Housing Choice Voucher Specialist

Huntsville Housing Authority•Huntsville, AL

3d•$22 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialist is responsible for the technical and administrative work assisting with the coordination of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Mainstream, Foster Youth to Independence, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs), and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Programs. These tasks are to be performed with a satisfactory rating concerning HUD agency scoring systems such as Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP), National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), and other future HUD required evaluation systems.

Requirements

Associate degree in social services, business management, or related field.
Three (3) years’ experience involving case management and client services.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license acceptable to the Agency and a satisfactory driving record if driving is an essential function of the position.
Must be available for occasional local and out-of-town travel for meetings, training, conferences, site visits, emergency response, or other business needs of the Agency.
Must successfully complete all lawful pre-employment screening requirements established by the Agency for this position, which may include verification of education, experience, references, background checks, and other job-related screenings permitted by applicable law.
Must maintain confidentiality and handle personal identifiable information, medical or accommodation information, procurement information, and other sensitive records in accordance with Agency policy and applicable law.
Working knowledge of HUD regulations, notices, handbooks, and guidance applicable to the Housing Choice Voucher and related assisted housing programs, and the ability to apply Agency policies and procedures accurately and consistently.
Knowledge of eligibility determination, income verification, rent calculation, reexaminations, leasing, portability, terminations, informal review and hearing processes, and related program administration functions.
Knowledge of fair housing, nondiscrimination, privacy, confidentiality, and reasonable accommodation principles relevant to public housing and voucher program administration.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedural guidance to routine and moderately complex case situations while exercising sound judgment and identifying issues that require escalation.
Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively in writing and verbally with individuals from varied backgrounds and with differing levels of familiarity with program requirements.
Ability to provide courteous and effective customer service, manage difficult conversations constructively, and maintain professionalism in sensitive or high-volume service environments.
Skill in reviewing documents for completeness and accuracy, maintaining organized case records, and preparing clear, concise correspondence, reports, and case notes.
Skill in performing mathematical calculations and data review necessary for rent determinations, payment processing, utility allowances, and related program functions.
Proficiency in standard office technology, business software, and housing program systems used to manage caseloads, correspondence, and reporting.
Ability to organize work, manage multiple deadlines, prioritize assignments, and maintain accuracy in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, participants, owners, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Ability to analyze routine issues, identify appropriate solutions within established authority, and seek supervisory guidance when matters involve policy interpretation, exceptions, or elevated risk.
Ability to communicate program requirements in a clear, respectful, and understandable manner and to adjust communication style appropriately to support effective service delivery.

Nice To Haves

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Certification
Rent Calculation Certification
Enterprise Income Verification System (EIV) Certification
Fair Housing Compliance (FHC) Certification

Responsibilities

Administers an assigned caseload and/or specialized program functions by conducting interviews, reviewing applications and supporting documentation, determining eligibility, calculating family share of rent, and processing required documentation in accordance with HUD regulations, Agency policy, and established timelines.
Prepares, issues, and tracks program documents and contracts, including housing assistance payments documentation, owner correspondence, and related records, to support timely lease-up and continued assistance.
Processes admissions, annual and interim reexaminations, moves, portability actions, changes in family composition, changes of ownership, and terminations in accordance with HUD requirements, Agency policy, and quality control standards.
Provides accurate, timely, and professional customer service to applicants, participants, owners, community partners, Agency staff, and members of the public, and refers complex or specialized matters to the appropriate resource when necessary.
Reviews information from the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system and other third-party sources; identifies discrepancies; initiates appropriate follow-up; and supports compliance-related reviews, repayment actions, and program integrity activities consistent with applicable requirements.
Maintains complete, accurate, and auditable participant, including required notices, verifications, calculations, and case documentation, in accordance with record retention, privacy, and confidentiality requirements.
Performs rent calculations, utility allowance reviews, payment adjustments, overpayment processing, and related account actions accurately and within established processing deadlines.
Supports portability billing and receivable/payable functions with other housing authorities and maintains related financial and case records as assigned.
Conducts or supports applicant briefings, participant communications, and issuance of vouchers and related packets to ensure clear understanding of program requirements and family obligations.
Evaluates and documents rent reasonableness using current comparable market data and negotiates rents with owners, when appropriate, consistent with HUD requirements and Agency methodology.
Coordinates notices, informal hearings, conferences, and other due process actions related to program compliance, eligibility, and continued assistance, as assigned.
Monitors workflow, caseload status, and program deadlines to support timely recertifications, lease-up, voucher utilization, and quality performance outcomes.
Assists with required reporting and program data functions, including Voucher Management System (VMS) activities and other assigned compliance or performance reporting responsibilities.
Maintains current knowledge of HUD regulations, Agency policies, and program guidance applicable to the Housing Choice Voucher, VASH, Mainstream, Foster Youth to Independence, Emergency Housing Voucher, PBV, and other assigned programs.
Contributes to Agency performance objectives related to SEMAP, NSPIRE, file quality, leasing effectiveness, and customer service through accurate, timely, and compliant work practices.
May assist with cross-training, onboarding, or procedural support for staff, as assigned.
Uses Agency resources, systems, information, and property responsibly and in accordance with ethical standards, internal controls, and applicable policies.