Housing Specialist for a Public Housing Authority

 

The duties of the position include a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting participant eligibility, income, rent and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) operations. A person in this position may perform re-certifications, and interim adjustments, rent increases and deal with both participant and landlord problems. 

HUD Annual Re-certifications, Interim Adjustments and Owner Rent Increases

1.          Schedules and conducts annual recertification (90-120 days) interviews in a manner that ensures that notices of rent increase are provided at least 30 days before the anniversary date and the entire process is completed by the anniversary date;

2.          Determines whether the participant family qualifies for a different unit/Voucher size than previously, issues new voucher for correct unit/Voucher size when appropriate;

3.          When families move later than 120 days after the most recent annual recertification (in a manner acceptable under program guidelines and the Administrative Plan), conducts a full annual recertification (including working with Inspector to set up inspection) and changes the family’s anniversary date (reexam date);

4.          When participant reports changes in income or family circumstances, processes Interim Adjustment;

5.          Documents all information (complete information for the Annual Re-cert, only changed information for the Interim) using EIV when available, check stubs, third party verifications or documentation of why third party verification was unavailable,

6.          Makes determination in accordance with the Administrative Plan when tenants request to add family members for reasons other than the birth, adoption or Court-awarded custody of children;

7.          Receives owner rent increase requests and forwards them to Inspectors for rent reasonableness determinations. When received, forwards entire package to Administrator to determine whether the program can afford the rent increase within available budget;

8.          When rent increases are approved by Administrator, notifies owner in writing and finance department within five working days;

9.          As the utility allowance schedule is updated, ensures that the utility allowances used in determining tenant rent are correct and accurate, taking into account the size and type of unit and the utilities paid directly by the tenant;

10.       Enters correct information and forwards accurate and timely 50058 form to Director for submission to HUD

11.       Properly processes client files as assigned within prescribed timeframe.

13.       Works cooperatively with other members of the Voucher Administration group, adjusting workload as necessary when other members are out on the field, ill or on vacation;

14.       Investigates and resolves participant and landlord complaints minimizing involvement of  Administrator to the satisfaction of all parties;

15.       Communicates with applicants, participants, landlords/owners and co-workers in a manner that is courteous and professional;

16.       Answers participant and landlord questions, providing information on status of tenant rent, damage claims, property inspections, provisions of the lease and contract, program regulations, Rosenberg Housing Authority policies, and procedures, etc.;

17.       Returns calls to participants and landlords within three workdays;

18.       Places information received through the mail, by fax or email in appropriate part of participant file within two workdays of receipt;

19.       Submits monthly performance reports as required;

20.       Performs other duties as assigned.

1.          Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration; 

2.          Experience in housing management and Housing Choice Voucher Program experience; 

3.          Knowledge of HUD policies, and other Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to low income housing and Rosenberg Housing Authority policies; 

4.          Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, business English and basic mathematics;   

5.          Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate with and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, landlords and other employees;

6.     Ability to complete complex and detailed tasks in a timely manner;

7.     Communicates well orally and in writing;

8.     A self-starter who is able to work independently;

9.  Ability to work with people from disadvantaged situations;

10.  Ability to interpret and apply regulations;

11.  Ability to respect privacy and confidentiality of client interviews, information and files;

12.  Good organization skills and ability to manage time effectively;

13.  Perform simple mathematical functions with accuracy;

14.       Bondability;

15.       Valid Texas Driver’s license;

·       Most work is performed according to existing procedures or written guidelines, such as HUD regulations, handbooks, or existing records
 
 

·       The employee will frequently be  required to use independent judgment in making recommendations and decisions.

 

 

·       The employee receives work assignments and instructions from Administrator.  Normally, the instructions are broad and general, both written and oral.  In unusual situations the Administrator may specify how to accomplish assigned work.  

 

·       The incumbent of this job must be able to work independently, performing relatively complex work in an accurate and timely manner without close supervision.  

 

·       Situations not covered by instructions may be referred to the Administrator or handled by the employee, depending on the circumstances.  

 

·       The employee's work is reviewed sporadically for thoroughness, accomplishment of objectives, and compliance with existing policies and procedures.

 

·       Employee has no supervisory responsibilities.