Family Self Sufficiency Specialist

This is an administrative and public contact position. The employee coordinates work of the Section 8 program with other departments, outside agencies and organizations, and the public or administers the tenant application collection, screening and selection process for City housing programs. Responsible for the development and implementation of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program by working with residents; Resident Services staff; management; and community partners to identify the needs and coordinate resources that promote self-sufficiency and empowerment. Work is directed and reviewed through the establishment of goals and subsequent evaluation of progress toward goal attainment.

• Interviews applicants, obtains background information, clarifies questions pertaining to occupancy standards and income, and explains rules, regulations and eligibility requirements for public housing.
• Plans, advertises and conducts tenant application sessions.
• Works with FSS participants in their efforts to reach self-sufficiency goals by creating plans that are clear, measurable, realistic, and timely; these plans will be created by identifying motivation and desires in participants while identifying and mitigating barriers to success.
• Monitors changes in eligibility requirements, occupancy standards, rent calculations or other matters affecting an applicant's/tenant's eligibility for Public Housing Programs.
• Calculates rents based on the income of the tenant and the regulations and schedules of WHA.
• Responds to inquiries which pertain to the status of specific applicants and WHA/Section 8 policies governing admission.
• Compiles reports on tenant selection activities and maintains files, statistics, and records in keeping with HUD requirements and WHA guidelines.
• Maintains regular contact with clients, including in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Maintains contact with applicants, (also in Section 8 program).
• May select and assign applicants/tenants to appropriate units in accordance with approved policies and procedures.
• Completion of work assignments will require the operation of a vehicle.
• Participates in the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) with local partners and service providers to ensure that FSS program participants are linked to the supportive services they need to achieve self-sufficiency.
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive. The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional duties as needed.

• Considerable knowledge of housing leasing and inspection practices.
• Knowledge of Kansas Tenant Act, federally subsidized housing regulations and local housing codes.
• Ability to make mathematical computations with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to understand applicable City and/or HUD ordinances/codes/regulations.
• Ability to access and maneuver through an occupied or vacant unit that is not specifically designed for handicap access.
• Ability to perform file maintenance tasks originating, updating and storing files in manual and electronic record keeping systems.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally, in writing, and by whatever creative means are necessary to cross communication barriers.
•  Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
• Thorough knowledge of community agencies, facilities, businesses, and services that can be utilized to aid tenants.
• Ability to maintain a caseload of 75-80 FSS participants.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, urban studies, human rights, human services, human relations, economics, public administration or business administration OR Four years of experience in housing assistance programs, social services, property management, or case management, including tenant eligibility determination, rent calculations, or compliance with HUD regulations.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.

 Preferred Experience and Training

• One year experience conducting client interviews, determining program eligibility, and explaining housing regulations.
• One year experience working with the Kansas Tenant Act and local housing codes.
• One year of experience working with homeownership programs, including assisting clients with eligibility, education, or transitioning from rental assistance to homeownership.

Salary : $24 - $34