Housing Specialist - INTERNAL

Homes For Good • Eugene, OR

4d • $50,149 - $67,246 • Hybrid

About The Position

Homes for Good Housing Agency is a high performing public housing authority located in Eugene Oregon, servicing all of Lane County (4,600 sq. miles). The Agency’s primary work is to help low-income Lane County residents access and maintain affordable housing.
Homes for Good has been and will continue to implement a workplace culture change that includes increased emphasis on racial justice, customer service, quality control, and compliance. Homes for Good is passionate about providing employees opportunities to maximize career growth while experiencing the personal satisfaction of working for a mission driven organization.
At Homes for Good, employees are supported and empowered by a collaborative culture that shapes how we work together with the common goal of providing essential housing services throughout Lane County.
Homes for Good is an equal opportunity employer, committed to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion throughout our organization and within our hiring and promotional practices. We endeavor to hire a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve, with an understanding that a diverse and inclusive staff will strengthen our Agency. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
Our Rent Assistance Division is responsible for the intake and administration of various types of rental assistance offered by Homes for Good, serving over 3,000 low-income Lane County residents. The division is comprised of a team of Housing Specialists, Inspectors, Office Assistants, a Landlord Liaison, Data Analyst, Program Supervisor and Division Director. We believe that safe and affordable housing should be accessible to all, and that we should strive to be an excellent partner in the process of serving our clients.
As a key role in our Rent Assistance Division, the Housing Specialist manages a caseload of approximately 450-550 low-income clients in Lane County. This position handles the complete administration of rental assistance programs in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies.

Requirements

• Three or more years of responsible community or social service experience with an emphasis on verifying documents for on-going program eligibility and income calculations.
• Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
• Any combination of experience and education on a year for year basis up to a maximum of four years of responsible accounting and/or administrative experience may be substituted for the education required provided that the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work has been demonstrated.
• The selected candidate must become a certified “Rent Calculation Specialist” within six (6) months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Additional experience working with property owners and managers is preferred.
• Additional specialized training in social services, a related field and/or property management is desirable.
• Managing a caseload of approximately 450 to 550+ families.
• Learn which community agencies, programs and resources are available to program participants and provide appropriate referrals.
• Learn, interpret and apply HUD program rules and regulations and Agency policies and procedures.
• Learn and apply hearing policies and procedures.
• Investigate fraud allegations and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve the issues.
• Respond to requests and inquires in a timely manner.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports.
• Recognize the value of individual and cultural difference and create a work environment where individual’s differences are valued.
• Experience in conducting research to determine the reasonableness of the rent.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring participant eligibility.
• Responding to and processing requests for recertification of family composition and/or income from families.
• Developing and maintaining appropriate files and records.
• Certifying eligibility within program and Agency timelines.
• Reviewing, evaluating and verifying participant information including household composition, income, medical expenses, assets, deductions and other related eligibility documents in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies.
• Entering applicant/participant information electronically.
• Coordinating information with other staff members regarding participant issues.
• Explaining transfer process including participant responsibilities.
• Processing transfer requests from participants.
• Communicating with co-workers, participants, owners and other community members.
• Ensuring necessary documents are completed, legible, and signed.
• Answering questions regarding income and family composition.
• Conducting group or individual briefings in compliance with HUD rules and regulations and Agency policies and procedures.
• Explaining lease agreement provisions, contractual obligation and HQS requirements.
• Following policies and regulations in accordance with the Agency’s Administrative Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• paid health, dental and vision insurance for you and your family after one month of employment, along with life insurance and a 12% contribution of your monthly salary into a retirement account after 6 months of employment.
• family friendly environment with flexible scheduling options
• generous paid time off (PTO) program starting at 17.33 hours per month
• paid family leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED