Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to maintain a caseload and productivity by ensuring regular contact with clients and to monitor and assist clients’ ability to sustain permanent housing; and to provide support to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and other special program recipients and private sector landlords.

The role focuses on case management and on coordinator between LRHA, referring agencies, and applicants/participants. This position will apply program regulations to ensure accurate program data information is maintained and payments to private sector landlords are processed accurately and timely.

The HCV Specialist will review documentation submitted by applicants, participants and landlords to determine program eligibility and compliance with HUD regulations and LRHA policies, as well as data entry of statistical information into housing software to comply with HUD reporting requirements. Additionally, this incumbent will answer complex informational calls regarding program eligibility, regulations, and processes and will perform all tasks necessary for program performance.

All activities must support the Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (“LRHA” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

 Maintains full responsibility for a case load of applicants/participants as assigned; approximately 225 program participants.

 Interviews, screens and counsels program participants to explain LRHA policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures.

 Interviews participants for re-certifications; explains housing program obligations; verifies information provided on reexamination or re-certification forms; and determines continued eligibility of participants.

 Receives and processes housing program applications for initial assistance and re-certifications.

 Determines eligibility for program applicants and participants.

 Maintains applicant and participant files in accordance with policies and procedures.

 Calculates HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) amounts, tenant rents and utility reimbursements.

 Conducts briefing sessions and counsels’ participants on family obligations.

 Negotiates repayment agreements for approval by the Manager of Housing Operations.

 Issues Housing Choice Vouchers to families requesting to move, to exercise portability options, or who require a smaller or larger unit.

 Issues and supports various special purpose vouchers including Mainstream, Continuum of Care, FYI, Arbor Youth Services, New Vista, etc.

 Responds to landlord inquiries and/or concerns about specific contracts or the HCV program in general.

 Conducts outreach to individuals for participation in special programs, which includes presenting at information sessions and briefings.

 Initiates and executes HAP contracts.

 Initiates termination of assistance of families for non-compliance, non-performance, or other grounds in conformance with established LRHA policy and procedures.

 Completes annual re-certifications of participants in conformance with LRHA policies.

 Generates and mails correspondence or notices to landlords and participants for appointments, changes in rent, termination of assistance, or other reasons.

 Inspects dwelling units for initial leasing and annual recertifications according to time requirements governed by HUD and LRHA policy.

 Assures all required documents are executed in accordance with requirements governed by HUD and LRHA policy.

 Corresponds with applicants, participants and landlords in person, via telephone, e-mail, and/or written correspondence.

 Assures deadlines are tracked and appropriate actions are taken as required.

 Assists in coordinating monthly participant briefings and quarterly landlord meetings.

 Assists in performing clerical tasks, maintaining program supplies, and related tasks.

 Prepares periodic program reports.

 Performs other related tasks as required in administering program activities, including special programs.

 Knowledge of HUD's Enterprise Income Verification (EIV); Public Information Center (PIC); and Voucher Management System (VMS) is required.

 Attends training workshops and seminars annually to increase program and best practices knowledge and remain current with HUD regulatory updates and changes.

 Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively.

Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the Authority; uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with level of responsibility.

Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.

Safety Awareness: Employee is cognizant of his/her surroundings. Follows proper safety procedures and considers the safety of self and others. Identifies, communicates, and assists in the correction of any safety concerns where appropriate.

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Reliability: Employee demonstrates sound reasoning and critical thinking by making decisions in line with established Authority expectations. Performs work in a reliable manner that is both accurate and timely.

Ensures a positive record of attendance.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness. Holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work and does fair share of work.

Education and/or Experience

Associate’s Degree in Business or related field and two (2) years of work experience that involve working with the public and using a computer. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Must obtain HCV Specialist Certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Authority’s plan.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook). Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to communicate via email and verbally via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Read and Acknowledged

______________________________________ ______________________________________

Employee Signature Date

______________________________________

Employee Name [printed]

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Work ing with computers: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lynchburg, VA 24501 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lynchburg, VA 24501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person