Family Self Sufficiency Specialist

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

SUMMARY Administers the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) and Home-ownership programs within the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, coordinating with social service providers, lenders and others to meet the needs of FSS and Home-ownership participants. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Ensures compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) regulations and agency policies for the Section 8, Family Self Sufficiency (FSS), and Home-ownership programs. Plans, administers, and monitors the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) and Home-ownership programs, including maintaining policies, procedures, and the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Action Plan. Conducts applicant and participant interviews; reviews eligibility, assesses needs, and develops and updates Individual Training/Service Plans (ITSPs). Processes annual and interim reexaminations, rent determinations, moves, transfers, and lease/contract documentation, ensuring program compliance. Monitors Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) contracts, escrow accounts, program milestones, and participant progress toward self-sufficiency and home-ownership goals. Maintains home-ownership files and oversees contract of sale activities, inspections, appraisals, closings, and related financial documents. Coordinates and leads quarterly meetings for program committees and resident advisory boards; prepares reports and addresses issues and feedback. Partners with housing professionals, lenders, counselors, and community agencies to educate stakeholders and expand program resources statewide. Supports the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) performance standards through quality control, accurate documentation, fraud review, and corrective actions as needed. Represents the agency at public events, responds to inquiries and complaints, and provides professional, responsive customer service.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, and two to six years related experience; and/or training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Valid driver's license.
Must be eligible bonding
Certification in HCV (Housing Choice Voucher) Specialist and Self Sufficiency Service Coordination is required. (Certifications must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
Program Related Skills: Knowledge and understanding of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) and home-ownership regulations, handbooks, notices, forms and guides. Knowledge and understanding of OHFA policies and procedures to consistently produce on-time and accurate income, rent and subsidy calculations. Knowledge of non-HCV federal requirements that affect income and rent determinations, including fair housing and equal opportunity, fraud and program abuse, personnel and employment practices. Knowledge of HUD established performance standards (SEMAP indicators) and OHFA established performance standards as they relate to income and rent determinations.
Specialized Workplace Skills: The ability to follow a protocol for collecting technical and highly personal information and to ask probing and clarifying questions as needed. Ability to explain complex concepts and calculations simply and clearly to program applicants, participants, and HCV landlords. Ability to understand and evaluate verification documents (e.g., pay stubs, insurance contracts, banking and investment documents) in order to apply program rules correctly. Ability to make sound judgments when required by program rules (e.g., reasonableness determinations for childcare and feasibility determinations or obtaining third party verifications).
NOTE: Applicant will be required to pass a drug-screening test, criminal background check, and motor vehicle check as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Ensures compliance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) regulations and agency policies for the Section 8, Family Self Sufficiency (FSS), and Home-ownership programs.
Plans, administers, and monitors the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) and Home-ownership programs, including maintaining policies, procedures, and the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Action Plan.
Conducts applicant and participant interviews; reviews eligibility, assesses needs, and develops and updates Individual Training/Service Plans (ITSPs).
Processes annual and interim reexaminations, rent determinations, moves, transfers, and lease/contract documentation, ensuring program compliance.
Monitors Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) contracts, escrow accounts, program milestones, and participant progress toward self-sufficiency and home-ownership goals.
Maintains home-ownership files and oversees contract of sale activities, inspections, appraisals, closings, and related financial documents.
Coordinates and leads quarterly meetings for program committees and resident advisory boards; prepares reports and addresses issues and feedback.
Partners with housing professionals, lenders, counselors, and community agencies to educate stakeholders and expand program resources statewide.
Supports the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) performance standards through quality control, accurate documentation, fraud review, and corrective actions as needed.
Represents the agency at public events, responds to inquiries and complaints, and provides professional, responsive customer service.