Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist wanted in Newark NJ! 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. #M1