Payment Specialist

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority.•Columbus, OH

33d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Payment Specialist processes property ownership changes, rent increase requests, and Tax Identification Number (TIN) updates in compliance with HUD regulations and CMHA policies. This role ensures accurate documentation, efficient communication with stakeholders, and timely updates to Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts and payment systems. The Payment Specialist collaborates with property owners, tenants, and internal teams to support program compliance and maintain operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Three (3) or more years of appropriate supervisory experience
Three (3) or more years of housing related experience and/or training
Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Demonstrate the ability to perform the physical demands required of the position in accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Physical Demands Strength Ratings.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or schedule form
Ability to deal with many variables and determine specific action
Ability to apply management principles to solve agency problems
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, or regulations to specific situations
Ability to select most qualified applicant according to specifications for referral
Ability to read, copy, and records figures accurately
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers
Ability to calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages
Ability to copy records precisely without error
Ability to complete forms
Ability to prepare correspondence
Ability to compile and prepare reports
Ability to respond to routine inquiries from public and/or officials
Ability to conduct effective interviews
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to train or instruct others
Ability to understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications
Ability to maintain records according to established procedures
Ability to handle sensitive inquiries from and contacts with officials and general public
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to resolve complaints
Ability to travel to and gain access to work site
Ability to maintain confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of interviewing
Knowledge of office practices and procedures
Knowledge of Agency/department goals and objectives
Knowledge of Agency/department policies and procedures
Knowledge of workplace safety practices and procedures
Knowledge of personnel rules and regulations
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices
Knowledge of computer software
Knowledge of community resources and services
Knowledge of records management
Knowledge of personnel administration
Knowledge of office management
Knowledge of project management
Knowledge of government structure and process
Knowledge of public administration
Knowledge of government grant programs
Knowledge of state, federal, and local laws and/or regulations
Knowledge of employee training and development
Knowledge of local geographical area
Knowledge of business administration
Knowledge of English grammar and spelling
Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques of Public Housing Authority management
Knowledge of the relationship of Public Housing Authority’s to other federal, state, and local jurisdictions and their abilities to provide funds or other support to the Authority
Knowledge of pertinent HUD regulations
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to public housing authorities
Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and techniques of rental property maintenance
Knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher and low-income housing policy and regulations
Knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher eligibility and rent calculation requirements, as required by HUD and Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Inspection Program
Knowledge of apartments & dwellings
Knowledge of construction
Skill in computer operation
Skill in use of modern office equipment
Skill in customer service
Skill in organization, planning, and time management

Responsibilities

Review and verify documentation submitted for changes in property ownership, including deeds, settlement statements, W-9 forms, and management agreements. Update internal systems with new ownership information and ensure accurate disbursement of HAP payments. Communicate ownership changes to tenants, providing updated contact information for the new owner or property manager. Maintain detailed records of ownership transitions and related correspondence.
Receive and review rent increase requests from property owners, ensuring timely submission and compliance with program guidelines. Conduct rent reasonableness assessments by comparing the proposed rent to similar units in the area, considering location, size, and amenities. Notify tenants of approved rent increases and ensure affordability standards are met, aligning with HUD regulations. Facilitate the execution and documentation of lease amendments or addenda for rent adjustments.
Process TIN updates submitted by property owners or managers to ensure accurate tax reporting and HAP payment processing. Verify TIN changes using IRS-compliant procedures and confirm alignment with submitted W-9 forms. Update internal systems with the new TIN and ensure seamless integration into the HAP payment workflow. Communicate with owners to resolve discrepancies or incomplete TIN documentation.
Monitor units under abatement due to failed Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections or other compliance issues. Notify owners and tenants of abatement status, outlining required corrective actions and deadlines. Track completion of necessary repairs and schedule follow-up HQS inspections to lift abatements when compliance is restored. Update HAP contracts and payment systems to reflect abatements, ensuring accurate payment adjustments. Provide guidance to property owners on resolving compliance issues promptly to minimize disruption in payments.
Must process MIP’s, Interim Recertifications, Annual Recertifications, HAP Contracts, and adjustments as needed.
Acts as a cultural ambassador for the organization. Implements strategies to ensure that the organizational mission, vision and values are exemplified within the department. Works with the community to advance partnerships and organizational positioning through the system.
Attends meetings and serves on committees, as directed; attends training and seminars, as directed.
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
Maintains required licensure and/or certification.
Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.