Program Specialist - S8 HCV Program

We Are Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Since 1938 the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been working to create jobs, expand the City's tax base, improve the quality of life for our citizens and breathe new life into our historic neighborhoods. Today, our dedicated professionals are committed to providing the best customer service to all of our vendors, development partners, and clients. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the citizenry of Portsmouth, Va.  through resource acquisition, asset management, and pursuing innovative opportunities.   

Making our city more inviting than ever means welcoming the best and brightest professionals to our team.  We are currently accepting application or resume’ for the following position opening:

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

Wage Range: $35,000 - $55,000

Position Summary

This position reports to the Director of HCV Programs or their designate, providing operational support in all areas of the Authority’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program with the principal responsibility of insuring program compliance related to certification of Section 8 program participants, 

Position Description

• Provides information to persons inquiring about the program.  
• Schedules and performs initial, annual and interim certifications of program participants and processes portable transfers.  
• Schedules and conducts briefing sessions and ensures distribution of all required information to program participants.  
• Assists program participants with locating housing units.  
• Assists in the determination of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and coordinates the execution of the HAP contracts between the property owner and the Authority.  
• Monitors participants transfer needs for the appropriate size and type of units.  
• Requests Housing Quality Standards inspections as required.  
• Prepares statistical reports and assists the Director with special projects as requested.   
• Keeps apprised of all pertinent housing legislation.  
• Inputs and maintains all computer data, processes reports and written correspondence as required.
• Maintain hard copy participant files per standard of procedures, for periodic reviews.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of client data, with accurate records of client activity.
• Perform assignments including but not limited to fraud investigation, participant/landlord disputes, property damage and evictions
• Respond to landlord and participant inquires, with courtesy and tact
• Job duties, responsibilities, specifications, and other job aspects may be changed as needed; performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established certification processes.  
• Extensive working knowledge of all policies, procedures pertaining to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• Strong analytical skills to assess problems and situations and implement appropriate solutions for resolution.
• Highly detailed with strong organizational and administrative skills in performing and coordinating work activities. 
• Ability to perform and analyze mathematical calculations. 
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision demonstrating the   ability to perform a variety of tasks simultaneously and to plan, organize and schedule work to meet critical deadlines and performance measures.   
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in Microsoft Windows application to include but not limited to Word and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to include the ability effectively deliver public presentations.
• Ability to maintain a functional working relationship with all concerned social agencies, property management companies and property owners of the City whether involved directly or indirectly with the HCV Program.
• Promotes a positive image of the Authority by establishing and maintaining to the greatest extent possible a viable and positive working relationship with residents, co-workers, local agencies and all appropriate agencies of the City with which the Authority may come into contact.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to complete all physical duties of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Use of hands/fingers to handle or feel – Sufficient manual dexterity to allow operation of a variety of a computer and other office equipment.
• See – Ability to observe, identify and recognize details at close range. Must have the ability to identify and distinguish color variations.
• Stand or Sit – Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. 
• Walk, move and traverse Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, stretch, crawl and climb a ladder, etc.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl – Constantly positions self to perform the essential functions of the job duties.
• Move, transport, position, install, remove – Frequently moves items weighing up to 50 pounds across areas for various needs.

Experience and Training

• Any combination equal to two years attendance at an accredited college or university.
• Previous experience working with federally assisted HUD/Section 8 Program certification process is highly desirable.  
• Must obtain Rent Calculation Certification within 12-months of employment