Housing Choice Voucher Specialist

Housing Authority of Joliet•Joliet, IL

1d•$26 - $27

About The Position

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialist provides administrative services to HCV clients in accordance with SEMAP indicators, Housing Authority of Joliet (HAJ) and HUD regulatory requirements, and daily operational processes. The role schedules and interviews applicants and clients, assesses program eligibility, conducts briefings, manages recertifications and landlord relationships, maintains client records, and prepares reports and payment documentation. The position requires a high school diploma and two years of relevant housing, occupancy, affordable housing case management, property management, real estate, or public housing experience. An accredited HCV certification is required or must be obtained within six months of hire. The preferred qualification is an associate’s degree in a related field. A valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to pass a criminal background check are required. This is a full-time position scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Pay is $25.70 per hour without HCV certification or $26.60 per hour with HCV certification.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Two years of relevant experience in housing or occupancy specialization, affordable housing case management, property management, real estate, public housing, or related work.
Accredited HCV Certification (Specialist of Occupancy or HCV Specialist Certification), or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Valid Illinois driver’s license.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and a variety of other software applications.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to plan ahead over a one-to two-year time span.
Ability to multitask and organize multiple priorities.
Technical skills in record-retention protocols.
Commitment to company values.
Knowledge of intermediate mathematical calculations.
Understanding of HCV Program rules and regulations.
General understanding of legal processes and their relationship to HAJ policy and lease agreements.
Ability to read and understand legal jargon and documents, including HUD regulations and leases.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Finance, Information Technology, Urban Planning, Business/Public Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Schedule, interview, and process applicants or clients seeking HCV program assistance, and explain and respond to questions about applications.
Review applications and verify income, background, references, and household composition to determine eligibility; notify applicants of admission or declination.
Conduct program briefings for applicants and clients who are new to the program.
Set up contract agreements, calculate rent, and work with landlords to resolve issues and concerns.
Conduct timely annual or interim recertifications for assigned clients when required by family status changes, in accordance with HUD and HAJ policy; complete recertifications at least 30 days before their effective dates.
Respond to inquiries from applicants, clients, and landlords, and document complaints, issues, and updates in files.
Prepare monthly reports.
Complete and submit adjusted disbursement sheets, noting the date, type of action, and change.
Maintain a monthly list of suppressed HAP payments, including owner name, client name, contract number, and reason for suppression.
Create and maintain files for each applicant or client.
Type and mail correspondence as necessary and maintain copies in client files.
Apply principles of records and file management.
Perform other duties as assigned.