What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leasing/Owner Service Specialist position at Housing Assistance?
Summary/Objective
This position is the key point of contact for owners participating in HAC’s Leased Housing Program. The individual is expected to build and maintain strong relationships with owners. The individual is responsible for processing moves, rent requests and reasonable rent determinations for new and existing units.
Essential Functions
Rent increase requests and Requests for Tenancy Approvals (RFTA)
HCV Occupancy Certification within 6 months of hire
HCV Rent Calculation Certification within 6 months of hire
Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodation Certification within 6 months of hire
This position is the key point of contact for owners participating in HAC’s Leased Housing Program. The individual is expected to build and maintain strong relationships with owners. The individual is responsible for processing moves, rent requests and reasonable rent determinations for new and existing units.
Essential Functions
Rent increase requests and Requests for Tenancy Approvals (RFTA)
- Receive, review, and track all rent increase requests.
- Conduct reasonable rent determinations.
- Obtains applicable approvals for rents outside of the comparable range.
- Complete rent burden determination.
- Negotiate rent with landlords where applicable.
- Approve and deny rent increase requests.
- Accurately report client data on HUD Form
- Receives Requests for Tenancy Approval and reviews Leasing Packets for completeness.
- Accurately calculates rents, tenant and housing assistance portions, utility allowance; applies correct payment standard, subsidy standard and utility allowance schedule;
- Reviews proposed leases for compliance;
- Prepares HAP contracts (with HUD-required Tenancy Addendum);
- Reviews documents for original signatures and internal consistency (particularly with respect to who pays for various utilities);
- Completes the move-in process including tenant share calculations;
- Sets up complete and accurate files with all necessary leasing documents; and
- Enters correct information and forwards accurate and timely file to the applicable Program Counselor.
- Responds to audit reviews timely and appropriately in accordance with program policies and procedures
- Assist owners in complying with program requirements;
- Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints from landlords/owners;
- Processes changes in ownership;
- Prepares written responses as needed; and
- Resolves problems and minor owner issues.
- Maintain current and working understanding of applicable state and federal policies and
- Maintain current and working understanding of HAC’s internal procedures and policies to effectively administer the programs.
- Meet all deadlines to ensure compliance with regulations.
- On-going monitoring of status’ recorded in database to ensure compliance with EOHLC standards (OTC, suppressions etc.)
- Ensure error rates fall below EOHLC benchmark requirements.
- Work in cooperation with inspectors to ensure timely initial
- Encourage participation in the FSS programs and similar programs offered
- Maintain client files as prescribed by EOHLC
- Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as required, including weekly staff meetings.
- Educate clients on HAC programs and resources.
- Work cooperatively with other HAC departments, other RHN agencies, and service providers to achieve client housing goals.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, strong written communication skills, the ability to meet deadlines, be able to comprehend and utilize complex program regulations and procedures, and be sensitive to confidential issues and to the needs of households with low-income.
HCV Occupancy Certification within 6 months of hire
HCV Rent Calculation Certification within 6 months of hire
Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodation Certification within 6 months of hire