Certification Specialist II

Seattle Housing Authority • Seattle, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is a mission-driven leader in affordable housing, headquartered on Elliot Ave West with sweeping views of Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound. With additional field offices across Seattle, we are committed to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening communities, and supporting a workplace where people grow and thrive. We are looking for a certification specialist 2 to join our team! This role is perfect for someone who can support applicants and participants in successfully navigating program rules and regulations of the housing program to obtain and retain housing resources.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years of college-level course work in social services, bookkeeping, business, or a related field
• May substitute two years of relevant work experience for the college-level course work
• Four years of experience in social services, data entry, government administration, or housing OR one year of experience as a certification specialist 1 at SHA OR 18 months of experience in a similar position outside of SHA

Responsibilities

• Administer, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures needed for eligibility and continuing assistance
• Meet high customer service standards, including prompt return of phone calls and meeting with walk-in clients
• Partner with all interested parties, including family members, landlords, caseworkers, and SHA staff to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of responses during the housing program process
• Evaluate program eligibility and guide applicants through the voucher application process
• Issue vouchers to eligible program applicants and transfers.
• Conduct voucher issuance briefings and counsel about subsidy calculations and unit affordability
• Assist participants in navigating the leasing and move-in process according to program rules
• Partner with other housing authorities to assist families when moving between jurisdictions
• Educate participants about reporting and documentation requirements for income
• Ensure accurate payment is made to landlords in a timely manner
• Maintain recordkeeping and file completeness and accuracy for all processes to meet program and audit standards
• Review and process contract rent increase requests in accordance with Housing and Urban Development regulations and agency policy
• Evaluate rent reasonableness using approved comparables and market analysis tools
• Demonstrate concise presentation abilities to explain complex technical details

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Great benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• Generous paid leave and holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED