Housing Specialist I

Housing Specialist I

The Fairfield Housing Authority (FHA) is seeking a dependable and organized individual who is committed to making a difference in the community by serving those in need and providing essential housing resources. The full-time Housing Specialist I will join our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) team, collaborating with landlords and service providers throughout the City of Fairfield to assist program participants in utilizing their vouchers to lease units in the private market. The successful candidate will also handle eligibility and interim certifications for the housing programs at the FHA office. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, proficiency in computer use, and the ability to multitask are essential, with previous Section 8 experience considered a plus.

The Housing Specialist I is the entry level class in the Housing Specialist series. Incumbents of this class perform specific assignments in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assignments are initially performed with detailed supervision and training. As the incumbent becomes more proficient at the tasks, greater independence is reached. Duties include managing an assigned caseload, performing day-to-day coordination of certifying initial eligibility, annual and interim certifications, processing new lease-ups, and program terminations in accordance with Agency policy and in compliance with funding regulations for subsidized housing. Actual responsibilities may vary according to assignments.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CITY USES AN ELECTRONIC REFERENCE CHECK PROCESS. REFER TO THE "REFERENCE CHECKS" SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS JOB POSTING FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Two years office support experience, including public contact and record keeping are required.
• Education equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade is required.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interview assisted housing applicants and participants to obtain information regarding their eligibility for initial and continued housing assistance.
• Collect and record relevant information and documents; review, evaluate and verify information submitted by applicants and tenants.
• Determine initial and continued eligibility for various assisted housing programs; calculate tenant rents.
• Complete, type, process and distribute various housing forms and documents; establish and maintain various housing files and records.
• Prepare and process documents to coordinate rent payment to owners and payments to vendors; receive and post rents received and issue receipts; balance cash drawer.
• Prepare, review and process billing documents for portable vouchers; verify accurate and timely monthly payments to owners; monitor the client repayment roster to insure Housing receives payments from clients.
• Use a computer terminal to input, edit and retrieve assisted housing program information and to generate standard forms and reports.
• Respond to telephone, in-person and written inquiries and complaints from applicants, participants, owners, other Housing Authorities and other persons; provide factual information and explain rules and procedures regarding housing programs.
• Prepare periodic and special reports; proofread and check typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness and compliance with HUD and Housing Authority policies and procedures.
• Conduct orientation and portability briefings for assisted housing program participants and owners to explain the program and rules.
• Assist in investigating complaints and resolving landlord/tenant problems; may counsel program participants and attend informal hearings.
• Perform general office support work and operate standard office equipment.
• Collect and compile information and materials to prepare briefing and orientation packets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.