Tenant Counselor

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary responsibility is to effectively maintain a caseload of participants receiving Section 8 Housing Assistance. Position requires problem solving skills; the ability to multi-task and stay organized and meet required deadlines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
a) Takes applications; preliminary eligibility screening, determines whether applicant has an outstanding balance with the Housing Authority.
b) Interviews applicants pulled from the waiting list to determine their eligibility, interviews all recipients scheduled for annual recertification, interim, renew, and port-in appointments; completes worksheet for scheduled visit, sends income verification forms to third party sources, documents all changes being made, reviews all paperwork completed by participant for accuracy and completeness.
c) Required to do occasional home visits for disabled participants.
d) Schedules appointments for all income and household changes within a timely manner, briefs all eligible applicants, as well as participants who choose to relocate, on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program rules and regulations, issues the Housing Choice Vouchers to the applicant and or participant.
e) Processes Request for Tenancy Approvals; calculates utility allowances to ensure applicant/participant does not exceed their maximum budget, negotiates the contract rent with landlords/owners, schedules inspections.
f) Reviews all leases submitted to PHA for approval and determines whether the lease meets the PHA’s minimum requirements.
g) Calculates Housing Assistance Payments and Tenant Rent amounts accurately.
h) Processes all income and household size changes in the computer, generates the Housing Assistance Payments Contracts and schedules them for signature.
I) Maintains and keeps all daily returned mail filed.
j) Processes all evictions and terminations of HAP Contracts, assists participants and owners/landlords with complaints and problems, composes letters to participants and owners/landlords when needed and follows up with them.
k) Trains and cross-trains other employees.
l) Utilizes outside resources and other public agencies to better serve our clientele.
m) Demonstrates regular, predictable attendance.
n) Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
o) Performs any and all other related duties as assigned or directed by a supervisor or by the Executive Director.