Occupancy Specialist

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe•Auburn, WA

About The Position

Work flexibly to provide high quality customer service to applicants for MIT housing programs. Perform technical, administrative and case management duties in determining initial and continuing eligibility of applicants and recipients for Housing and Rental Assistance Programs; counsel applicants and residents on what their rights and responsibilities are and on available support services. Advise participants of applicable Housing policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Community Development, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Social Sciences, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of related experience may substitute for a college degree. Three (3) years of experience in administration of assisted housing programs.
Knowledge of landlord/Tenant laws; consumer and mortgage lending practices and public/Indian housing regulations.
Knowledge of applicable sections of HUD code of federal regulations and other laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
Knowledge of regulatory federal Housing Quality Standards.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Ability to consistently maintain a high accuracy level in applying regulations and performing financial calculations.
Knowledge of or sensitivity to Native American culture.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships with applicants, employees, tribal members and the general public.
Knowledge of general office policies, principles and practices.
Strong conflict resolution techniques and skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritize workload and adapt to changes in work load demands.
Strong customer service skills.
A valid Washington State driver’s license is required at time of appointment or at a time set by the Tribe.
Certification as an Occupancy Specialist (COS) is required within one year from date of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide case management by assessing customers’ housing needs, counseling and developing housing plans, through the application process to those who need special assistance accessing MIT housing resources.
Develop systems for evaluating and updating information about community resources, to ensure accuracy of information and referrals. Produce and update an accurate list and description of external housing resource information.
Develop and maintain internal relationships with Tribal Programs and other service providers in community, such as the Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Program, Behavioral Health and the Resource Center. Track down and resolve application issues of mutual customers on request by agency staff and act as a liaison between MIT housing and external organizations to ensure and foster positive relationships.
Plan, develop, and implement goals, work plans, performance measures, and continuous improvement of service delivery. Assist in attaining the Housing initiatives and goals, core strategies, and mission through a spirit of service, teamwork and respect. Work respectfully and courteously with other employees, residents and the general public. Follow direction, and work well under pressure.
Respond pro-actively to requests from Operations staff regarding specific vacancies and waitlists. Pull incomplete files out of regular Waitlist or Expedited Processing processes, pro-actively complete and approve files for referral, as needed.
For all assigned areas of responsibility, ensure compliance with federal law and regulations, MIT Indian Housing Plan and, MIT Housing Procedures Manual.
Perform outreach activities to familiarize tenants, potential clients and the community about Tribal Housing Programs and services.
Perform complex administrative and technical duties involving program violations, which may include research, referrals, monitoring, conferencing and scheduling meetings with Housing staff, including the Executive Director. Make fair and just decisions about participant terminations consistent with MIT Housing and HUD policies and procedures. Draft notices for terminations to include those for illegal drug or violent activity, unacceptable conduct and other program violations. Review all cases with Executive Director where requests are submitted for grievance hearings and follow through with decision and notification to proceed or reinstate accordingly.
Review documentation, applicable laws and regulations, to prepare summary of findings for grievance hearings. Coordinate testimony from staff, police officers and others as needed. Assume responsibility for grievance hearing presentations and the basis for their termination decisions. Present testimony and documentation in court cases as necessary. Draft probationary compliance mandates as appropriate.
Ensure timely completion of annual re-certifications for all assigned program participants.
Ensure that all files meet HUD audit standards. Participate in MIT’s annual audit by HUD Auditors and resolve issues with MIT Internal Auditor. Audit and review participant records, landlord records, computer data and payment logs to assure accuracy and legitimacy of financial transactions.
Assist in preparing, disseminating, administering and monitoring policies and procedures and other administrative functions. Review HUD and MIT Housing regulations and assure compliance; analyze changes and draft procedures, forms, computer templates and standardized reports for the program; prepare technical policy and procedure manuals. Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned activities.
Continually evaluate and work to reduce access barriers for individuals with disabilities in admissions process. Coordinate with social service agencies and give direction to staff in providing reasonable accommodation to remove barriers to access for individuals with disabilities.
Research, analyze and problem-solve complex situations and file documents. Complex situations may involve crisis situations of participants and landlords; negotiation and resolution of conflicts between customers. This may include involvement with residents, landlords, neighbors, police and social services. Assist the Executive Director with decisions to resolve problems and conflicts.
Assist the Executive Director with fraud investigations by MIT housing participants and landlords. Review cases and follow through with the decision and coordinate the establishment of restitution and subsequent notifications. Issue housing assistance abatement decisions and resolve abatement protests.
Provide information and assistance to the public regarding the Occupancy Program Subsidy Policies and Procedures; answer written and verbal inquiries. Regularly submit articles for MIT Newspaper and act as a presenter for orientations and public events related to housing assistance programs.
Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.