Housing Specialist I

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•$22 - $28

About The Position

Manage the federally funded Section 8 and other rental assistance programs, for low to moderate income families. Assist the organization in recovering any monies owed from non-compliant landlords and program participants. Assist participants in maintaining program eligibility by reviewing/verifying applications, completing the certification process, and conducting research to ensure Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) is in compliance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policies and procedures.

Requirements

Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers, scanners, fax machines and Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of principles and practices of accurate records management.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation
Knowledge of basic principles and practices of landlord/tenant law.
Knowledge of principles, practices, rules and regulations of housing choice voucher or public housing.
Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations for housing assistant programs.
Ability to learn operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive affordable housing program.
Ability to learn eligibility requirements of a variety of affordable housing programs.
Ability to learn Housing Quality Standards.
Ability to perform a variety of program administration duties in support of comprehensive affordable housing program.
Ability to learn to resolve tenant landlord issues.
Ability to learn to interpret and apply housing program rules and regulations.
Ability to determine housing program eligibility.
Ability to learn to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Ability to maintain detailed program records.
Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Possession of or ability to obtain certification as Housing Choice Voucher Occupancy, Eligibility, Income and Rent Calculation.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, public administration, social work, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
One year of increasingly responsible property management or public housing program experience.

Responsibilities

Understand and adhere to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) & Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) processes, policies, and procedures to maintain compliance with pertinent federal, state, local laws, codes, and ordinances.
Effectively and efficiently manage a caseload of families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program and other rental assistance programs by thoroughly reviewing applicant’s documents for the initial application, recertification, and compliance research.
Coordinate activities in the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 and other housing programs to explain program requirements, conduct applicant interviews, review/verify required documentation, determine eligibility, and calculate rent.
Accurately manage electronic records and enter all data into HAB/MRI/FileVision.
Serve as a liaison with landlords and tenants to schedule property inspections, meetings, and workshops as needed.
Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with participants, landlords, and community representatives.
Oversee the collection process to recover funds owed by non-compliance landlords and/or participants by creating repayment agreements.
Prepare a variety of reports as requested; assist in the preparation of legal documents; coordinate the executor of lease agreements and related documents.
Testify in court as an expert witness when needed.
Provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to higher-level management.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as needed/required.