CASE WORKER

STARTING SALARY $16.50SUMMARYThis position performs administrative duties related to the operation and coordination of the federally grant funded Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Responsibilities include assisting public in the initial stages of applying for assistance, determining application eligibility, monitoring program participants receiving housing assistance entitlement, communicating program requirements with families, maintaining the waiting list of eligible applicants, and maintaining a caseload of 300-400 households.NOTE : Employees in the Community Development Department and their family members are prohibited from participating in or receiving benefit from the City of Amarillo's programs funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other state and federally funded programs and grants.The position is grant funded and renewal is contingent upon the availability of funds. Grant funded positions are typically limited in term. The end date of the grant does not guarantee employment for the duration of the grant. You may be eligible to apply / transfer to an existing vacancy that is equivalent to the grant funded position if an equivalent position is available.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Performs intake duties for the housing assistance programs and maintains and tracks applicants on the top of the waiting list.Responsible for maintaining a caseload that includes new and existing households; performs ongoing case work associated with regular changes and the annual renewal process. Answers inquiries and explains program requirements to people interested in applying for rental assistance.Accepts and updates applications with information concerning family income and circumstances to determine initial eligibility.Briefs applicants reaching the top of the housing waiting list on program policies and procedures, family responsibilities, and how to locate and lease a unit.Conducts review of participants in the housing assistance programs as required in the Administrative Plan.Schedules and performs annual, quarterly, and interim reviews to assure timely initiation and completion of changes.Obtains and verifies updated information related to household income and other circumstances to determine continued program eligibility along with amount of rental assistance.Updates databases regarding the housing assistance programs.Communicates with landlords, employers and childcare workers as needed to verify applicant information.Conducts HCV inspection rescheduling using Happy software.Completes daily data entry and updates for COA Customer Service Center.Participates in customer service training with COA Customer Service Center.Accepts, receives, and collects payments.Determines applicants benefit eligibility.Composes and creates general correspondence, using a word processor, to inform program applicants and participants of status changes, requests for additional information, and responses to inquiries. Prepares leases and contracts.Assumes rotating responsibility for answering phones and filling in at the front desk, in the absence of the Administrative Assistant.Works directly with applicants, tenants, and landlords.Answers inquiries in person and by telephone regarding the housing assistance programs.Receives complaints from the public and refers complainant to appropriate staff for corrective action and follow-up.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Requires a High School Diploma or GED and two years of college education in human service, social work or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous office experience, preferably in a nonprofit or community organization setting, is preferred. Ability to speak Spanish is preferred. Valid Texas Driver's License required. Ability to complete clerical responsibilities and case work involving a degree of independent judgement and requiring attention to accuracy.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESDemonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse team, citizens, investors and property owners, and community groups.Typing proficiency : 35 wpm is required.Ability to efficiently manage high volumes of customer interactions both in-person and over the phone, while performing clerical tasks amid frequent interruption.Ability to operate computers for data entry (Excel) and word processing.Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines and multi-line telephone systems.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ability to learn and operate highly regulated computer programs.ADA PROFILEReasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee must also walk, climb, crouch, stand, kneel, sit, hear, grasp, handle, reach, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe employee works in a safe and secure indoor work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.

Salary : $17