Green Card Housing Specialist Jobs
Housing Specialist jobs with green card sponsorship exist across public housing authorities, nonprofit developers, and HUD-funded agencies willing to file PERM labor certification, I-140, and sponsor you through to lawful permanent residency. Foreign professionals with degrees in social work, urban planning, or public administration are well-positioned for EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship in this role.
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INTRODUCTION
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking a Housing Program Specialist III/RAA Liaison in the Division of Public Housing/Bureau of Rental Assistance!
AGENCY MISSION:
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is responsible for building more homes and lowering housing costs across the Commonwealth through partnerships with municipalities, housing authorities, and community stakeholders.
Overview
The Housing Program Specialist III/ Regional Administering Agencies (RAA) Liaison is a position within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Bureau of Rental Assistance (BRA).
The RAA Liaison is the primary point of contact for the day-to-day operations and management for nine Regional Administering Agencies (RAAs) administering the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The HCV programs at the RAAs comprise over 22,000 vouchers with at least six different special purpose voucher programs in addition to state and project-based voucher programs. The HPS III is a liaison among the RAAs, BRA program staff, and leadership.
The RAA Liaison works closely with RAA staff and subject matter experts to explain and promote consistent implementation of policies, improve operational performance, and strengthen communication between BRA and its partner agencies. The HPS III will provide technical assistance to RAAs on both federal and, where needed, state rental assistance programs on a wide range of topics including but not limited to regulations, systems, quality control, operations, administrative policies, and implementation of policy changes. The incumbent is expected to have subject matter expertise in the HCV program and to be knowledgeable about division priorities as they relate to RAA work. They will triage issues, be knowledgeable of roles and resources to refer questions as needed, mediate between RAAs, and escalate issues to supervisors or management as needed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):
1. Operations:
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Serve as the primary point of contact between EOHLC and the nine Regional Administering Agencies (RAAs) regarding operational questions and day-to-day program administration; maintaining clear and consistent communications with the LHA staff regarding management of the Housing Choice Voucher programs.
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Evaluate the day-to-day operations of RAAs and make recommendations for program changes to improve both compliance and performance.
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Provide guidance in general operational and procedural questions (written and oral).
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Conduct regularly scheduled and ad hoc meetings with RAAs to discuss program priorities and expectations, address questions, monitor progress, and follow up on action items.
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Negotiate/mediate disagreements between RAAs on policy and programmatic matters.
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Develop systems to track and monitor transfers between RAAs.
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Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with RAAs through regular communication and support.
2. Compliance & Monitoring:
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Participate in regular performance and compliance meetings with RAAs and facilitate discussion of performance and compliance monitoring results.
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Identify operational challenges and potential compliance risks, escalating to EOHLC management where necessary. Provide connection between RAA and HLC staff in Yardi processing, navigation, and user access issues, and track tickets/Client Central cases.
3. Data Management:
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Develop and maintain systems to ensure RAAs remain on track with program requirements, deadlines, and performance expectations.
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Work with BRA team, especially data and compliance staff, to provide regular updates to HLC management on individual and common or recurring RAA risks, barriers, and progress.
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Assist in data cleanup activities following system conversions.
4. Administrative:
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Be well-versed in federal voucher and Moving to Work (MTW) program rules, guidance, policies, and regulations.
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Be familiar with HCV Housing Quality Standards and assist in implementing the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate for Vouchers (NSPIRE-V).
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Prepare agendas, reports etc. for the regular meetings and provide appropriate written follow-up, including next steps, to-do items, and decisions made.
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Create other tracking tools, letters, documents to help standardize operations at the RAAs.
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Prepare, explain, and distribute policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and administrative guidance as needed.
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Prepare, review, and recommend revisions to the Administrative Plan to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, state policies, and program objectives.
5. Training & Technical Assistance:
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As necessary, provide or coordinate on-site technical assistance to RAAs and escalate urgent issues to management.
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Through RAA meetings and correspondence, identify training needs and work with Training Coordinator to develop (or procure) trainings and prepare training materials.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Demonstrated experience administering or providing oversight of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and MTW Program, including interpretation and application of HUD regulations, notices, handbooks, and related guidance.
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Experience working with public housing authorities, regional administering agencies, or other entities administering federally funded rental assistance programs.
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Demonstrated experience evaluating program operations, identifying compliance or performance issues, and developing and implementing corrective or process-improvement strategies.
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Experience providing technical assistance and guidance on complex housing program requirements to program administrators, staff, or external partner organizations.
