DEFINITION/PURPOSE:

Eligibility Technician

Housing Authority of the County of Alameda - Job Code 3635

Department(s): Programs

Unit(s): Programs or Special Programs

Reports to: Programs Manager or Special Programs Manager

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Represented: SEIU Local 1021

Required Licenses: Possession of a California Driver's License

Required Certifications: Training certifications as required by supervisor

DEFINITION/PURPOSE:

To provide a wide variety of technical and administrative functions involving the eligibility determination for participation in housing programs; provide information and assistance to the public regarding housing programs and eligibility status; administer applicable provisions of Housing Authority policies and procedures and the Administrative Plan.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

The Eligibility Technician is considered to be an entry level position and is distinguished from the Administrative Clerk in that this classification is responsible for technical decisions regarding housing program eligibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

The Eligibility Technician classification receives direct supervision from either the Programs Manager or Special Programs Manager and may receive guidance from the Eligibility Leadworker and/or the Leasing Services Leadworker.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Primary (essential) and less essential (marginal) responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

Explains housing programs to applicants and program participants; may notify tenants of their rights and responsibilities; may conduct meetings to explain housing programs and their requirements and responsibilities. Performs various eligibility functions such as screening and interviewing applicants, processing applications, and considering various factors to determine program eligibility.

1. Performs annual and interim reexaminations of participants based on Housing Authority policies and program regulations, including reviewing tenant files, sending out appropriate requests for information, and inputting information into software systems.

1. Compiles household and financial information to calculate tenant rent portions based on program policies and regulations.

1. Notifies applicants and program participants of eligibility status and updates related to reexaminations.

1. Processes portability paperwork and may conduct portability meetings with participants wishing to move in or out of the Housing Authority's jurisdiction.
2. Maintains and applies knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, and the Housing Authority's Administrative Plan, including Fair Housing and Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Marginal Functions:

1. Performs a variety of work related to Housing Authority programs.
2. Maintains various records or systems including computerized systems; enters and retrieves data; ensures reliability of database; scans documents and maintains electronic files; performs other complex technical functions.

1. Attends department and Housing Authority meetings; participates in a variety of mandatory training activities; obtains housing certificates related to the assignment.
2. Coordinates assigned activities with other staff.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of :

• Basic methods and practices used in housing assistance and/or social service programs.
• Applicable laws and regulations including those related to fair housing and local housing codes.
• Policies, technical processes and procedures related to the Housing Authority.
• Scanning and electronic filing techniques.
• Document and report production methods.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
• Basic mathematical calculations.
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Housing Authority staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply and explain applicable Housing Authority technical processes, policies and procedures.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Compile and review information; prepare records.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping and tracking systems.
• Organize work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate and maintain modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software application programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

1. Housing Authority internal candidates only: One and one-half (11?2) years in the class of Administrative Clerk or Housing Technician for the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda.
2. Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade and three (3) years of responsible administrative experience involving public contact, telephones, recordkeeping, file maintenance, and data entry in an office or social services setting. Experience working with or for assisted housing programs, social services programs, property management or other housing-related fields is preferred.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform the duties of this classification successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the Eligibility Technician. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. In addition, a driving record acceptable to the Housing Authority's insurance carrier must be maintained.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Eligibility Technician classification. While performing the duties of this classification, mobility within the workplace is required. Manual dexterity is required to operate a computer. Good eyesight is required to read and write. Good hearing and speech are necessary in order to communicate with the general public, co-workers, agency clients, and officials contacted in the normal course of work. Regular attendance is required. Employees in this classification must be able to handle stressful situations.