Housing Specialist

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI

About The Position

Manage and coordinate Tribal Government public housing programs and resources, providing outreach and assistance to people applying for services. Coordinate the buying, leasing or rental activities, and maintenance of properties. The role covers housing repair and rehabilitation, loan assistance, homeownership, emergency housing, well and septic assistance, and energy assistance programs. The Housing Specialist interviews applicants, gathers and verifies personal and financial information, determines eligibility, and initiates procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate services. The role also manages program payments, inspects rental units and properties, investigates complaints and violations, maintains program and property records, and counsels citizens on mortgage financing, foreclosure procedures, homeownership, budgeting, and credit or debt management. The position conducts housing-needs surveys and prepares reports for the Director of Housing, Finance Board, and Tribal Council. Collaboration with Housing and other Department teams is expected to support effective service delivery. The work takes place in a general office environment and at homes and property sites in varying stages of repair and development. Local travel is required, including visits during all seasons and weather conditions. The position requires the ability to work evenings and occasional weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of home lending, counseling, or related work experience.
Proficiency with MS Office Applications.
Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and support people tactfully, collaboratively, diplomatically, and with the highest level of confidentiality.
Ability to speak effectively before groups and to the public.
Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends.
Ability to travel locally as needed.
Indian Preference Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution whose program of study is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the United States Department of Education (USDE).
Experience with housing or property management.
Experience working with Native American communities.

Responsibilities

Provide outreach and manage enrollment and coordination of services for Tribal Government housing programs and resources, including housing repair and rehabilitation, loan assistance, homeownership, emergency housing, well and septic, and energy assistance.
Answer applicants' questions and explain program procedures, eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and fair housing rights.
Interview and investigate applicants to gather information relevant to their applications.
Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify accuracy and completeness and determine eligibility.
Determine applicant eligibility and initiate procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate services, or refer applicants to other agencies.
Contact employers and other references to verify applicant information and obtain additional details.
Confirm recipients' continued eligibility for program benefits as required.
Manage payments for various assistance programs.
Inspect rental units, grounds, and facilities to identify repair or maintenance needs.
Investigate complaints and program violations and resolve problems.
Maintain records of sales, rental or usage activity, special permits, operating costs, budgets, local property availability, liens, and other information needed for program compliance.
Counsel and train citizens on mortgage financing, foreclosure procedures, self-sufficiency in homeownership, budgeting, and credit and debt management.
Conduct housing-needs surveys and provide periodic reports on housing needs and citizens served to the Director of Housing, Finance Board, and Tribal Council as required.
Collaborate with teams in the Housing Department and other Departments to ensure services are provided and service quality is maintained.
Attend events and meetings to market or present information about available programs.
Perform other related functions as assigned.