504 Reasonable Acc/Legal Aide Specialist

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.•Columbus, OH

4d•$58,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The 504 & Legal Aid Specialist within the context of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program ensures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by facilitating accommodations for individuals with disabilities seeking or using housing assistance. The role focuses on removing barriers and ensuring equitable access to housing resources and services for people with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Three (3) or more years of appropriate supervisory experience
Three (3) or more years of housing related experience and/or training
Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of interviewing; office practices and procedures; Agency/department goals and objectives; Agency/department policies and procedures; workplace safety practices and procedures; personnel rules and regulations; supervisory principles and practices; computer software; community resources and services; records management; personnel administration; office management; project management; government structure and process; public administration; government grant programs; state, federal, and local laws and/or regulations; employee training and development; local geographical area; business administration; English grammar and spelling; modern principles, practices, and techniques of Public Housing Authority management; the relationship of Public Housing Authority’s to other federal, state, and local jurisdictions and their abilities to provide funds or other support to the Authority; pertinent HUD regulations; federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to public housing authorities; modern principles, practices, and techniques of rental property maintenance; Housing Choice Voucher and low-income housing policy and regulations; Housing Choice Voucher eligibility and rent calculation requirements, as required by HUD and Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Inspection Program; apartments & dwellings; construction.
Skill in computer operation; use of modern office equipment; customer service; organization, planning, and time management.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form; deal with many variables and determine specific action; apply management principles to solve agency problems; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; exercise independent judgment and discretion; understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations; select most qualified applicant according to specifications for referral; read, copy, and records figures accurately; add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; copy records precisely without error; complete forms; prepare correspondence; compile and prepare reports; respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials; conduct effective interviews; communicate effectively; train or instruct others; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; maintain records according to established procedures; handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and general public; develop and maintain effective working relationships; resolve complaints; travel to and gain access to work site; maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Review and respond to requests for reasonable accommodations, such as modified deadlines, unit size adjustments, or voucher extensions, based on disability-related needs. Evaluate medical or professional documentation supporting accommodation requests. Investigate complaints of non-compliance or discrimination from HCV participants. Mediate disputes between tenants and landlords regarding accommodation requests.
Ensure that CMHA and landlords comply with Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Fair Housing Act (FHA) requirements. Monitor that policies and practices do not unintentionally discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Train CMHA staff on the principles of reasonable accommodation and disability rights. Provide guidance to voucher holders and landlords on their rights and responsibilities under Section 504 and related laws.
Facilitate access to accessible housing units for participants with mobility impairments or specific needs. Work with property owners and housing agencies to identify units that meet accessibility requirements.
Collaborate with landlords, voucher recipients, and CMHA staff to implement accommodations, such as allowing service animals in no-pet properties or modifying communication methods. Partner with community resources to provide additional support, such as transportation or assistive devices.
Must process MIP’s, Interim Recertifications, Annual Recertifications, HAP Contracts, and adjustments as needed.
Acts as a cultural ambassador for the organization. Implements strategies to ensure that the organizational mission, vision and values are exemplified within the department. Works with the community to advance partnerships and organizational positioning through the system.
Attends meetings and serves on committees, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
Maintains required licensure and/or certification.
Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.