Occupancy Specialist I

Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority•Steubenville, OH

About The Position

Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority (JMHA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Occupancy Specialist I to join our Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) team. This is a part-time bargaining unit position working 32 hours per week. Under the direction of the Housing Choice Voucher Director, the Occupancy Specialist I provides administrative and customer service support to applicants and participants in housing assistance programs. This position plays a key role in determining program eligibility, processing applications, maintaining accurate records, and assisting families with housing opportunities and relocation services.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in a social service setting.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Strong customer service, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, landlords, community partners, and agency staff.
Basic mathematical skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Valid driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the agency's automobile insurance policy.
Must successfully complete the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Specialist course within six (6) months of hire and obtain a passing score on the HCVP Specialist Certification Exam within one (1) year of hire.

Responsibilities

Interview and process applicants for rental assistance and affordable housing programs.
Assist applicants with preparing required documentation and responding to application inquiries.
Verify income, employment, criminal background, and rental history information.
Determine eligibility for housing assistance programs and prepare related correspondence.
Calculate tenant rent portions based on household income.
Prepare and maintain applicant and participant files in accordance with HUD and JMHA requirements.
Enter and update information in agency databases and recordkeeping systems.
Conduct or assist with applicant, participant, and landlord briefings regarding program requirements.
Assist families with locating suitable housing and connect them with community resources.
Provide concierge services for relocation projects, including landlord outreach and housing search assistance.
Coordinate relocation, Housing Choice Voucher, and Project-Based Voucher briefings.
Maintain participant contact and ensure timely receipt of required documentation.
Prepare reports, maintain databases, and support departmental outreach activities.
Represent JMHA professionally at grievance hearings, meetings, and community events as needed.
Travel occasionally to off-site locations for meetings, trainings, briefings, and applicant assistance.