Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, oversees and manages rental units for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Housing Department. This role involves providing professional housing assistance and working collaboratively to serve applicants, community members, and program participants. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with funding agencies and adhering to Tribal, state, and federal laws, as well as Housing policies and procedures. Duties encompass lease administration, managing client payments and records, conducting move-in and move-out processes, inspecting units, and coordinating with maintenance for repairs and construction.

Principal duties and responsibilities include:

1. Accept and process applications by verifying eligibility and suitability for housing.
2. Maintain a high level of customer service by responding to resident inquires and concerns in a timely manner.
3. Effectively communicate with residents, co-workers, vendors, and other clients.
4. Adhere to all Housing policies and procedures.
5. Assist in the development and implementation of community activities and events.
6. Handle all aspects of lease renewals and move-in and move-outs.
7. Process interim and annual certification for changes in the household composition and rent calculations.
8. Maintains and monitors processes with tenants/homebuyer on general notices, delinquent notice, termination, notices and unlawful detainer of units.
9. Enforce the provisions of the Housing Departments Collection and Eviction Policy against delinquent residents.
10. Make recommendations on cases, which must be pursued through the tribal court, work with the Housing Authority's Attorney to prepare case for court proceedings and tribal (if necessary). May include representing the Housing Department in court cases of minor complexity such as eviction of tenant.
11. Schedule the preparation of units for new residents, including cleaning and making necessary repairs.
12. Develop and complete pre- and post-occupancy training for tenants/homebuyers.
13. Ensure resident files are adequately maintained for Audits and Management reviews.
14. Able to plan, monitor departments budget and tenant accounts receivables. Pursue repayment of amounts owed, by telephone, by mail, and in person in compliance with established procedures.
15. Prepare monthly reports (or special reports) on occupancy issues for the department manager.
16. Ability to learn, interpret and apply rules, regulations, and requirements for grants.
17. Attend meetings/conferences with local agencies, civic organizations, and HUD as needed.
18. Ensure timely submission of all documents required by the program (e.g., forms HUD-50058, HUD-51234m etc.);
19. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of housing policies and procedures compliance.
• Report writing techniques.
• Investigation methods and principles.
• Customer service principles.
• HUD regulations, program requirements, policies and procedures.
• Federal guidelines and requirements.
• Problems and concerns of low-income individuals.
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.
• Analyze problems and in developing recommendations for feasible, effective solutions.
• Analyze delinquent account problems and in develop recommendations for feasible, effective solutions.
• Apply and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• Deal effectively with residents on occupancy matters.
• Exercise judgment in prioritizing and scheduling record keeping activities.
• Organize and complete the internal processes of record keeping.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications.
• Maintain various confidential records.
• Perform mathematical computations and general office duties.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Work well with people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, certifications, and experience required:

High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience in one or more of the following areas: housing assistance programs, property management, compliance auditing, or case management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above. Preferred qualifications include:

• Prior experience in a similar capacity working with the Tribal Community or Housing is preferred.
• Experience working within low-income Housing or a low-income Non-profit entity is preferred.
• Experience in or knowledge of legal proceedings preferred.
• Experience in property management.

Special requirements include:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.
• This position will require the incumbent to work non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends.
• Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card or be able to obtain the Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in termination.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe provides 22 days of Paid Time Off which increases with years of service and 15 paid Holidays per year. We offer a comprehensive healthcare benefit package that surpasses or rivals the biggest organizations in Tucson. We encourage you to stay healthy by providing an onsite Wellness Center. Additionally, the Tribe offers a 401(k) Plan with a generous match in which you're immediately vested along with a profit sharing plan after one year of employment. Sworn police and and fire employees are eligible to make Pre-Tax and After-Tax contributions to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement Systems ("PSPRS").