Housing Specialist I

Columbia Housing Authority•Columbia, SC

21d•$39,300 - $53,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist I supports the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program through case management for program participants. The specialist maintains an assigned caseload and performs programmatic and administrative work related to participants’ eligibility for Columbia Housing assistance programs, applying the relevant program regulations. The position also processes annual reexaminations and recertifications. All work must support Columbia Housing’s mission, strategic goals, and objectives. The specialist interviews participants, explains program obligations, verifies information, determines continued eligibility, calculates assistance and rent amounts, and processes recertifications and related adjustments. The role also includes participant counseling, referrals and crisis intervention, coordination with external service providers, outreach to participants and property owners, voucher issuance, rent negotiations, landlord support, HAP contract administration, and initiation of assistance terminations when appropriate. Administrative duties include correspondence and notices, check processing support, file and mail handling, accurate data entry and tracking for HUD reporting, rent reform studies, field interviews as needed, monthly caseload reporting, and research and resolution or escalation of program issues. The position requires effective customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative, accountability, and knowledge of HCV regulations and Columbia Housing policies. The work is performed in an office environment with a moderate noise level, with onsite and offsite meetings and occasional transport of up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field and two years of experience providing social services to communities of veterans, individuals in recovery, and/or people experiencing homelessness; public-agency experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of HUD, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as CH policies and procedures related to the position.
Knowledge of the general operations and procedures of CH properties and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including applicable HUD rules and regulations.
Knowledge of issues facing public housing residents and ability to counsel people from varying social, educational, and economic backgrounds.
Strong language and communication skills.
Basic mathematical and statistical proficiency, including the ability to understand and interpret data, charts, and graphs.
Research and analysis skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, consultants, contractors, residents, HUD, and local, state, and federal officials; ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Strong computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and ability to learn other software as required.
Some positions may require a valid driver’s license and the ability to be insured under CH’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing social services to veterans, individuals in recovery, and/or people experiencing homelessness in a public agency is preferred.

Responsibilities

Interview participants for recertifications, explain program obligations, verify information on reexamination or recertification forms, and determine continued eligibility in accordance with housing program regulations.
Calculate Housing Assistance Payment amounts, tenant rents, and utility reimbursements.
Conduct outreach to individuals for special programs, including presentations at information sessions and briefings.
Counsel participants on program obligations and provide referrals and crisis intervention as needed.
Establish and maintain relationships with external service providers to coordinate counseling and services.
Conduct community outreach and education to engage property owners in special programs.
Issue Housing Choice Vouchers to individuals and families requesting to move, exercise portability options, or obtain a smaller or larger unit.
Assist participants with rent negotiations when requested.
Respond to landlord inquiries and concerns about contracts or the HCV program.
Initiate and execute HAP contracts.
Initiate termination of assistance for non-compliance, non-performance, or other grounds in accordance with CH policies and procedures.
Complete annual participant recertifications in accordance with CH policies.
Pull files, schedule reexamination appointments, make revisions, calculate rent adjustments, and notify participants and landlords in writing of changes.
Generate and mail correspondence or notices to landlords and participants regarding appointments, rent changes, termination of assistance, and other matters.
Assist with monthly processing of checks payable to owners and participants; prepare and balance individual data sheets for reconciliation by the Program Support Team Leader.
Prepare and distribute incoming and outgoing mail and file relevant information in participant files.
Enter participant data adjustments and changes, ensure accuracy, and track and monitor data for HUD reporting.
Perform rent reform studies for assigned participant data.
Conduct field interviews as needed.
Counsel participants and assist in resolving problems between landlords and participants.
Perform clerical duties, including answering telephones, typing, filing, and mailing correspondence.
Prepare monthly reports on caseload status for the HCV Program Support Team Leader.
Complete assigned caseloads in a timely manner and balance caseload actions with the HCV rent roll.
Research, analyze, and document program issues or complaints; determine appropriate action and respond or escalate as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.