Tenant Services Specialist

Tenant Services Specialist is an Open-Competitive Onondaga County Civil Service position and if hired, continued employment will be contingent on qualifying for, successfully passing, and reachability off the applicable Onondaga County Civil Service Exam.

After a conditional offer of employment, a favorable background check, verification of education and work history, and illegal drug screening must be completed prior to starting employment. Proof of identity and legal work authorization will also be required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS


This work involves assisting the administration of the Syracuse Housing Authority in providing services to tenants and resolving the more serious or difficult tenant lease violations and other needs for supportive services. Under the direct supervision of an administrative superior, an employee in this class performs a variety of administrative, tenant problem resolution and tenant relations activities of a responsible nature. Works with tenants and staff to resolve tenant lease violations, to prevent or carry out tenant evictions, and other tenant related matters.

This position is distinguished from Tenant Services Organizer by administrative duties and the higher level and wider scope of responsibility.

Work is assigned and reviewed by an administrative superior through review of written work, review of case records and frequent meetings with supervisor. An employee in this class is expected to perform assigned tasks with independence and good judgment, consulting supervisor for guidance in unusual or serious matters. Supervision may be exercised over other staff assigned to resident retention work duties. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Does related work as required.

Hiring Salary Range: $60,366 - $69,448

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES


Receives referrals from SHA administrative staff regarding tenant’s problems with maintenance and housekeeping of their apartments, relations with other tenants, relations with Housing Authority administration, lease violations, such as non-payment of rent and counseling tenants on their housing rights and responsibilities.

Refers complaints to appropriate person, Housing Authority department or outside agency and follows up on referral to insure resolution of referral.

Evaluates cases involving tenant lease violations and determines appropriate steps to be taken, such as warning notice, meeting with tenant, or possible eviction letter.

Meets with tenants regarding lease violations to try to resolve problems with tenants and to advise tenant of possible eviction if problem is not resolved.

Acts as a liaison between tenant organization leaders and the Housing Authority administration by hearing concerns of the tenant leaders, scheduling meetings with housing Authority administrators and generally keeping communication channels open.

Assists the administration in tenant grievance hearings by setting up hearing, contacting board members, providing eviction material and documentation to attorney, recording the hearing and similar administrative tasks.

Acts as a liaison between the Housing Authority and agencies providing funding to the Authority by performing as central contact person for administrative details, preparing fiscal reports, budgets, program and data reports and submitting any required paperwork to the funding agency.

May conduct training sessions on agency policies and procedures or create written materials to clarify or communicate policy issues with tenants.

Provides tenant services such as drafting notices to tenants, answering questions and responding to requests for assistance.

Network with a variety of human service organizations in order to refer tenants to appropriate community support services.

Provides tenant services such as drafting notices to tenants, answering questions and responding to complaints and problems.

Good knowledge of the needs, problems and interests of low-income people.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, tenants and community agencies and deal effectively with people in difficult situations.

Ability to gather and organize pertinent data.

Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports.

Ability to communicate effectively with others on both an individual basis and in group meetings.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate Degree in education, social work, human services or resources, social science, public administration or a field closely related to the aforementioned and one (1) year of professional level work experience in assisting in the administration of or providing a human services program; or,


B. Five (5) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, in education, social work, *human services or resources, social science, public administration or a field closely related to the aforementioned, one (1) year of which must have been in a professional level capacity in assisting in the administration of or providing a human services program; or,


C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.


*note - Human Services comprise those career fields in which practitioners help others to solve their physical or emotional problems or to meet their physical, emotional or mental needs, or to enhance their cultural, social, spiritual or physical conditions. Practitioners in this class are typically characterized by working with people on an individual or group basis. Responsibility for the custody or detention of individuals or for determining program eligibility is not considered qualifying experience.