Housing Specialist I

Columbia Housing Authority•Columbia, SC

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to support the HCV program relating to case management of program participants. The incumbent maintains a caseload and is responsible for the programmatic and administrative functions associated with the participants’ eligibility in CH’s housing assistance programs, which may vary according to program regulations. Additionally, the incumbent processes annual reexaminations and recertifications for housing assistance. All activities must support Columbia Housing’s (“CH”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Requirements

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.
Knowledge of issues facing public housing residents and ability to counsel individuals of varying social, educational and economic backgrounds
Knowledge of the HCV program and applicable HUD rules and regulations
Strong language and communication skills
Proficient basic mathematical and statistical skills and ability to understand and interpret data, charts, and graphs
Skill in performing research and analysis
Ability to prioritize tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, consultants, contractors, residents, HUD, and local, state, and federal officials. Ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.
Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Nice To Haves

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to be insurable under CH’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.

Responsibilities

Based on housing program regulations: interviews participants for recertifications; explains housing program obligations; verifies information provided on reexamination or recertification forms; and determines continued eligibility of participants.
Calculates HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) amounts, tenant rents, and utility reimbursements.
Conducts outreach to individuals for participation in special programs, which includes presenting at information sessions and briefings.
Counsels participants on housing program obligations. Provides referrals and crisis intervention as needed.
Establishes and maintains relationships with external service providers for coordination of counseling and services.
Conducts community outreach and education to engage property owners about special programs.
Issues Housing Choice Vouchers to individuals and families requesting to move, to exercise portability options, or who require a smaller or larger unit.
Assists with rent negotiations when requested by participant.
Responds to landlord inquiries and/or concerns about specific contracts or the HCV program in general.
Initiates and executes HAP contracts.
Initiates termination of assistance of individuals and families for non-compliance, non-performance, or other grounds in conformance with established CH policy and procedures.
Completes annual recertifications of participants in conformance with CH policies.
Pulls files and schedules appointments for reexaminations; makes revisions, calculates rent adjustments and notifies participants and landlords in writing of changes.
Generates and mails correspondence or notices to landlords and participants for appointments, changes in rent, termination of assistance, or other reasons.
Assists with the monthly processing of checks payable to owners and participants; prepares and balances individual data sheets to Program Support Team Leader for reconciliation.
Prepares and distributes incoming/outgoing mail and files necessary information into participant files.
Performs data entry for all adjustments or changes to participant data; ensures accuracy of information. Tracks and monitors data for HUD reporting.
Performs rent reform study for assigned participant data.
Conducts field interviews as needed.
Counsels participants and assists in resolution of problems between landlords and participants.
Performs clerical duties such as answering telephone, general typing, filing and mailing correspondence.
Prepares monthly reports to advise HCV Program Support Team Leader of caseload status.
Ensures assigned caseloads are completed in a timely manner; balances caseload actions with HCV rent roll.
Researches, analyzes and documents programmatic issues or complaints; determines appropriate course of action and responds or escalates issues as necessary.
Performs other related duties as assigned.