Description

The Housing Authority of Jackson County, Illinois ("JCHA") was established in August of 1946 and the first public housing was constructed after a tornado devastated much of the southern part of Murphysboro, Illinois, and left many people homeless in 1960. Since then, JCHA's mission is to provide safe decent and sanitary housing to low-income families, elderly families, disabled families, and low-income individuals in six towns throughout the County.

The programs administered by JCHA consist of Public Housing Units, Housing Choice Vouchers, and 12 Multi-Family Housing units. 

JCHA currently seeks a full-time Case Manager to join the team. This position has in-office working hours scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications will be accepted through February 14, 2023.

This position works closely with program participants. The Case Manager reviews and approves all files for accuracy and compliance with gross rent, utility allowances, income limitations, and all other regulatory requirements, partnership agreements, and applicable program requirements. Case Managers are responsible for knowing local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the market and affordable multifamily housing, including Low Income Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and other programs as well as Fair Housing and Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing laws, as required to evaluate projects and provide assistance to ensure properties are compliant. 

A generous benefits package is available after a 90-day introductory period. 

Benefit Package:

- 100% Employer Paid Insurance for employees (medical/dental/vision/STD/LTD)

- Large retirement contribution to a Money Purchase Plan

- 16 Paid Holidays

- 80 Hours of Vacation Time to start

- 96 Hours of Sick Time to start

- $75,000 Employer Paid Life Insurance

- Optional contribution to a 457b retirement plan 

- Voluntary benefits with AFLAC, Colonial Life, and Globe Life Liberty National

- Paid training and career development opportunities 

Requirements

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Accurately and thoroughly completes the HUD form 50058 during interim recertifications, and annual recertifications. Reviews and approves all files for accuracy and compliance with gross rent, utility allowances, income limitations, and all other regulatory requirements, partnership agreements, and applicable program requirements. 
2. Communicates with tenants and participants to determine actions needed by JCHA, including requests for verification documents, to ensure accurate household composition and rent.
3. Regularly reviews PIC reports and other reports for assigned caseload.
4. Updates records in the files as required. 
5. Plans and coordinates individual meetings (to include virtual, in-person, on-site).
6. Covers office hours when required.
7. Notifies supervisor in a timely manner of any problems and recommends appropriate actions. 
8. Coordinates activities with all other departments in a collaborative team environment. 
9. Coordinates / participates in working groups and committees when requested.
10. Assists with and covers reception desk duties when necessary. Greets callers and visitors by phone or in person, takes messages, responds to inquiries, problems, and/or complaints by clients, referring to the appropriate staff member as required. Makes photocopies for applicants and clients and may assist them in completing basic forms.
11. Reads and responds to emails, Team Messages, and phone calls daily during business hours. 
12. Completes other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

1. Passion for working with low-income residents and sincere interest and desire to assist residents.
2. Ability to motivate and promote a positive atmosphere and respond to client needs.
3. Ability to contribute to a positive work environment and display the same positivity to the applicants, participants, and tenants.
4. Knowledge and compliance with Fair Housing and Illinois State Landlord/Tenant Laws and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
5. Proficient computer skills and ability to learn JCHA software systems. 
6. Knowledge of Rental Assistance Demonstration regulations.
7. Strong clerical skills including record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
8. Ability to work independently and multi-task on a variety of tasks.
9. Maintain reliable and predictable attendance.
10. Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
11. Ability to apply logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks to understand and communicate complicated policies and procedures.
12. Keep and guard all applicants, tenants, and participants’ personal information in a private manner.
13. Establishing and maintaining ethical and cooperative relationships with all those contacted in work.
14. Ability to learn and be trained on complicated policies and procedures. 
15. Ability to be a constant professional at work; including professionally dressed, groomed, and speak professionally to clients and other staff.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirement (with or without reasonable accommodation)

1. There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress.
2. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time. 
3. Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets and office machinery.
4. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. 
5. Frequently communicates with third parties, applicants, tenants, and co-workers regarding files. Must be able to exchange accurate information. 

Education/Specific Requirements

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. One (1) year of experience working directly in affordable housing or one (1) years of experience in an administrative role; 
3. Experience working at a Public Housing Authority or similar industry in its daily operations and activities is strongly preferred. 
4. Occupancy Specialist/Site Compliance Specialist or related Certification from an accredited institute preferred or ability to obtain such credentials within one (1) year of hire.
5. Continuously holds an Illinois Driver’s License with an insurable driving record or ability to obtain one (1) within thirty (30) days of hire.
6. The JCHA is a Drug-Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for drugs and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in the JCHA’s policies.