Occupancy Specialist

Affiliated Resources Group•Decatur, GA

About The Position

The Occupancy Specialist administers intake, eligibility determinations, and voucher management for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The role includes conducting applicant interviews and briefings, determining eligibility and program compliance, calculating housing subsidies, issuing and extending vouchers, verifying employment, processing inbound portability, administering the waiting list, and completing data processing promptly. The specialist performs screening and due diligence before the Housing Assistance Demonstration Commission (HADC) enters into contracts to make Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to eligible landlords on behalf of eligible participants. The position also handles HAP contracting, including reviewing and processing HAP contracts and reviewing leases. The specialist calculates tenant contributions and monthly housing assistance in accordance with HUD requirements, prepares and processes HAP contracts, and helps ensure timely payments to owners and timely utility allowance payments. The role involves customer service and direct communication with participants, landlords, and the public; reviewing and processing program information; maintaining accurate participant files and controlled documents; updating system information; and preparing correspondence and forms. The specialist follows established timelines, procedures, file requirements, and Authority standards for the responsible use and safeguarding of agency resources. Other duties may include supporting other functional areas to cover absences, balance workload, or address peak work periods.

Requirements

Functional proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, proprietary software, proprietary database operations, and other technology applications used to support organizational objectives.

Nice To Haves

Some college coursework is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, urban studies, social service, or a related field is a plus.

Responsibilities

Calculate HUD-required rental contributions for eligible tenant families and monthly housing assistance payments to owners in accordance with program requirements.
Prepare HAP contracts and ensure their timely execution and processing so monthly owner or manager payments are made on time.
Ensure timely processing and mailing of utility allowance payments.
Review landlord and owner leases for compliance with program and statutory requirements.
Process appropriate voucher forms in a timely manner.
Maintain accurate document management for assigned controlled documents.
Update landlord information and other system information accurately and promptly.
Provide direct customer service to participants and landlords, and respond to inquiries from participants, landlords, and the general public.
Collect, review, and process data for assigned functions within required timelines; calculate tenant rents and housing assistance payments in accordance with operational procedures.
Conduct interviews as needed, collect paperwork, and resolve issues, complaints, or problems with program participants and property owners.
Document completed tasks in the participant computer file and maintain organized hard-copy documentation for transactions according to file requirements.
Complete timely and accurate follow-ups; open, review, and act on mail within established timelines.
Use agency-approved forms, letters, and correspondence, and ensure issued correspondence is the correct, current version.
Prepare correspondence and required forms, and maintain files accurately and promptly.
Safeguard and responsibly use Authority materials, supplies, resources, and other assets in accordance with Authority standards.
Perform other duties as required, including covering absences, supporting other functional areas, and balancing workload during peak periods.
Conduct applicant intake interviews or briefings and determine eligibility and program compliance.
Issue and extend vouchers, verify employment, process inbound portability, administer the waiting list, and complete data processing promptly.
Perform screening due diligence before HADC enters into HAP contracts with eligible landlords.