Rent Collection Specialist

Services for the Underserved•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rent Collection Specialist works within S:US Support Services and reports to the Entitlements Director. The role supports tenants facing rent arrears by reviewing accounts, resolving billing issues, coordinating collection efforts, and helping tenants access public assistance and other resources. The specialist is the primary point of contact for S:US tenants seeking help with arrears, city resources, and entitlement questions, including HRA-Public Assistance (HRA-PA). The position requires adaptability and organization in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment while managing competing priorities. It involves travel to S:US sites within New York City’s five boroughs, either at the office or program locations.

Requirements

Ability to write and communicate effectively.
Experience with or knowledge of HRA-Public Assistance benefits, such as Rent Arrear One-Shot Deals.
Proficiency with ACCESS HRA client and provider portals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word, and other database systems.
Ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

Review tenant accounts and aging reports across a large portfolio of programs to assess past-due balances and determine action plans.
Coordinate collection efforts with Legal, Finance, and Program staff.
Contact residents about outstanding balances and work with them to resolve billing issues, coordinating with Finance to correct rental errors.
Contact tenants daily to resolve past-due accounts and identify ways to prevent future payment delays.
Assess tenant eligibility for HRA-Public Assistance benefits.
Assist or accompany S:US tenants in accessing HRA-Public Assistance, rental assistance, and other city resources to resolve rent arrears.
Stay informed about public policy, public assistance, rental assistance, and other rent-arrears resources, and communicate relevant information to housing program staff, management, and tenants.
Attend informational trainings and seminars to stay current on trends and changes in the entitlements system.
Guide tenants on financial literacy, payment plans, public assistance, entitlement applications, and rent-arrears solutions.
Work with Programs and Finance on potential entitlement issues affecting tenants.
Maintain current records of tenant entitlements and the Entitlements module in the myEvolv EHR database.
Travel to sites within and outside the organization across the five boroughs.
Investigate HRA-PA cases and ensure they are resolved.
Represent tenants and the agency at administrative hearings regarding HRA-PA cases.
Use the ACCESS HRA app and help tenants create accounts and navigate it.
Process appeals and pursue legal channels to obtain funding for tenants whose entitlement applications have been denied.
Review and follow up promptly on tenant correspondence about public assistance eligibility received by phone, office visit, email, mail, or fax from city and government agencies.
Prepare reports for internal stakeholders about tenancy and related portfolio issues.
Provide updates on tenant progress toward resolving rent arrears.
Maintain meticulous records and file systems to an audit-ready standard.
Train individuals and staff on regulations and laws related to benefits.
Perform other duties as assigned.