Housing Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                                      Housing Specialist
Reports to: Supervisor
Supervises: None
Flsa Status: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY: Performs various HCV program activities including, but not limited to processing applications for eligibility and screening, re-certifying participant’s status to ensure continued eligibility, preparing contracts, conducting briefings, and verifying information, all in conformance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, the Administrative Plan, procedures and prescribed performance standards.  Transaction assignments include eligibility determination, leasing, annual re-certifications, interim changes, portability, moves, rent increases, rent reasonableness, HAP contracts, portability, informal review and hearing preparation, and terminations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts assigned activities and transactions.  Completes assigned work on a timely and accurate basis. 
• Conducts all work activities in a manner that supports achievement of SEMAP, contractual standards, and/or other performance measures as required.
• Plans and schedules activities to facilitate timely turn-around of transaction.
• Meets established performance standards for accuracy and timeliness of transactions.
• Ensures all programs are operated in compliance with rules, regulations, policies and procedures adopted and set down by HUD, program management, and/or the Administrative Plan and procedures.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and superior customer service skills at all times.  Answers phone, talks to prospective owners about the program; answers inquiries from participants, owners, applicants and the public.
• Conducts all activities to ensure nondiscrimination.
• Maintains productivity information in prescribed formats and prepares statistical reports as requested.
• Determines eligibility for regular HCV and special program participation and assists in utilizing all regular and special program vouchers within scheduled timeframes to help maintain leasing schedule.
• Reviews applications, verifications and other documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness; ensures that required documentation is distributed to correct parties, i.e., owner, participant and manager.
• Verifies and documents family composition, citizenship status, income, age, identity, assets and other information as required
• Establishes and maintains individual applicant/participant files and handles all personally identifiable information (PII) in strictest confidence.
• Conducts annual and interim re-examinations of income and family composition, including interviewing participants, processing changes, verifying income, calculating proper subsidy amounts, and notifying participants of changes in rent or unit eligibility.
• Conducts processes for moves, rent increases and rent reasonableness.
• Conducts processes for portability.
• Conducts processes for informal reviews and hearings, and terminations.
• Conducts processes for HAP contracts.
• Performs accurate and timely data entry to maintain updated computer files pertaining to rent calculations and master files; utilizes computer programs to prepare correspondence and reports, including activity reports etc., and reports as required.
• Maintains skill sets necessary to meet performance standards and comply with changing administrative requirements as directed.  Reads PIH notices, Administrative Plan, procedures, training materials, guidance and other HCV-related publications. 
• Completes accurate calculations of income, assets, deductions, expenses, total tenant payment, family share, HAP payments, and utility allowances and reimbursements.  Identifies discrepancies and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Completes identified error corrections in timely manner.
• Processes requests for tenancy approval.
• Coordinates activities with Supervisors, Managers, Inspectors, and other coworkers.
• Advises Managing Director immediately of any issues or complaints regarding discrimination, legal issues, etc. 
• Reports all other complaints and issues immediately to Supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of college, business or technical school at an accredited educational institution. 
• Must obtain HCV Specialist certification within one year of hire.
• Two years of experience in an environment requiring extensive public contact or customer service.  Accounting, mortgage processing, and direct customer interfacing experience a plus.  Experience beyond the minimum may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.
• Knowledge of the HCV program requirements, policies, or procedures, preferred.
• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and math skills required.

COMPETENCIES:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIORNMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Continually utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read
  technical information, and/or use a keyboard
• Occasionally/required to lift/push/carry items less than 25 pounds/ up to 25 pounds/ up to 50 pounds/ more than 50 pounds

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.