SRAP Housing and Recertification Specialist

Delaware State Housing Authority•Dover, DE

2d•$38,770

About The Position

As part of the DSHA team, you will have immediate access to health, vision, and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, tuition assistance, fitness reimbursement, retirement plan, and more while working to further DSHA’s mission of providing safe, affordable housing. This non-State position is responsible for Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections on housing units throughout the state of Delaware participating in the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) rental subsidy program to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. Travels throughout the state conducting on-site evaluations, documents deficiencies, and verifies corrective actions. Interviews SRAP participants in the field as needed to obtain information for annual recertifications and to support determinations of continued program eligibility. Reviews and processes lease agreements and completes Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contracts. Provides guidance to property owners and program participants regarding HQS requirements and SRAP program regulations.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations as they apply to the SRAP program, HUD’s Housing Quality Standards and the State Housing Code and Section program requirements.
Knowledge of interviewing methods, and gathering, arranging, formatting, and distribution of information.
Knowledge of mathematical calculations.
Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with outside agencies and organizations.
Skill in collecting and analyzing data to make appropriate recommendations.
Skill in maintaining records, files, and preparing routine correspondence and reports.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people including the elderly and the mentally and physically disabled.
Ability to verify accuracy of information, resolve disputes and discrepancies and follow-up on outstanding activities.
Ability to evaluate issues, explain rules and regulations and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
Knowledge of physical inspections of residential housing units; preference given to those with inspection experience including Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspection experience
Ability to learn and apply housing inspection standards, policies, and procedures,
Ability to observe, document and report housing conditions accurately
Ability to work in varied environmental conditions and in remote settings
Ability to communicate effectively
Knowledge of gathering or organizing, formatting, and distributing information.
Knowledge of office/ recordkeeping practices and procedures and document maintenance
THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND SCREENING AND VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site technical housing inspections to ensure housing units comply with SRAP, HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the State Housing Code. Notifies property owners of results and recommendations via letter. Schedules re-inspections to ensure deadlines are met according to regulations. Interviews tenants to obtain participant supplied and third party verification used to determine continued eligibility and the amount of subsidy based on family composition and income.
Complete SRAP and HQS inspections and conduct lease negotiations for housing units initially entering the program. Explains program procedures and policies to new property owners and tenants. Schedule re-inspections as required.
Maintains comprehensive computerized tenant files. Ensures accurate data input. Prepares and ensures all third-party verification forms are sent. Completes annual certifications in the Easy Housing software program.
Interact with State, federal, and local agencies, applicants, residents, and general public. Identifies unusual housing or social conditions and makes referrals to Child Protective Services, Department of Natural Resources, and Environmental Control, Division of Aging or other appropriate agency. Assists in outreach and orientation for new property owners. Conduct informal reviews and hearings to review appeals of ineligible applicants and participants.
Provides professional training for new staff members on the SRAP and HCV Easy Housing computer program, SRAP/HQS inspections, interviewing tenants and administrative procedures