Housing Specialist

Rochester Housing Authority•Rochester, NY

2d•$21 - $32

About The Position

Employees in this entry-level service role perform administrative and clerical tasks, participant services, and liaison activities with landlords and housing authorities. They may assist management with the day-to-day operations of public housing complexes and manage participant and private landlord relations, including interviewing, evaluating, selecting, and assisting with eviction proceedings. The position may involve fieldwork, such as inspecting Housing Authority property. Employees work independently under general supervision from management staff. Related work is performed as required. Work may occur in extreme weather and travel situations and in varying living conditions. For this description, “Participant” refers to applicants, tenants, residents, and participants, both prospective and current. The role includes explaining housing programs and requirements, assessing eligibility and rental charges, conducting inspections and recertifications, handling participant and landlord matters, and preparing correspondence and records. When assigned to public housing, the employee must hold and maintain a Class D New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license throughout their tenure.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Either an associate’s degree in Human Services, Business Administration, or a related area, plus two years of work experience explaining complex information and making determinations based on complex rules, guidelines, or procedures; or four years of such work experience without the specified degree.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, multitask efficiently, and communicate professionally and effectively with staff, management, and participants verbally and in writing.
Ability to prepare correspondence, memos, simple reports, and work orders; write clearly; and accurately transfer and transcribe written and oral information.
Ability to handle a daily caseload and maintain files, including lifting up to 25 pounds and transporting files.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculating percentages.
Ability to read and understand complex regulations, procedures, and guidelines; follow office procedures; and explain rules and guidelines in terms appropriate to the audience.
Ability to interview individuals to obtain information, impartially evaluate the validity of information in disputes, and conduct telephone inquiries.
Ability to be firm and professional when explaining and enforcing rules and guidelines; remain calm in stressful situations; and show compassion and empathy when appropriate.
Ability to work with diverse groups of people and provide good customer service.
Ability to operate a computer.
Ability to access multistory buildings using stairs, elevators, or ramps and work in offices, apartments, houses, and outside areas.
Willingness to work in varying living conditions and extreme weather while traveling between RHA sites.
For assignment to public housing: possess a Class D New York State Motor Vehicle Operator’s license at appointment and maintain it throughout tenure in the title.

Responsibilities

Assist with activities of a small housing office, assign tasks to clerical workers, and monitor workflow.
Interview prospective participants, complete housing applications, collect eligibility information and documentation, and explain RHA and HUD programs, guidelines, eligibility requirements, lease restrictions, and applicable rules and regulations.
Conduct recertifications of current participants’ housing eligibility.
Interview new and current participants to obtain income and household-expense information and collect supporting documents.
Verify participant-provided information by reviewing documents and contacting social service agencies, employers, and others by phone or mail.
Determine participants’ eligibility and suitability for public housing and Section 8 programs.
Calculate income and expenses to determine participant rental charges under Authority policies and HUD rules and regulations.
Inspect rental units to assess housekeeping, identify repair and maintenance needs, and identify safety hazards requiring correction.
Discuss complaints with public housing participants, including concerns about housekeeping, insect infestations, landlord or neighbor relations, and noise; deliver oral and written lease-enforcement notices when necessary.
Recommend participant evictions when necessary and assist with eviction proceedings.
Help landlords complete forms for lease and contract renewals for rental subsidies for privately owned housing.
Contact human service agencies and refer tenants to services such as visiting nurses, Department of Social Services, medical transportation, and youth and family counseling, as needed.
Collect rent and other participant charges, make deposits, and prepare related documentation, as needed.
Write letters, memos, and simple reports, and complete forms and ledgers using a personal computer.