment Employee Candidate. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity employment, and encourages individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply for posted positions. In accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes, qualified servicemembers/veterans and the spouses/family members of certain servicemembers/veterans receive preference/priority in employment. Eligible applicants are responsible to apply for Veterans’ Preference at the time of submission of any job application. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to apply, to interview for positions and to perform the essential job functions.