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Knowledge of HUD Special Purpose Voucher programs, such as HUD-VASH, Family Unification Program (FUP), Foster Youth to Independence (FYI), Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) vouchers, and Tenant Protection Vouchers.
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Expertise of knowledge of federal and MTW supportive housing programs/services such as Family Self-Sufficiency and Sno-MASS.
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Experience developing, interpreting, or implementing policies, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), administrative plans, or other program guidance.
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Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, facilitate meetings, resolve disagreements, and communicate effectively with external partner organizations and stakeholders.
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Experience analyzing program data and using performance or compliance information to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
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Strong organizational and project-management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities, tracking deliverables and deadlines, and following issues through resolution.
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Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with and address groups in both public and in-house meetings.
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Ability to work independently, exercising discretion and sound judgment with general matters and in handling confidential information.
COMMENTS:
Please upload resume and cover letter.
This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.
Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in real estate management, property management, public housing program management, public housing program development or public housing program administration, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
III. A Master's or higher degree with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.
Comprehensive 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.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street
JOB
Community and Social Services
AGENCY
Exec Office of Housing and Livable Communities
SCHEDULE
Full-time
SHIFT
Day
JOB POSTING
Nov 9, 2026, 10:39:00 AM
NUMBER OF OPENINGS
1
SALARY
80,411.50 - 117,590.46 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Jessica Molina - 8572480160
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Housing Specialist
Align your credentials with EB-2 or EB-3
If your housing degree is a bachelor's plus five years of progressive case management or compliance experience, you likely qualify for EB-2. A straight bachelor's with at least two years of relevant experience fits EB-3. Knowing which category applies before you apply shapes which employers to target.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Target agencies and developers that have already filed PERM for Housing Specialist roles by searching Migrate Mate, which lists employers with verified green card sponsorship history by occupation. That prior filing record signals genuine willingness to run the full PERM recruitment process again.
Prioritize public housing authorities and HUD grantees
Federal and state housing agencies frequently sponsor foreign workers because Housing Specialist shortages are well-documented in underserved markets. HUD grantees in particular often have HR teams experienced with PERM filings, reducing the internal friction that slows sponsorship at smaller private employers.
Verify the prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer's PERM filing must certify they're paying at least the DOL prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage for your specific metro before negotiations, so your offered salary won't delay or invalidate the labor certification.
Expect a recruitment test before PERM is filed
PERM requires your employer to run a genuine U.S. worker recruitment effort, including job postings, newspaper ads, and documented rejection of unqualified applicants. Understand this timeline upfront so you don't mistake the delay for employer hesitation; the recruitment phase alone typically runs several months.
Preserve your priority date if you change employers
Once your original I-140 is approved, your priority date can carry over to a new employer's I-140 if you switch jobs. If your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 portability also allows you to move to a similar Housing Specialist role without restarting the green card process from zero.
Green Card Housing Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Which green card category covers Housing Specialist roles?
Most Housing Specialist positions qualify under EB-3 for professionals with a bachelor's degree in social work, urban planning, or a related field. If your role requires a master's degree or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive housing experience, EB-2 may apply. Your employer's PERM filing will specify the minimum requirements that determine the category.
How is green card sponsorship different from H-1B for a Housing Specialist?
Green card sponsorship leads to lawful permanent residency, not a temporary status. The process starts with PERM labor certification filed with the Department of Labor, which requires a prevailing wage determination and a formal U.S. worker recruitment test. After PERM approval, the employer files an I-140 petition with USCIS. Unlike H-1B visa, there is no lottery, but per-country annual limits mean nationals from high-demand countries can face significant priority-date backlogs before they can file for adjustment of status.
How do I find employers willing to sponsor a Housing Specialist for a green card?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified green card sponsorship history by occupation, so you can focus your search on agencies and developers that have already completed PERM filings for Housing Specialist or closely related roles. That prior filing record is the strongest available signal that an employer will run the full process for the right candidate.
What does the PERM recruitment process mean for my job search timeline?
Before filing PERM with the Department of Labor, your employer must run a formal recruitment effort documenting that no qualified U.S. workers were available for the role. This includes job postings, newspaper advertisements, and written rejection records. The recruitment and audit window typically adds several months before the PERM application is even submitted, so green card sponsorship timelines are measured in years, not weeks.
Can I switch employers during my Housing Specialist green card process?
Yes, under two distinct rules. If your original employer's I-140 was approved, your priority date can carry over to a new employer's I-140, so you don't lose your place in the queue. Separately, if your I-485 adjustment of status petition has been pending with USCIS for at least 180 days, AC21 portability lets you move to a same or similar housing occupation without restarting the PERM process.