Program Specialist II

Housing Authority of Baltimore City•Baltimore, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1937, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has kept the promise of public housing alive. It has done so by maintaining and modernizing its buildings and enriching the lives of its residents through innovative social services, recreational and educational programs, and job training initiatives. What makes HABC successful is the dedication of its employees and its history of strong leadership. Under direct supervision, provides case management to Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) applicants and participants; Performs eligibility determinations, move-in and recertification activities in compliance with HUD guidelines and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City’s (HABC) policies. Provides clear and informative information orally and in writing to applicants, participants, landlords, other agencies, and employees. Creates and maintains records and reporting related to assignments. Maintains caseload, performs data entry, and is assigned to complex eligibility, verification, and rent determinations. Maintains error rate below the established departmental thresholds. May be trained in multiple functions and be reassigned as needed to support workload priorities. Position requires excellent customer service skills and mathematical abilities. All activities must support the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a business or social service-related degree.
At least one (1) year of experience in low-income housing preferably with the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered sufficient.
Possession of a valid Maryland driver's license.
Must be able to be covered under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy.
Section 8 Rent Calculation and Section 8 Occupancy certification within 12 months of employment.
Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
Successful completion of a prescreening investigation, including verification of employment history and education credentials.
A 6-month probationary period applies to this full-time permanent position.

Nice To Haves

Current HABC employees who are on probation, whether due to initial new hire status (6 months) or promotion (3 months), will have the opportunity to apply for other roles within HABC once their probationary period is successfully completed. This allows time for growth, development, and the demonstration of their skills and commitment, paving the way for new opportunities within the organization.
If you are currently under the progressive disciplinary process or have received disciplinary action within the past six (6) months, it may impact your ability to be considered for promotion within HABC. Please refer to the Manual of Personnel Policies or the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement for additional information regarding the disciplinary process.

Responsibilities

Completes special assignments and projects, as assigned, to support departmental goals; may attend meetings to collaborate with other departments for completion.
Performs case management functions. Maintains and analyzes information on account activities and accurately completes related data entry. Handles complex cases and escalated issues, i.e. repayment agreements.
Determines client eligibility and completes HUD’s re-certification and re-examination procedures for new and existing clients. Verifies household composition and income following verification procedures, coordinates unit inspections, contacts clients, and prepares paperwork.
Reconciles HUD reports, PIC errors, EIV data, and exception reports to ensure accurate and compliant program data.
Assists with internal QC reviews and external audits of tenant files.
Communicates with clients, property owners, tenants, other agencies, and employees by telephone, in writing, or in person.
Provides information about housing assistance programs.
Assists with new & existing client and landlord orientations.
Explains HUD regulations and contract terms.
Obtains documentation to assist clients.
Completes accurate and expedient contract work.
Provides applicants and participants with community-based information, i.e., social services and housing agencies such as shelters, fair housing agencies, Legal Aid Bureau Inc., and government-sponsored social services agencies. Makes referrals to other service agencies and organizations as warranted.
Maintains records and notates software and trackers for all communication throughout the process. Ensures participant files are complete and uploaded electronically.
Conducts home visits and site visits as needed
Serves as a resource for new and existing team members
Performs other related duties.
Conducts interviews, performs full case management, explains regulations, and manages all account activities
Reviews client documents for completeness and accuracy, calculates total tenant payment (TTP), Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), and utility allowances accurately.