Tenant Services Specialist (Spanish-Fluency)

Syracuse Housing Authority•City of Syracuse, NY

4d•$60,366 - $69,448

About The Position

The Tenant Services Specialist assists the Syracuse Housing Authority administration in providing tenant services and resolving serious or difficult lease violations and other tenant needs for supportive services. Under the direct supervision of an administrative superior, the position performs responsible administrative, tenant problem-resolution, and tenant-relations work. The employee works with tenants and staff to address lease violations, prevent or carry out evictions, and manage other tenant-related matters. The role is distinguished from Tenant Services Organizer by its administrative duties and broader scope and higher level of responsibility. Work is assigned and reviewed by an administrative superior through written work, case records, and frequent meetings. The employee is expected to handle assigned tasks independently and use good judgment, consulting the supervisor on unusual or serious matters. Supervision may be exercised over staff assigned resident-retention duties. Some assignments require reasonable access to transportation for timely and efficient field work. Continued employment is contingent on qualifying for, passing, and being reachable off the applicable Onondaga County Civil Service Exam. After a conditional offer, a favorable background check, verification of education and work history, and illegal drug screening are required before starting. Proof of identity and legal work authorization is also required.

Requirements

Read, write, and converse fluently in Spanish and English.
Meet one of the stated minimum-qualification pathways: a relevant baccalaureate degree plus one year of professional-level experience assisting in the administration of or providing a human services program; or five years of paraprofessional or professional-level experience in a relevant field, including one year in a professional-level capacity assisting in the administration of or providing a human services program; or an equivalent combination of training and experience within the stated limits.
Relevant fields include education, social work, human services or resources, social science, public administration, or a closely related field.
Have good knowledge of the policies, organization, and operation of the Syracuse Housing Authority.
Have good knowledge of the needs, problems, and interests of low-income people.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, tenants, and community agencies and deal effectively with people in difficult situations.
Be able to gather and organize pertinent data.
Be able to prepare clear and concise written reports.
Be able to communicate effectively with others individually and in group meetings.
Qualify for, successfully pass, and be reachable off the applicable Onondaga County Civil Service Exam for continued employment.
Complete a favorable background check, verification of education and work history, and illegal drug screening after a conditional offer and before starting employment.
Provide proof of identity and legal work authorization.
Have reasonable access to transportation for field work when required by assigned duties.

Responsibilities

Receive referrals from Syracuse Housing Authority administrative staff concerning tenant maintenance and housekeeping problems, relationships with other tenants or Housing Authority administration, lease violations such as nonpayment of rent, and counseling needs regarding housing rights and responsibilities.
Refer complaints to the appropriate person, Housing Authority department, or outside agency and follow up to ensure resolution.
Evaluate cases involving tenant lease violations and determine appropriate actions, such as issuing a warning, meeting with the tenant, or preparing a possible eviction letter.
Meet with tenants regarding lease violations to try to resolve problems and advise tenants of possible eviction if problems are not resolved.
Serve as a liaison between tenant organization leaders and Housing Authority administration by hearing concerns, scheduling meetings with administrators, and maintaining communication.
Assist with tenant grievance hearings by arranging hearings, contacting board members, providing eviction materials and documentation to an attorney, recording hearings, and performing related administrative tasks.
Serve as a liaison between the Housing Authority and agencies providing funding by acting as a central contact for administrative details, preparing fiscal reports, budgets, program and data reports, and submitting required paperwork.
Conduct training sessions on agency policies and procedures or create written materials clarifying or communicating policy issues to tenants.
Provide tenant services, including drafting notices, answering questions, and responding to requests for assistance, complaints, and problems.
Network with human service organizations to refer tenants to appropriate community support services.
Perform related work as required.