Housing Specialist- Chicago

CVR ASSOCIATES INC•Chicago, IL

6d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

For over 30 years, CVR's team of professionals has provided technical assistance and program management to affordable housing programs across the country. Our staff works diligently to meet the needs of our clients and to continuously grow and preserve affordable housing for our nation’s most vulnerable populations. CVR prides itself on providing extensive training, mentoring, and succession planning to its employees. CVR has made a significant impact on the community by assisting families in securing affordable housing. You too can be part of this vital mission by collaborating with us or contributing your expertise to further enhance our efforts. Together, we can create sustainable solutions that empower families and strengthen communities across the nation. You can make a difference and change the trajectory of someone’s life. The CVR team is composed of CPAs, MBAs, attorneys, architects, engineers, urban planners, and housing professionals. We continue to expand, adding to our team across the nation. CVR has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, and Milwaukee, to name a few. The HCV Housing Specialist assist low-income families and individuals, which may include homeless, elderly or disabled, to secure affordable housing and improved living conditions with the goal of an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency. Responsible for completing the ongoing, annual and interim re-examinations for HCV Program participants such as notifying participants and owner/landlords of updates, initiate move requests and annual rent adjustments. Additional responsibilities include explaining, interpreting, and applying HUD and Agency policies, procedures, and regulations in accordance with applicable federal,state, and local laws and regulations.

Requirements

Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program requirements, policies and procedures.
Always demonstrate a high level of professionalism and superior customer service skills. Answer phone and emails, speak to prospective owners about the HCV program, answer inquiries from participants, owners, applicants and the general public.
Ability to articulate program requirements for annual, bi-annual/triennial and interim recertification, information verification, and rent adjustments to program participants, property owners, and other agency affiliates.
Ability to effectively perform with constant interruption.
Ability to effectively write letters, maintain documentation, and accurately complete required forms.
Ability to operate necessary office equipment, computers, and peripherals.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
Navigate all processing functions in Agency HCV data base system.
Computer knowledge and proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, etc.) and any other auxiliary software in order to create and manipulate documents and manage individual productivity output.
Ability to study information and HUD regulations so as to determine, define, and comprehend its elements, including conducting of intake interviews to identify the actual physical certification needs of clients.
Review of third-party documentation to determine program eligibility and compliance.
Responsible for maintaining all required records and for the preparation of all required reports.
Advanced communication skills in the areas of interviewing, investigation, interpretation, written and verbal communication, persuasion, and negotiation.
Negotiate, within program guidelines, with landlords to house eligible families.
Associate degree and/or college credit hours preferred in business, social work, or public administration .
3-5 years of previous experience working with the public in a Housing Choice Voucher, low-income tax credit, similar non-profit programs working with lowincome families.
Must possess 1-3 years of client service experience.
Experience working in a high-volume call and production environment with high performance guidelines and stringent deadline
Knowledge of public sector housing authority programs and systems is a plus

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a supervisor or in a leadership role, desired.
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that would provide the required knowledge and abilities

Responsibilities

Remain familiar with current U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ever changing Federal Regulations as they relate to HCV Programs
Adhere to Discrimination and Fair Housing Policy
Familiar with applicant and participant eligibility
Conducts program informational briefings.
Calculates applicant and participant income, determines rent amounts and executes HAP contracts.
Conduct interviews for prospective and current participants and assist clients in office.
Schedule and conduct annual and interim redeterminations of eligibility following established guidelines and procedures. Collect recertification information, including income and any other required documentation for the administration of the HCV program .
Conduct all work activities in a manner that supports achievement of SEMAP, contractual standards, and/or other performance measures as required.
Determine need for interim rent changes and complete all required processing procedures.
Collaborate with other staff regarding department functions, procedure and client status, and request assistance, as necessary.
Maintain proper maintenance of client files and computer records to ensure accuracy and timeliness according to HUD regulations and Agency policies and procedures. This includes renewing of contracts for HCV housing participants, including interims and re-certification/review of income and household composition.
Answer telephone inquiries from participants and property owners. Return all calls within 48 hours.
Maintain caseload in accordance with productivity and performance standards.
Additional duties as assigned