Eligibility Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We're Hiring!

Are you detail oriented, take pride in accurate documentation and well-organized compliance work, and understand number-based decision making? Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) is looking for an Eligibility Specialist I-II to join our team! Your work helps individuals and families access safe, stable housing while supporting CIHA’s commitment to accuracy and compliance.

What’s in It for You?

• Join a supportive and talented team who work collaboratively and will value your talents.
• Opportunities to grow and learn through industry trainings and mentorship.
• Work that helps change our community for the better.
• Competitive salary and benefits package;
• Compensation: $23.07 – $27.64 per hour (DOE)
• Medical plans offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
• Employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage
• Employer-paid Group Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual & Paid Holidays
• State of Alaska PERS/SBS Retirement
• Plus,many other supplemental insurance offerings

What You’ll Do

As an Eligibility Specialist I-II, you’ll guide applicants and tenants through the housing process with professionalism and care. Your work ensures individuals and families have access to safe, affordable housing, while maintaining program compliance.

• Calculate household income using program formulas and regulatory guidance under LIHTC, NAHASDA, HUD, and related programs.
• Review and analyze applicant financial documentation (pay stubs, W‐2s, 1099s, bank statements) to validate income and assets.
• Communicate with applicants to explain required documentation, next steps, and program requirements.
• Accurately maintain and update client information in housing software, ensuring confidentiality.
• Collaborate with internal teams on compliance, reporting, and file audits.

Eligibility Specialist II specific:

• Support lease-up activities and special operational projects.
• Review and interpret intricate financial documentation to validate eligibility decisions.
• Conduct detailed file reviews and quality checks to ensure full compliance with program standards with minimal errors.

What We’re Looking For

• Accuracy Champion: You’re committed to precision in calculations, documentation, and file organization — ensuring every eligibility action is complete and regulation ready.
• Documentation Analyst: You excel at interpreting financial documents, verification forms, and policy requirements with clarity and consistency, applying strong attention to detail.
• Customer Service Pro: You’ve mastered the art of providing excellent customer service and can communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is a must.
• Culturally Competent: Ability to interact professionally and sensitively with culturally, and economically diverse clientele.
• Confidentiality Expert: You handle sensitive information with care and the highest industry standards for protection.

The Basics

Eligibility Specialist I

• Associate degree in business, accounting, housing, or related field preferred, or Two (2) years of directly applicable experience in housing programs or eligibility-related work required.
• Experience working with confidential financial or personal documents
• Experience engaging with culturally and economically diverse populations.
• Valid Driver’s license.

Eligibility Specialist II (Everything from Level I, plus:)

• Associate degree in business, accounting, housing, or related field preferred, or Three (3) years of directly applicable experience in housing programs or eligibility-related work required.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing income and asset documentation and completing eligibility determinations.
• COS or TCS certification required, or completion within one year of employment.

Who We Are

We’re Cook Inlet Housing Authority – we develop, own, and operate a portfolio of affordable rental housing throughout the Cook Inlet Region of Southcentral Alaska. We are leaders in community development and advocacy work around affordable housing. We are the Tribally Designated Housing Entity for Cook Inlet Region, Inc. We believe in collaboration, creativity, and community-building. Our mission is to create housing opportunities that empower our people and build our community.

Cook Inlet Housing Authority provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Employment preference is given to eligible and qualified Alaska Native or American Indian candidates to the extent required or permitted by applicable law.

Our corporate family is a team of passionate, enthusiastic, dedicated and highly qualified people. Our work allows us to create innovative solutions to complex housing issues in our community. We create housing opportunities that empower our people and build our community.

Company Description

Our corporate family is a team of passionate, enthusiastic, dedicated and highly qualified people. Our work allows us to create innovative solutions to complex housing issues in our community. We create housing opportunities that empower our people and build our community.