Housing Specialist II

POSITION : Housing Specialist II

SUPERVISOR : Supervisor

STATUS : Non-Exempt

SUMMARY

The position duties include a wide range of advanced activities related to determining and documenting applicant and / or participant eligibility, income, rent and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) operations using written administrative policies and procedures. The position requires full accountability for assigned cases including accurate and complete files, resolution of customer service cases, and responsiveness to participant and landlord inquires.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :

Operates under the direct general supervision of a Supervisor; the Housing Specialist exercises no supervision over other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and / or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Manage an assigned caseload of HCV participants
• Conduct annual recertifications within required time frames
• Complete interim recertifications as required
• Conduct participant briefings
• Process and monitor participant moves to a new dwelling
• Determine housing assistance payment and tenant rent calculation
• Educate participants on program requirements and family obligations
• Resolve concerns between owners, tenants and the Public Housing Authority (PHA)
• Process all transactions within the PHA's required business systems
• Maintain accurate and complete applicant / participant files
• Provide excellent customer service to participants, landlords, co-workers, clients and vendors
• Conduct all job functions in alignment with the PHA's Administrative Plan, HUD regulations and other state and local requirements
• Obtain certification in Housing Choice Voucher Specialist with a score of 85% or higher within 120 days of employment
• Attend annual continuing education courses sponsored by NMA and achieve 85% or higher within 30 days
• Ensure regular attendance and punctuality
• Perform other duties as assigned

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES :

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies :

Performance Excellence : Set high standards of performance; pursue aggressive goals and work hard / smart to achieve them; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and persistdespite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service : Meet / exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, monitor and measure the needs of both internal and external customers; talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication : Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrate attention to, and convey understanding of, the comments and questions of others; and listen effectively.

Quality : Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality; apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure quality.

Responsiveness and Accountability : Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.

Integrity : Must abide by strict ethical standards, integrity, objectivity and confidentiality when dealing with client, employee or financial information, and budget analysis and must avoid any personal conflicts of interest.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Education equivalent to a four-year degree from a regionally accredited institution in Public Administration, Social Science or a closely related field; a minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience for a public agency, or related work in the social service or community service field preferred. Alternatively, a two-year degree with four years of experience will satisfy the qualifications.

Must have the ability to interpret and apply regulations pertaining to the program. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and have excellent interpersonal skills and possess strong computer and organizational skills.