Occupancy Specialist

Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority•Lorain, PA

22h

About The Position

The Occupancy Specialist works directly with Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) participants and landlords to gather information and process participants through the program. The role manages participant eligibility and files, calculates rents and subsidies, explains Raise Up policies and HUD regulations, and coordinates follow-up on inspections, verifications, and correspondence. It also provides guidance to special populations, including elderly people and tenants with disabilities. The position performs clerical and case-management work, reviews documentation and calculations for accuracy, supports coworkers and managers, and may help train new staff. Work is performed in a normal office environment, with little exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt, or dust. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Associate's degree and one year of customer service experience or previous experience determining property rents, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, tenants, and landlords.
Basic math skills and problem-solving ability.
Ability to learn the computer programs needed for the position.
Must possess and maintain a valid Ohio driver's license and be insurable by Raise Up's vehicle insurance carrier; applicants whose current license is from another state must obtain an Ohio driver's license within 14 days of employment.
Must obtain Occupancy Specialist certification within 18 months of hire.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, and ability to become proficient in Raise Up software.
Possess or be able to acquire knowledge of HUD regulations, particularly those related to the HCVP.
Skill in conducting self-audits and ensuring current and historical computations are accurate.
Ability to explain policies, procedures, and regulations to landlords and tenants and facilitate mutual agreements.
Ability to identify specific problems in a file and document explanations in writing.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, interviewing, and case-management skills.
Ability to serve a diverse cultural, ethnic, and disabled population and relate to people across socioeconomic levels.
Exceptional internal and external customer-service skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize multiple tasks amid frequent interruptions, plan work, and use time efficiently.
Ability to explain decisions and clearly document the reasoning in writing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to use small office equipment, including copy machines and multi-line telephone systems.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including sitting; using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reaching; ascending and descending stairs; speaking, seeing, and hearing; and occasionally pushing, pulling, or lifting up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Customer Service training and Rent Calculation Certifications are preferred.
Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews, appointments, orientations, voucher issuances, annual reviews, amendments, contract processing, and move-related work with HCVP participants.
Maintain and update participant files to support continued HCV program eligibility.
Enter re-certifications and abatements into the computer.
Perform clerical duties, including answering phones and filing.
Calculate lease and rent amounts, annual recertifications, and interim recertifications.
Review own work and historical computations for accuracy on the assigned caseload.
Assist other Occupancy Specialists, Managers, and Assistant Managers as needed.
Participate in training new staff, including tracking their performance.
Conduct meetings with participants.
Attend and participate in meetings and trainings with partner agencies.
Organize and calculate files to determine lease rent subsidies, and review accompanying documentation.
Explain Raise Up policies and procedures and HUD regulations to landlords and HCVP participants.
Determine affordability for initial leases and inform landlords.
Analyze documentation data for rent and subsidy determinations.
Follow through on inspections, verifications, and other relevant correspondence.
Provide special handling and guidance to elderly people and tenants with disabilities.
Perform other related duties as required.