What are the responsibilities and job description for the Affordable Housing Specialist position at SOUTH MIDDLESEX OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL?
Summary: The Market Analyst is the primary point of contact for owners and property managers participating in SMOC’s Rental Assistance Housing Programs. The individual is responsible for processing rent requests and reasonable rent determinations for new and existing units and is expected to build and maintain strong relationships with property owners and property managers.
Why Work for SMOC?
- Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
- Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
- 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
- Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
- Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Review, process, and manage all rent increase requests and new unit rents for moves (Requests for Tenancy Approval/RFTA).
- Conduct rent determination evaluations for new units and rent increases and authorize all rent contract approvals.
- Complete rent determination process with knowledge of the Section 8 (Federal) and MRVP (State) rental voucher programs.
- Process all rent approvals in a timely manner utilizing both rent reasonableness and housing specific software.
- Manage applicable approvals for rents outside of certain comparable ranges.
- Negotiate rent with landlords where applicable.
- Communicate with property owners and managers regarding approvals and denials of rent increase requests.
- Work closely with Rental Assistance Program staff in providing rent approval updates related to staff caseloads.
- Conduct presentations for landlord workshops and seminars by providing information on topics including rent determination, rental property grading, and SMOC’s rent approval process.
- Assist owners and property managers with program compliance requirements.
- Serve as SMOC’s point of contact related to all landlord/owner/property manager issues.
- Provide coverage support as needed within the Rental Assistance Department.
- Remain actively involved with SMOC Rental Assistance meetings and trainings.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Required: At least three 3 years of experience in residential property management and/or administration of rental assistance programs and at least one 1 year of experience performing data analysis or forecasting methods, or related activities, preferably in a Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, or other Federally-assisted housing program.
- Ability to complete complex and detailed tasks in a timely manner.
- Ability to plan and prioritize duties.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Accuracy in making mathematical calculations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Positive attitude with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work independently within a busy and diverse team setting.
- Strong computer literacy skills; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel, tablets, and Cloud interface.
- Experience using computer software to organize, store, and analyze data.
Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to Federal Program Rental Assistance Director.
Physical Requirement: Ability to lift 25lbs. Ability to walk up and down stairs.
Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Market Analyst will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
Hybrid Work Option: Hybrid work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities. The Market Analyst position is eligible to work from home 0-40% of the week in scheduling coordination with the department manager.
Monday through Friday: 8:00AM - 4:00PM. Includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
35 Hours per week.
Salary : $23 - $25