Housing Program Specialist- Rental Assistance Administrator

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Rental Assistance Administrator oversees the day-to-day administration of rental assistance programs, including income certification, payment processing, compliance monitoring, and asset management activities. The position ensures participants receive appropriate housing assistance while maintaining program integrity and regulatory compliance. Work includes reviewing and analyzing participant files, monitoring federal and local housing regulations, processing landlord payments, and maintaining program records and databases. The role is performed with considerable independence and requires coordination with participants, case managers, landlords, and support service providers. This position is grant-funded and contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding. Before beginning employment, the successful candidate must complete a federal criminal records check, a Commonwealth of Virginia child abuse registry check, and a check of the Medicare/Medicaid fraud database. The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.

Requirements

Four-year college degree, plus three years of experience in mortgage financing and lending or providing guidance and assistance in property acquisition, and completion of college-level courses in a relevant field; or at least two years of experience working with housing and community development programs in the public or private sector.
Good knowledge of and experience with home loan programs, parameters, regulations, policies, and procedures.
One year of experience and understanding of planning, monitoring, and analysis.
Ability to process loan applications; ability to provide effective supervision to contract architects and engineers; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Successful completion of a federal criminal records check, a Commonwealth of Virginia child abuse registry check, and a Medicare/Medicaid fraud database check before beginning employment.
Must possess a valid [the posting does not specify what must be valid].

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in rental assistance program administration, housing finance, or a related field.
Knowledge of federal housing assistance programs, particularly HUD regulations and income calculation methodologies.
Understanding of rental assistance program administration, including eligibility determination and benefit calculation procedures.
Proficiency in database management and data entry, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex compliance and payment calculation issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with landlords and regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

Process and manage rental assistance payments to landlords and property managers, ensuring timely and accurate disbursements and maintaining financial records and payment tracking systems.
Conduct rent reasonableness determinations to ensure compliance with program requirements and local market rates.
Review and process Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts and lease agreements for compliance with regulatory requirements and program standards.
Maintain accurate financial records and participant payment data in housing management databases, ensuring information is current and documented.
Perform income certification and recertification calculations using documentation provided by case management staff, ensuring accurate benefit determinations and payment adjustments.
Monitor HAP contract compliance and coordinate lease renewals, rent increases, and contract modifications with case management staff and property owners.
Process payment adjustments, overpayments, and collections while maintaining accounting records for audit purposes.
Monitor program reserve accounts and coordinate with fiscal staff on budget management and expenditure tracking.
Prepare periodic financial reports on program expenditures, payment activities, and budget utilization.
Maintain a master calendar of compliance deadlines, including HAP contract renewals, payment standard updates, and reporting requirements.
Research and resolve payment discrepancies, accounting issues, and contract compliance matters in coordination with property owners and program staff.
Track and manage landlord communications about payment status, contract requirements, and program compliance issues.
Perform Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections and maintain inspection records to ensure assisted units meet program quality standards before payments are initiated.
Perform related financial, analytical, administrative, and other work as required.