Program Specialist I - Intake/Reception

Job Description

Job Description

*** THERE IS A SEVERE HOUSING SHORTAGE ON THE NORTH SLOPE. APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT RESIDE IN UTQIAGVIK (BARROW) OR INDICATE THEY HAVE NO LOCAL HOUSING SECURED WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED ***

Job Title: Program Specialist I - Intake/Reception

Department: Housing

Reports To: Sr. Program Specialist II                                                   

Supervises: Non-Supervisory

Classification: Regular

Date Revised: August 14, 2026

Safety Sensitive: No

FLSA/AWHA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time/Regular

Occupational Code: 43-9199

Salary: Starting at $27.57/hr (depending on experience)

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Senior Program Specialist, receives and processes program applications, communicates with applicants, gathers required supporting documentation until the application is complete, inputs information into the applicant database, follows program guidelines, policies, and procedures, cross trains with other Program Specialists, and performs confidential administrative support for the administration, accounting, and program staff, including, but not limited to: typing and filing, greeting clients and visitors, making appointments and referrals, preparing mailings, taking payments, and answering telephones. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greets and refers clients and visitors to the appropriate staff and/or program.
• Maintains and files visitor and vehicle logs.
  
• Receives and processes program applications, verifies completeness, communicates with applicants, gathers and organizes required documents, and maintains date-completed data.
• Processes Occupancy inquiries: answers telephone and email, makes referrals, takes messages, and appropriately directs incoming calls.
• Prepares mailings by printing documents, stuffing and addressing envelopes, and applying postage.
• Types and/or reproduces reports, forms, correspondence, and other material as generated by TNHA staff. Proofreads all work for accuracy and neatness.
• Duplicates, collates, and prepares for mailing agency reports, lists, correspondence, grants, etc.
• Maintains an acceptable administrative office appearance, including the TNHA conference room and main sitting areas, and ensures a professional and neat environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required:

• Basic knowledge of business English, punctuation, arithmetic, and spelling.
• Knowledge of TNHA regulations and policies.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion with minimum instructions; adhere to prescribed routines and practices; maintain records; and ensure accuracy.
• Ability to cooperatively and courteously work well with others, and to assist the public in a friendly professional manner.
• Basic skill in the application of modern office practices and procedures, recordkeeping methods and procedures, and the use and care of office machines and equipment.
• Ability to type 50 wpm and pass a typing test.
• High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) credential, or equivalent.
  
• One (1) year of clerical experience, including experience using common PC software applications and general office equipment.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Alaska Driver's License that meets TNHA insurance criteria.

Preferred:

• Alaskan Native/American Indian; membership in a federally recognized tribe preferred.
• Ability to speak Inupiaq preferred.

Physical Demands: This role primarily involves sedentary work, including sitting for extended periods, using a computer, and occasional light lifting (up to 20 pounds). Visual acuity for reading and using a computer is required.

Work Environment: The work environment is a typical office setting with standard lighting and temperature conditions. The noise level is generally low to moderate.

A full list of physical demands and work environment details can be provided upon request. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.