Section 8 Case Manager

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for administrative and clerical work in the interviewing, reviewing, and investigating of applications for initial and continued participation in the Section 8 Program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Interviews participants for Section 8 housing assistance, explains housing program obligations, verifies information on the reexamination and/or re-certification, and determines continued eligibility of participants.

2. Calculates amounts of rents and utility reimbursement.

3. Conducts briefing sessions and counsels participants of family obligations.

4. Issues Vouchers to families requesting a move, to exercise portability options, or who require a smaller or larger unit.

5. Initiates HQS inspection requests for complaint inspections.

6. Negotiates rents with landlords.

7. Responds to landlord inquiries and/or concerns about Section 8 Program.

8. Executes Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contracts.

9. Initiates termination of assistance of families for non-compliance, or non-performance, or other grounds.

10. Maintains participant and landlord files and documents historical record for each participant file.

11. Pulls files for reexaminations, schedules appointments for reexaminations, makes revisions, calculates rent adjustments, notifies participants and landlords in writing of changes.

12. Generates and mails notices to landlords and participants for change in rent, termination of assistance or contract, etc.

13. Assists with the monthly processing of checks payable to owners and participants.

14. Prepares and distributes incoming/outgoing mail and files necessary information into client files. REQ #: 1056

15. Counsels participants and assists in resolution of problems between owners and participants.

16. Performs clerical duties such as answering the telephone, general typing, filing and mailing correspondence.

17. Prepares monthly reports to advise supervisor of caseload status.

18. Updates and submits files prior to cut-off to maintain caseload in a current condition.

19. Researches HUD regulations and Housing Authority policy when necessary.

20. Interacts with both residents and landlords.

21. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Knowledge:

1. Must have High School diploma or GED and two years of college course work from an accredited college or university is required. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Sociology, Psychology or a related field is preferred.

2. Three years of experience in public housing, HCV program, case management, apartment management, or an equivalent combination of college course work and higher education (one year of relevant experience is equivalent to one year of relevant higher education and vice versa).

3. Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification required within first year of employment (training and testing will be at the Housing Authority of Savannah’s expense). Must have passing score on all subtests, regardless of overall scoring.

4. Knowledge of HUD policies, and other Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to low-income housing and Housing Authority of Savannah's policies.

5. Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, business English and basic mathematics.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landlords, owners, subordinates, supervisors, residents, Authority employees, and the general public.

7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate with and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, landlords and the public.

8. Ability to complete complex and detailed tasks in a timely manner.

9. Ability to plan and prioritize work.

10. Bondability.

11. Valid driver’s license.

12. Eligibility to be covered under the Authority’s fleet auto insurance.

Supervision Received and Given:

Reports to the Director of Assisted Housing. This employee is responsible for both the compliance of the HCV program and the end products of the department. Employee receives both written and oral instructions. The incumbent of this job must be able to work independently, performing complex work in an accurate and timely manner without close supervision. The position entails balancing competing priorities.

Employee has no supervisory responsibilities.

Guidelines:

Most work is performed according to existing procedures or written guidelines such as HUD regulations, handbooks, desk references or existing records. The employee will frequently be required to use independent judgment in making recommendations and decisions.

Complexity:

Incumbent performs multifaceted work requiring an understanding of HUD rules and requirements relative to HCV program eligibility, income, rent, inspections and contract procedures. The employee must be able to handle interpersonal situations involving conflicts between assisted participants and landlords, with skill and professionalism.

Scope and Effect:

The employee works with the Director of Assisted Housing Programs, Quality Assurance Administrator and HCV program applicants, participants, landlords and other employees. The employee’s work is essential to the successful operation of the HCV program. The employee’s efforts affect HAS’ ability to earn administrative fees and to obtain additional vouchers and funding.

Personal Contacts:

The employee has continual contact with other employees, program participants and landlords. Most contacts are structured in nature and the employee is expected to use normal tact and professional courtesy. Occasionally a contact may be uncooperative or antagonistic and the employee would be expected to use above-average tact and courtesy. Failure to respond courteously could adversely affect the public’s opinion of the program and the Authority.

Physical Demands:

The employee’s work involves primarily sedentary office work in a typical office environment. Additionally, there is some degree of stress resulting from contact with applicants, participants, landlords, the public and other employees.

Work Environment:

Work, involves the normal risks and discomforts associated with an office environment, but is usually in an area that is adequately heated, cooled, lighted and ventilated.

Drug-Free Workplace:

All positions require pre-employment and post-employment random drug testing. Applicants selected for hire will receive a conditional offer of employment and be referred for pre-employment drug testing.