Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager

Housing Authority of Joliet•Joliet, IL

About The Position

Functioning for 70 years, the Housing Authority of Joliet (HAJ) has been at the forefront and steadfastly committed to bringing exceptional housing services and programs to the people of the City of Joliet, and surrounding Will County communities. This role involves managing the day-to-day operations of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, ensuring compliance with HUD and HAJ policies. The manager will direct all operations within the department, establish and monitor goals, and implement reporting systems to ensure quality and timeliness. Key responsibilities include effective communication with stakeholders, monitoring financial aspects of the program, overseeing inspections, evaluating and revising policies to reduce access barriers, and staying updated on regulatory changes. The position also involves preparing funding applications, forecasting administrative funds, implementing cost-saving strategies, ensuring HUD performance standards are met, and conducting reviews and audits. Training and development of personnel, along with staying current on best practices, are also crucial aspects of this role. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, or related field preferred; or equivalent experience.
Minimum 2–5 years of experience in HCV program administration, affordable housing management, or social services, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory role.
Possession of or ability to obtain an HCV Executive Management or Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
Demonstrated experience with housing software systems (e.g., Yardi, PIC/HUD systems), Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word), and reporting tools.
Deep understanding of HUD regulations (24 CFR), Housing Quality Standards (HQS), and SEMAP performance indicators.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of the HCV program, including intake, eligibility, waiting lists, and annual/interim recertifications to ensure compliance with HUD and Housing Authority of Joliet (HAJ) policies.
Direct all operations within the Housing Choice Voucher Department.
Establish, communicate, monitor, and evaluate department goals and initiatives.
Implement and maintain monitoring and reporting systems to ensure the quality and timeliness of department and program work.
Ensure effective communication with participant families, owners/agents, neighborhood groups, housing advocates, and service providers.
Monitor and analyze Housing Assistance Payments ("HAP"), voucher issuance, and participant attrition to ensure proper utilization of Housing Choice Vouchers, including special purpose vouchers.
Oversee the inspection function, ensuring adherence to housing quality standards for all programs.
Evaluate applicant and participant access barriers, revise policies, and implement practices to reduce and eliminate barriers.
Review program policies in alignment with changing regulations, laws, and viewpoints.
Develop and implement HCV policies and procedures, including the Administrative Plan.
Manage a comprehensive quality control program, identify compliance risk areas, and oversee risk audits.
Present solutions for managing and mitigating risk.
Prepare applications and supporting data to secure additional funding and programs from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Forecast funds needed for program administration and implement cost-saving strategies as required.
Ensure HUD performance standards and reporting requirements are maintained at a high level.
Conduct reviews and audits to assure adherence to policies, procedures, and regulations.
Monitor HCV program performance and policy adherence, providing training and development to personnel.
Stay updated on proposed changes in policies, procedures, guidelines, and best practices in personnel development.
Perform other related duties as assigned.