Eligibility Technician

Internal Close Date: January 19, 2023

Grade Level: 5 (A)

Salary: $20.99 per hour

Department/Location: Leasing, Occupancy & Compliance

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to provide administrative support in establishing the eligibility of applicants for Section 8 rental assistance programs. The incumbent gathers supporting evidence and processes applications, maintains files, and computes rents.

All activities must support the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s ('MPHA' or 'Authority') mission, vision and values.

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.

• Responds to telephone and in-person inquiries regarding Section 8 Programs Rental Assistance, monthly rent concerns, changes in family income/deductions or family composition, and a variety of questions related to Minneapolis Public Housing’s policies and procedures.
• Compiles necessary verifications of income/deductions and computes rent amounts for program admissions.
• Communicates with Property Managers and prepares participant notification of rent amount and Owner Housing Choice Voucher Contract.
• Contacts tenants/participants to schedule appointments to verify income/family composition for continued program eligibility. Completes recertification process on all eligible tenants/participants for continued occupancy.
• Conducts interviews to review information for continuing participation in MPHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. Verifies any changes in income/deductions, family composition, or related information.
• Explains program requirements, policies, and procedures and determines if housing or rental assistance will be continued.
• Processes interim rent adjustment when there are program or benefit changes (e.g. utility allowances, income/deductions, or contract rent increases). Prepares and mails Lease Addendum/Contract Addendum to all parties.
• Identifies unreported or misrepresented income and prepares a Repayment Agreement and submits to Finance for collection. Presents evidence at formal and informal grievance hearings addressing this issue and may testify in court.
• Recertifies 'zero income families' every 90 days until income is established.
• Enforces program requirements by reviewing alleged program violations (e.g. omissions, fraud, and criminal drug activity); presents evidence at formal and informal grievance hearings addressing these issues; processes HUD 50058 End Participation as determined.
• Processes annual recertifications and income changes in a timely manner.
• Completes contract Increases within a timely manner, allowing participants ample notice (60 days prior) of the anticipated effective date.
• Perform job duties in relation to Housing Choice Voucher Policies outlined in the current Administrative Plan.
• Monitors and follows offering procedures as per HUD regulation and agency policy. Signs leases and related materials with new tenants. Resolves problems and issues as necessary when authorized personnel are absent.
• May train and assist new staff in interpreting policies and procedures and file processing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

MPHA expects all employees to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

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.

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Effective Communication: Employee is prepared, clear, concise and organized in all facets of communication in order to fully establish understanding. Actively listens and understands the audience to adapt message appropriately. Communicates information with appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

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.

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.

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. The work environment requires a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with persons from diverse economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds, including new immigrants, limited English language proficiency clients, and clients with a variety of mental health issues and other disabilities.

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

Education and/or Experience

High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of one (1) year of experience providing administrative support for low-income housing programs. Customer service related experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license. Those positions may also require use of a personal vehicle and evidence of individual automobile insurance coverage, or the ability to be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. Must pass a criminal history background check.

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; reaching and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.
From: Minneapolis Public Housing Authority

Benefits:

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority also offers an excellent benefits package that includes: Medical and Dental Insurance; Retirement plan; 457 deferred compensation plan; Group term life insurance (and optional term life insurance plans for family members); Long term disability insurance; paid sick leave; paid vacation leave; 12 paid holidays per year; tuition reimbursement program.