Title: Housing Specialist/Special Programs
Reports To: Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Recertification’s Manager Department/Division: Operations/ Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Responsible for performing assigned duties pertaining to, and in accordance with, the Agency’s Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan and procedures and in accordance with HUD, federal, local and other applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures for targeted special programs such as Veterans Administration (VASH), Family Unification (FUP), Disaster Housing Assistance (DHAP), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, etc. Performs a variety of tasks related to assisting in the admission and occupancy of low and extremely low-income families as appropriate within level of expertise. The duties listed below illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Responsibilities
- Answers inquiries concerning polices and practices associated with the application and/or re-examination processes in a courteous and professional manner or routes/directs inquiries to appropriate staff.
- Assists in coordinating background information checks of tenants to be recertified. Assists in performing final eligibility verifications.
- Contacts eligible applicants to offer available units in accordance with Agency policies and procedures and program requirements.
- Conducts home visits for elderly and disabled clients as appropriate.
- Serves as point of contact for agencies involved in the targeted special programs.
- Verifies client data in accordance with HUD’s Code of Federal Regulations and the INLIVIAN Administrative Plan Housing Occupancy Plan.
- Reviews lease documents for accuracy and completeness prior to execution of leases by authorized personnel.
- Assists in accurate and timely preparation of Form HUD-50058 and Notice of New Rent Change.
- Assists in collection and review of interim transfer and re-certification information, and coordinates evaluation, verification, and calculation of information and rent for recertification and move-in.
- Explains rent calculation to tenants and assists with completion of recertification materials as assigned. Assists in preparing and sending appropriate notices of rent adjustments in accordance with HUD regulations.
- Conducts re-examination with tenants as assigned, following proper verification methods/processing for each re- examination in accordance with HUD and Agency policies and procedures. Assists in examination and resolution of income discrepancies as necessary.
- Accurately, enters move-in and move-out data into system, as needed.
- Processes and maintains files and correspondence associated with the leasing/occupancy process in an accurate and timely manner.
- Reviews resident/applicant files/folders and verification forms for accuracy and completeness and accurately inputs data into computer in a timely manner.
- May compile statistical data and prepare reports related to completed recertification, applicant folders, occupancy, and residents within level of expertise.
- Ensures privacy and maintains security of confidential materials.
- Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Agency standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
High School diploma or possession of a certificate of equivalence of High School Achievement (GED) and one (1) year of relevant experience, plus two (2) to three (3) years’ experience in the housing or social services field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to fulfill essential position functions.
Must serve as a Housing Specialist for two (2) years.
The following Certifications must be obtained within eighteen (18) months of employment or other allowable period of hire as authorized by the HCVP Director:
- Housing Choice Voucher Specialist w Occupancy Specialist
- Rent Calculation w Enterprise Income Verification System (EIV)
- Fair Housing
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to learn federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations and Agency policies and procedures pertaining to public housing as appropriate to position.
- Working knowledge of interviewing techniques and record maintenance.
- Ability to meet and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
- Ability to understand and follow moderately complex written and oral instructions, communicate and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established administrative rules, regulations and policies, to explain the re-examination process to tenants in an objective and impartial manner.
- Working knowledge of the operation of the Agency’s computer system and applicable software.
- Knowledge of basic math principles sufficient to perform essential job functions.
- Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and make appropriate recommendations within scope of responsibility.
- Ability to use basic office equipment such as telephone, fax, copier, and computer.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees.
- Ability to deal effectively with situations requiring tact and diplomacy.
Supervision Controls
The employee receives instructions and supervision from the HCVP Recertification’s Manager and Lead Housing Specialist. The employee receives specific instructions when complaints are brought to the attention of the supervisor, and when the supervisor is contacted by the employee for direction. The employee's work is reviewed frequently and
closely for accuracy, conformance to Agency policies, and attainment of objectives. The Housing Specialist/Special Programs has no supervisory duties.
Guidelines
The employee performs routine duties by following established HUD targeted special program and Agency policies and procedures. These guidelines cover most job-related situations and the employee may use independent judgment in making some decisions within established parameters and area of expertise as appropriate to the situation. If guidelines do not cover a situation, the employee normally consults the supervisor. Guidelines are generally specific and clear.
Complexity
The employee performs a variety of related, routine, and generally repetitive tasks. The course of action is determined by the supervisor and by established procedures. The employee may coordinate, integrate, and/or prioritize tasks.
Scope and Effect
The employee's work affects resident families, managers, other agencies, and other Agency personnel. The employee's efforts can enhance the Agency's continuing efforts to provide adequate leased housing to Section 8 targeted special program families on a timely basis and at reasonable rates.
Personal Contacts
Personal contacts are with all of the above persons and groups. The purpose of such contacts is to obtain and provide information and verify, document and record information submitted by residents, and other Agency activities.
Physical Requirements
- Work is principally sedentary, but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling, crouching, or lifting to obtain files, records, and office supplies, and eyestrain from working with computers and other office equipment.
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for up to eight hours at a time while preforming work duties.
- Must be able to bend, stoop, push, and pull in the performance of office related duties.
- Must be able to use fingers bilaterally and unilaterally to operate office equipment.
- Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and clients and perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.
- Must have vision and hearing corrected to be able to operate office equipment and fulfill essential job functions.
- Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.
- An employee may request a reasonable accommodation to mitigate any of the physical requirements listed above.
Work Environment
Work involves the normal risks or discomfort associated with an office environment and is usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted, and ventilated.
Other Requirements
Must possess a valid State of North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license and regularly participate in continuous improvement and education. Must work with the highest degree of confidentiality.
