Occupancy Specialist

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC)•Knoxville, TN

20d•Onsite

About The Position

SUMMARY Under general supervision, the Occupancy Specialist performs specialized technical and clerical work supporting various types of Section 8 housing programs. The Occupancy Specialist examines eligibility of KCDC clients and prospective clients for rental assistance, processes monthly housing assistance payments to landlords, and processes utility allowance payments to the utility company. All activities must support Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (“KCDC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The Occupancy Specialist is a non-supervisory job classification. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

Requirements

Knowledge of general bookkeeping, commercial arithmetic, and business English.
Knowledge of or ability to learn Section 8 housing regulations and procedures.
Proficient using the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
Proficient using affordable housing management software (i.e., Yardi)
Ability to apply regulations and procedures for determining eligibility and appropriate rent amounts for rental assistance programs.
Ability to maintain moderately complex financial and program clerical records and to prepare reports, correspondence, and other research documents from such records.
Ability to quickly and accurately make mathematical calculations.
Ability to remain objective and make decisions based on guidelines while being consistent and in compliance.
Ability to explain affordable housing program requirements to people from various cultural, ethnic, educational, and economic backgrounds.
Ability to readily establish rapport with the public in obtaining and giving procedural information.
Ability to diffuse escalating situations that involve residents and landlords.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers, external customers, and the general public.
High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of two (2) years of experience providing general clerical and administrative assistance. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Must be proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to applicants who are proficient using Yardi for 50058 housing programs.

Responsibilities

Schedules appointments with prospective tenants and conducts interviews to determine income and allowable deductions for calculating an appropriate rent or to affirm their eligibility for rental assistance; verifies income; and prepares correspondence as required.
Enters tenant and landlord data into affordable housing management software (Yardi) to create new lease documents and update records as necessary.
Maintains records, forms, and other documents relating relative to income, deductions, client history, program, etc.
Monitors housing vacancies, notices of intention to vacate, and transfers. acknowledges and documents 30-day notices given by residents, eviction notices issued to residents by owner, and agreement to terminate lease by the owner and resident. Calculates and deducts payments and processes files according to the nature of the action being taken.
Processes move-outs and damage claims to landlords.
Performs monthly reconciliation on accounts for payments to landlords and utility company.
Explains housing programs to property owners; verifies ownership of property and other required documentation.
Investigates complaints of program abuse, fraud, or non-compliance; conducts meetings with landlords and tenants to resolve problems; escalates complaints to supervisor as required.
Processes annual re-exam inspection booklets and computes annual rent increases to property owners.
Performs other duties as assigned.