Housing Choice Voucher Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About NRHA Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

NRHA seeks qualified candidates for Housing Choice Voucher Specialist.

Summary

Administers Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program procedures to participants. Determines and verifies the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Utility Allowance Payment (UAP) subsidy for individual clients. Administers HCV program procedures to landlords. Counsels participants and landlords on HCV matters and responds to participant and landlord inquiries. Maintains accurate records of client activity. Performs project assignments related to the administration of the HCV program. Participates in audits and internal control measures.

Essential Functions

• Administers Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program procedures to participants: determines participant eligibility/continued eligibility to participate in the HCV program; processes initial, annual and interim determinations/certifications ; administers voucher portability eligibility procedures; establishes and maintains communications with participants; recommends the termination of participants from the HCV program as needed; identifies, executes, and monitors repayment agreements with clients; and acts to assure compliance with HCV policy and procedures. Collaborates with employees, social services agencies,
• Determines and verifies the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Utility Allowance Payment (UAP) subsidy for individual clients: obtains income and family composition verification data; calculates HAP and UAP; enters data into database; notifies relevant parties of HAP and UAP amounts; and acts to assure timely payment of subsidy. Process rent calculation determinations based on verifications received.
• Administers HCV program procedures to landlords: determines landlord eligibility/continued eligibility to participate in the HCV program; processes eligibility and new property owner documents; verifies and documents rent reasonableness; requests housing quality standards (HQS) inspections; tracks inspection status on initial HQS inspections; monitors landlord compliance with HCV requirements; assures landlord compliance with program requirements; recommends the termination of landlord participation in program; identifies potential landlords to participate in HCV program; establishes and maintains communications with landlords, and tracks and reports vacancies; and acts to assure compliance with HCV legal requirements.
• Organize and conducts voucher educational issuance briefings to present and explain the voucher program to applicants and participants. Assist voucher holders in their searching of eligible/affordable housing to lease. Counsel's participants and landlords on HCV matters and responds to participant and landlord inquiries maintains current knowledge of HCV regulations and requirements; receives inquiries; responds to inquiries with courtesy and tact; performs portability orientations; and advises, and advises, counsels, and guides participants and landlords on HCV matters.
• Maintains accurate records of client activity verifies and enters participant and landlord data into HCV database per standard procedures; maintains hard copy participant files per standard procedures; prepares and submits accurate periodic reports on client activity; and acts to maintain the security and confidentiality of client data.
• Receives and monitor complaints from participants, investigate fraud reports and determine continued program eligibility or the necessary correction needed. Performs project assignments related to the administration of the HCV program: may perform assignments including but not limited to fraud investigations, participant/landlord dispute resolutions, property damage claims; and program research assignments.
• Participates in audits and internal control measures: presents files for periodic review; responds to auditors’ inquiries; prepares and submits reports on file or client activity; and acts on audit findings.
• Performs a variety of administrative activities related to HCV processing; prepares a variety of reports, correspondence, and memoranda; and updates and maintains records of HCV process and activity.
• Performs other related work as required.

Performance Standards

• Accurately determine and process participant eligibility and certifications in compliance with HUD and agency guidelines.
• Correctly calculate HAP and UAP amounts; ensure timely entry and processing.
• Verify landlord eligibility, process required documentation, and monitor compliance with HCV regulations.
• Ensure adherence to HCV policies; recommend terminations or repayment agreements as needed.
• Provide accurate, timely responses and guidance on HCV policies and procedures.
• Conduct voucher briefings and assist participants with locating eligible housing.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential records in both digital and hard-copy formats.
• Investigate complaints and fraud reports; take appropriate follow-up action.
• Support audits by maintaining compliant files and responding to findings.
• Complete required reports, correspondence, and forms promptly and accurately.
• Demonstrate courtesy, confidentiality, and adherence to policies in all interactions.
  

Minimum Qualifications

College coursework in Social Work, Sociology, Business Administration, or a related field.

Two to four years of progressively responsible experience in rental assistance housing programs, social work, or a related field.

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirements

• Must be or be eligible to become a commissioned Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to the program eligibility and continued receipt of HCV rental assistance payments; includes knowledge of the HCV Program Administrative Plan.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HCV organization, programs, Code of Federal Regulations, policies, and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to the eligibility and placement of applicants in the HCV program; includes knowledge of administrative plan governing the HCV program. The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Operational knowledge of NRHA organization, programs, policies, and practices.
• Operational knowledge of personal computer, to include knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs and housing data base management computer applications.
• Skill in managing human relations, particularly leadership, consulting, negotiating, and persuasion skills. The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder.
• Skill in dealing effectively and courteously with the public, program participants, other employees, and others outside the organization. Includes the ability to maintain the confidentiality of business-related information.
• Oral and written communication skills to present and make comprehensible moderately complex information regarding organization operations, of which some information may be technical in nature; provide clear instructions; compose reports; and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.
• Ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret moderately complex and technical information.
• Ability to analyze detailed application data to determine eligibility for public housing or rental assistance.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the implementation of moderately complex operational activities.
  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.