Housing Choice Voucher Specialist

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.

· Accepts and records applications for a waiting list; updates and removes applications per policy

· Selects applicants from the waiting list according to MHC policy and performs preliminary eligibility determinations

· Conducts interviews and obtains information that verifies family composition and other factors affecting eligibility and level of subsidy;

· Conducts program briefing for landlords and applicants; issues vouchers; monitor expiration of vouchers

· Processes requests for tenancy approval; determines rent reasonableness, negotiates rents and processes Housing Assistance Payment contracts

· Conduct annual and interim recertification meetings and complete paperwork for clients, securing required signatures and completing all work according to MHC established policies and/or procedures.

· Schedules and performs Housing Quality Standards inspections and records results in housing software

· Monitors inspections to ensure compliance with MHC policy and federal requirements

· Initiate rent abatements or terminate HAP contracts and/or client household participation because of HQS violations

· Mediates, resolves tenant/owner disputes pertaining to programmatic requirements

· Interact daily by telephone, fax and in person, group meetings, and email with clients, owners, inspectors and vendors to ensure compliance with program policies and regulations.

· Performs clerical and administrative duties including data entry, preparing and processing various documents, maintaining client data base and hard copy files.

· Performs all tasks according to federal regulations and Melvindale Housing Commission policies including waiting list management; rent reasonableness determinations; accurate calculation of income, assets and deductions; updated utility allowances, correct payment standard application, on-time inspections and enforcement of HQS.

· Supports the relationship between the MHC and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors and MHC staff.

· 99% accuracy rate on file reviews

· Less than $500 in HAP overpayments annually

· Works with service providers to assist Mainstream Voucher applicants / participants

Related Work:

· Participates in MHC’s outreach program including contributions to the landlord/participant newsletter, landlord informational meetings and other public relations activities

· All other duties as may be required from time to time.

Knowledge of:

· HUD regulations related to Section 8 programs

· SEMAP indicators as prescribed by HUD

· Fair Housing, Section 504 and reasonable accommodation requirements

· Human relations, cultural diversity

· Standard office procedures

· Basic office software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook)

· Basic mathematics

Skills and Ability:

· Maintain strict confidentiality of all tenant records

· Demonstrate clear, concise verbal and written communication

· Demonstrate well-developed organizational and time management skills

· Ability to work with diverse populations in a professional and tactful manner.

· Anticipate and problem solve pro-actively

· Coordinate multiple duties

• Creative problem solving skills for use when there is no directly applicable guidance.
• Interviewing and negotiating skills and techniques.

Equipment:

Standard office equipment, PC, Fax, Copier, Calculator, multi-line telephones, motor vehicle

Training and Experience:

· Associates Degree (Public Administration, Human Services, Business Administration)

· Experience in tenant based rental assistance programs; at least two years

· Have or obtain Housing Choice Voucher or Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification within six months.

· An equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge and abilities, may be considered sufficient.

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 this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• HCV management: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: One location