Housing Specialist

Lucas Metropolitan Housing•Toledo, OH

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to assist the staff of the Housing Choice Voucher Programs (HCVP) Department with processing and determining applicant eligibility status for the HCV Programs. The incumbent receives applications, verifies information, determines initial eligibility and continued eligibility, notifies applicants of the decision rendered, and assists with providing additional services to HCVP participants. All activities must support Lucas Metropolitan Housing (“LMH”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Requirements

Completion of two (2) years of college in public administration, the behavioral sciences, or other related discipline and a minimum of one (1) year of experience application intake and maintenance.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Must possess a valid Ohio or Michigan driver’s license and be insurable under the Authority’s plan.
Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

Greets incoming residents and potential residents by assisting with the completion of all documentation necessary for the application process.
Receives and responds to inquiries (telephone and in-person) from applicants, residents, landlords, and community organizations when appropriate.
Receives and reviews applications from potential residents; interviews applicants; investigates and verifies information received; and determines housing eligibility.
Establishes and maintains electronic filing system and clerical tasks for applications, certifications, and interims; verifies all data and changes reported by HCV participants; enters and retrieves data from the system, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
Verifies accuracy of data obtained from residents and applicants (e.g. family composition, income, assets, and medical expenses) during initial application and annual interview; establishes eligibility of applicants and of residents for continued occupancy; and accesses criminal and credit checks.
Prepares residents for continued eligibility through the completion of necessary documentation and recertification appointments.
Interviews residents on an annual basis and makes interim rent determinations as requested.
Calculates retroactive rent increases or credits where applicable; ensures rent charges are accurate; forwards necessary documents to resident and landlord.
Determines continued eligibility for the program, investigates fraud and prepares retro-active debts.
Reviews file for accuracy of information supplied for cancellation and makes the first determination whether a hearing will be necessary.
Submits necessary documents required for informal hearings and serves as LMHA representative during informal hearings.
Contacts both client and landlord to advise of rental amount, establish a move in date, obtain lease and prepare Housing Assistance (HAP) Contract.
Completes New Admission or Other Change of Unit certification and forwards necessary documents to the client and/or landlord.
Sends out notice of cancellation to applicants, housed residents, and landlords.
Processes cancellations, and withdrawals in the computer system.
Performs all activities relating to incoming and outgoing portability as required from a receiving and/or initiating PHA under HUD regulations.
Receives request from property owners for contract rent changes and requests for change of ownership.
Prepares necessary paperwork, determines eligibility, and completes change in computer system.
Schedules, notifies, and assists with the presentations of pre-occupancy programs for HCV programs.
Performs other duties as assigned.