Housing Specialist

Company Description

*Hiring Bonus* This position is eligible for a $2,000 hiring bonus. Apply to learn more!

The Housing Authority of the City of Aurora (AHA) offers a range of housing opportunities to families and individuals with diverse needs. Subsidized housing is provided with funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Program, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and Project Based Assistance. 

AHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health and dental insurance, 3 weeks of vacation after 2 years of service, 12 paid holidays per year, STD/LTD and a 401(k) retirement plan.

AHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Assisted Housing Department of the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA) is responsible for the administration of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). The AHA administers over 2,000 Housing Choice Vouchers for the city of Aurora, as well as other targeted and grant-funded rental subsidy programs. The Assisted Housing Department partners with over 1,000 landlords, helping eligible families afford safe, decent, high-quality rental housing.

Job Description

This position performs technical work involving the coordination, implementation and monitoring of the Housing Choice Voucher Program and other specialized housing programs.

The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent customer service, initiative, resourcefulness, and efficient time management skills. The candidate must be able to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Essential Job Duties

• Determine initial and continued client eligibility based on income, deductions, allowances, and family composition.
• Compute housing assistance payments and family rental rates according to U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations.
• Process annual recertification, interim changes and/or moves including obtaining current third-party verification of participant information in accordance with program requirements.
• Manage a high volume of caseloads for program applicants and participants, including data gathering and entry, to report participant information to HUD.
• Conduct individual and/or group meetings for new participants and existing clients.
• Maintain accurate applicant and participant records utilizing the AHA required business systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of housing assistance programs
• Basic interviewing techniques and principles
• Record-keeping principles and procedures
• Effective customer service techniques
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
• Modern office practices and procedures and business correspondence
• MS Software (Excel, Word, and Outlook)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to perform specialized and technical eligibility and case management work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive personal information
• Ability to make accurate arithmetic computations
• Ability to effectively interact with people from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Ability to interpret and enforce housing programs rules and regulations
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects utilizing effective time management skills
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to maintain and execute confidential information
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, representatives of local government, program applicants and participants, community-based organizations, and the public.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience requirements include:

• Bachelor Degree desired or any combination of education and/or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for excellent job performance.
• 1 year experience working with federal housing programs, financial eligibility determination, or other housing programs.
• 1 year experience providing customer service to the general public

Other requirements include:

The ability to conduct research and problem solve

• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Maintain the integrity of program rules and regulations, while working collaboratively with co-workers.
• Experience working with a diverse population
• Experience working with homeless population
• Experience determining program eligibility requirements
• Case management experience
• Experience in YARDI Software
• Knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher Program

Additional Information

Applicants:  Please be advised that the starting pay range for this position is $26.50 - $28/hour, depending on experience.