Gastonia Housing Authority is seeking a Housing Specialist I in Gastonia, NC.

Position Summary:

As a committed provider of housing for those individuals and families with low and extremely low incomes, the Gastonia Housing Authority provides housing through two programs: the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Project-Based Voucher Program. The Housing Specialist I primarily performs administrative work to determine continuing eligibility for Housing Choice Voucher Program participants.

Reporting to the Section 8 Supervisor, The Housing Specialist I is responsible for investigating, verifying, and certifying ongoing eligibility of Housing Choice Voucher Program participants in accordance with Federal Regulations and internal policies. Duties include calculating rent levels and adjustments, conducting annual recertification of program participants, serving as a liaison between program participants and their landlords, compiling data, and completing reports. The Housing Specialist I must be committed to exercising tact, courtesy, and firmness when interacting with tenants.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides intensive case management for Section 8 tenants
• Reviews applications and other paperwork to determine continuing eligibility for Section 8 housing
• Uses independent judgment to determine when further information or investigation is necessary
• Performs mathematical calculations to accurately determine rent level
• Updates records of family changes and participants files as necessary
• Terminates participants from Section 8 programs when they no longer qualify or are non-compliant
• Assists in resolving landlord/tenant issues and concerns regarding the Section 8 program
• Communicates effectively with other public offices such as social services and crisis assistance ministry to determine the need of the applicant or tenant when necessary

Requirements:

• Associate Degree in Business Administration and three years of progressive experience in Section 8 housing, including contact with the public; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Section 8 Eligibility, Rent Calculation, and Occupancy Certification or the ability to obtain these certifications within twelve months of employment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local policies, procedures, and laws relating to Section 8 program and agency operations
• Considerable knowledge and skills in interviewing techniques and re-verification of resident need while ensuring information remains confidential
• Intermediate knowledge of general office practices, including skill in the efficient and accurate operation of office equipment including computers and related software, copiers, and calculators
• Intermediate level business math and business oral and written communication. Ability to make accurate mathematical calculations
• General knowledge of available local public assistance programs
• Skill in the collections and manipulation of detailed data and the preparation of reports
• Ability to accurately follow written and oral instructions and to plan, organize, and execute work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively form working relationships with co-workers and to work with residents and landlords in a firm but tactful manner

Job Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary: From $38,529 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) equivalent plan
• 401(k) equivalent plan employer matching up to 6%
• Employer paid Health insurance
• Employer paid Life insurance, Short-term disability, Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off beginning at 170 hours per year (pro-rated based on start date)
• Eleven paid holidays
• Education Assistance Program
• Professional development assistance

Schedule: Monday through Thursday

Ability to commute/relocate: Gastonia, NC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience: Affordable Housing: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $38,529.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working in Public Housing?
• Do you have experience working in Section 8?

Work Location: In person