Occupancy Specialist - Housing Voucher Program

Mental Health Resources•Saint Paul, MN

5h•$23 - $29

About The Position

The Occupancy Specialist is responsible for rental subsidy administration and housing support services for various Federal, State, and County funded housing programs which comprise MHR’s Housing Voucher Program. This position coordinates and maintains program output consistent with agency standards and coordinates program goals and activities to ensure targeted outcomes are achieved.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, bachelor’s degree in a human-services related field preferred
Experience relevant to the position strongly preferred
HQS certification/experience strongly preferred; ability to obtain HQS certification required

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with tenants and landlords
Communicate and consult with tenants’ service providers in order to make sure necessary paperwork is obtained on behalf of tenants to ensure subsidy compliance, as well as provide guidance with matters such as tenants’ mental health issues, deficits with daily living skills and how they pertain to maintaining housing
Collect and verify income documentation, perform rent calculations and notify all parties of changes in housing assistance payments and tenant payments
Execution of rental subsidy contracts for new admissions and unit transfers; Communicate and correspond with tenants, landlords and support services regarding the status and provisions of the unit and the subsidy contract
Communicate with tenants, landlords and support services to approve proposed rental units while ensuring the proper payment standards/Fair Market Rents (FMR’s) and utility allowances are being used within multiple programs
Process Request for Lease Approvals and communicate with Housing Specialist or Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspector to ensure timely inspections
Conduct rent reasonableness surveys
Ensure that appropriate housing is obtained for program participants
Obtain all necessary leasing documentation, rental assistance contracts, landlord leases, lease addendums and W-9s
Mediate conflicts and work towards resolutions regarding tenants and their support services with property owners and property managers
Coordinate program needs and activities with landlords to ensure the availability of housing for program participants
Assist program participants with their search for affordable housing
Perform HQS inspections when needed
Document all relevant details pertaining to program participant services to maintain quality
Maintain accurate, thorough and professional program participant records
Attend all meetings and training sessions as directed by supervisor

Benefits

MHR is looking for candidates who are Spanish speaking, Hmong speaking, and Somali speaking. You may receive a $1000 salary bonus for passing the language proficiency exam.
Up to 8 hours of clinical supervision per month provided toward LICSW, LCSW, LPC, and LPCC licensure.
Intensive two-week initial orientation program AND on-going in-house training program.
iPhone, laptop computer, and Wi-Fi provided for all community-based staff.
Health insurance (including family health coverage) with employee costs in the top 6% of most affordable health care options. Competitive dental insurance.
Automatic enrollment in retirement plan after 1 year with a 3% employer contribution.
9 paid holidays and 18 days accrued PTO during your first year.
Annual merit-based salary increases.
Schedule primarily Monday-Friday daytime hours.
MHR is committed to working towards racial equity and combating racism.
MHR is a tobacco free workplace promoting health & wellness for the individuals we serve and our employees.