About Us

For over eight decades, the Housing Authority Birmingham District (HABD) has been a committed leader in providing affordable housing for qualified families in the City of Birmingham. Our ultimate vision is to empower self-sufficiency, economic advancement and quality living for a successful future.

Our Mission

The mission of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District is to provide the highest standard of affordable housing while fostering vibrant, inclusive communities and serving as a catalyst for opportunity. 

HABD’s leadership has continued to develop and grow programs, offerings and partnerships that help to promote self-sufficiency, empowerment and quality of life for personal and community success. Birmingham has the largest public housing authority in Alabama, serving more than 10,000 people.

Benefits of Working with HABD

Medical/Dental/Life Insurance, Short-Term/Long-Term Disability,  Workers' Compensation, Retirement Plan/Deferred Compensation, Paid Holiday (Federal & State), Paid Personal Days, Paid Sick Leave- Eight (8) hours Per Month, Paid Vacation:

Less than 90 days……………0 hours; 90 days to 5 years…………96 hours; 5-11 years………………………120 hours; 12-15 years……………………144 hours; 16+ years………………………160 hours

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

It is the policy of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and any other condition protected by the law. No question on the application is asked for the purposes of limiting or excluding any applicants consideration for employment because of his/her race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other disability protected by the law. 

IT Specialist  (Full Time)
Department: Executive

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to install, configure, maintain, and operate the hardware and software for The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. This incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing network management, configuration, and monitoring strategies.

All activities must support The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District's ("HABD") mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned as needed.

Develops and implements strategies for network management, configuration, backup, and archiving of system components, servers, workstations, laptops, scanning devices, printers, phones, network equipment, windows server operating systems, Microsoft 365, Google WorkSpace, Active Directory, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), category 5/6 cabling, and various software applications.

Performs system administration duties on all system components, addressing address and domain assignment, routing and bridging strategies, firewall and security monitoring systems, access regulation, and specifying and maintaining records of network configuration.

Works with the Director of IT on the design, configuration, and implementation of file servers, network operating systems, networked applications, telecommunication VoIP & digital, wireless networks, and other network-related software components.

Develops and maintains data backup and archive systems, ensuring backups and archives are in accordance with the IT plan and maintaining a high confidence level for data retrieval.

Develops system component automation tools and applications, ensuring that system component standards are followed.

Develops and implements plans to coordinate acquisition and installation of system components with IT staff and user departments as required.

Installs, configures, and tests new system components in accordance with HABD's IT management plan.

Provides necessary technical assistance for computer hardware and software operations.

Troubleshoots and resolves system component problems promptly.

Investigates and resolves users' computer software, hardware, and telephone problems.

Documents problems in an organized and timely manner to the IT Director as required.

Attends staff meetings to report on and resolve recurrent data problems.

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and seminars, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

Assists with the administration of the Intranet, updating content and data as needed.

Assists computer users with information technology questions and problems, fielding telephone calls and e-mail messages from users seeking guidance on technical issues to ensure satisfaction in every step of problem resolution and minimize downtime of applications and personnel.

Interfaces directly with end-users to gather information regarding procedures followed and possible sources of error to diagnose needs.

Troubleshoots based on problem descriptions by asking users with a problem to participate in diagnostic procedures, using diagnostic software, and listening to and following instructions addressing the issue.

Performs individual and group end-user training to enhance overall knowledge of operational aspects of systems/hardware/software by user needs.

Contacts software, hardware, and service vendors to request service regarding inoperative products or services.

Coordinates with IT users on assigned projects and monitors performance against project deliverables, reporting the status to the Director of IT. Interfaces with users as needed for process clarification, implementation, and support on assigned projects.

Regulates system and data access to computer systems and communications systems by established IT departmental and HABD security policies. Ensures that security procedures are being met through regular review and maintenance of security information.

Performs system administration tasks on all computer systems and communications systems, including adding and removing users, accessible peripheral devices, and e-mail accounts. Includes routine file, disk, and process management and software upgrades. Prepares and maintains procedural documentation, performance reports, and activity logs.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the HABD. Uses appropriate judgment & decision-making in accordance with the level of responsibility.

Commitment:Sets high-performance standards; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service:Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind. Recognizes work colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication:Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing. Demonstrates attention to and conveys an understanding of the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.

Initiative:Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.

Responsiveness and Accountability:Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's work; does a fair share of work.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts team's success above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Job Competencies

Strong understanding of network design, implementation, network security, and virtual private networks. Users must be proficient with Microsoft servers environment, using active directory and exchange, and obtain a good understanding of group policy.

Advanced knowledge of PC hardware and software troubleshooting skills.

Advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems and have the ability to use independent judgment and possess decision-making ability.

Ability to make recommendations regarding policy development and implementation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional, and tactful working relationships with co-workers and persons outside the Agency.

Ability to evaluate customer satisfaction, develop cooperative associations and utilize resources for continuous improvement.

Ability to write reports and prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with property format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Ability to analyze data and information, prepare complex reports, graphs, charts, and spreadsheets, and summarize findings.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in systems administration and network management. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is preferred.

This position requires regular driving for business purposes. The incumbent is required to possess a valid driver's license and must have the ability to be insurable under HABD's automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

Technical Skills

The employee should have strong computer skills (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) to perform this job successfully. Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; reaching and grasping, operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office, and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 150 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounter while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

The position is open until filled.