Housing Specialist

Reports To: HCV Manager
Department: HCV

Summary: The Housing Specialist is responsible for assisting in the administration and case management of subsidized housing programs. The Housing Specialist applies HUD and PHA-established policies and procedures to produce on-time and accurate income, rent and subsidy calculations, ensuring all State and Federal mandated privacy regulations are met when dealing with clients and their information.

The Housing Specialist sets and meets goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on subsidized housing program effectiveness, occupancy rate, quality and compliance requirements, superior customer service and program documentation. Timeliness, responsiveness and accuracy are critical to meeting subsidized housing program goals.
Essential Job Duties are performed with strict adherence to Maiker standards, policies, and procedures, and to local, State and Federal laws and regulations. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Subsidized Housing Program
Determine initial resident eligibility within established time frames
Conduct annual and interim re-certifications
Conduct one-on-one and group program information sessions
Negotiate leases and dispense program information to inquiring owners and managers
Respond to telephone inquiries on behalf of a department in a timely fashion
Inspect units for Housing Quality standards
Work closely with owners of private property, management, leasing agents and residents to maintain minimum of 98% project lease up
Provide ongoing case management, public assistance counseling, and referral services to applicants and participants
Maintain a comprehensive filing system and computerized data base for all program participants, ensuring all documents, letters, and reports are updated and sent out on time
Administer specialized programs e.g., Portability, Wait List/Lottery, HCV, FUP, PBV, VASH, FYI and Mainstream
Responsible for all contact and data entry
Work closely with Maiker property staff to ensure compliance with Project Based Voucher program rules and regulations, and to ensure 100% occupancy

Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required, and 1-2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of non-program federal requirements that affect income and rent determinations e.g., fair housing and equal opportunity, fraud and program abuse, employment practices
Knowledge of PHA-established policies and procedures
Knowledge of HUD-established performance standards (for HCV, SEMAP indicators) and PHA-established performance standards as they relate to income and rent determinations
Computer literacy, including personal computing, accuracy in data entry, and knowledge of program-related software
Knowledge and Skills
Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills, including ability to write reports and business correspondence
Demonstrates excellent customer service skills
Translates product features to benefits, understands and responds to members needs, applies market knowledge
Knowledge of program requirements in HUD regulations, handbook, notices, forms, and guides
Facilitates small group meetings and instructs in a 1:1 setting
Effectively presents information and responds to questions from clients and the public
Demonstrates exceptional teamwork
Excellent organizing and planning skills with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Detailed, accurate, and consistently meets deadlines
Allocates time and attention to what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives
Strong mathematical skills: add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios
Reads, comprehends, interprets, and implements rules, regulations, and procedures
Reads and interprets safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and governmental regulations
Defines problems, collects data, establishes facts, draws valid conclusions, assesses complex issues
Flexible and open to new ideas and responsibilities, handles pressure, adjusts to changing needs
Demonstrates humility, calmness and compassion in working with people in crisis and the public
Is non-judgmental of people, advocates fiercely for the needs of Maiker members

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Regular computer uses throughout the day, ability to sit for lengthy periods of time
Occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch
Lift/push/pull/carry various objects of 10-25 lbs. frequently and 25-40 lbs. occasionally
Stand and walk on hard surfaces, and go up and down stairs
Reach to shoulder level and above, and bend at the hips and knees
Ability to talk and hear
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate