What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Services Specialist (Upland) position at Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino?
Agency Information
The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) was established in 1941 and has evolved into one of the most progressive housing authorities in the Country. We are the largest provider of affordable housing in San Bernardino County and proudly assist approximately 26,000 people. The Housing Authority is a separate legal entity from the County of San Bernardino with approximately 145 employees. The HACSB prides itself on providing more than just housing to residents and thanks to strong partnerships, we continue to help the families we serve access resources and services to enrich their quality of life.
The HACSB’s employees are passionate about their work and every position revolves around our agency’s mission and core values. We invite you to be a part of our dedicated team who strive to provide meaningful and impactful housing services and resources to the community we serve.
Job Information
Position starting pay: $24.29/hr. The initial review of applications will begin starting the week of October 7, 2024. Applications received before the initial review date will be considered, with qualifying applicants being eligible to participate in the phone screen process.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under general supervision performs a variety of duties pertaining to the occupancy and eligibility of Housing Services Programs, plans, organizes, and participates in the housing applicant interview and counseling process; prepares confidential and technical documents pertaining to leases and contracts; advises residents, participants and property owners on Housing Authority policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures. Provides technical guidance and training to coworkers. Represents the department at community meetings and outreach activities as assigned, may assist the supervisor in monitoring the activities of other staff and quality control. Performs various special project assignments with minimal supervision. May be required to perform the functions of other classes within the Housing Services department or the Administrative Services Specialist series as business needs require.
Day-to-Day-Glimpse: Providing support to the department as needed. Performing a variety of duties pertaining to eligibility, conducting briefings, process advanced calculations and corresponding to various landlords.
- Determines eligibility of program participants including eligibility for continuing participation; interviews housing applicants; investigates and verifies applicant/participant/resident information for accuracy and completeness; contacts applicants and participants to discuss and clarify discrepancies; calculates family gross and net income; completes required payment information and inputs into computerized records systems.
- Prepares/reviews leases and documentation involved in the eligibility and rental process; prepares notices to participants/residents and property owners regarding changes of status; receives information and processes participant/resident transfers; processes inspection requests and prepares necessary documentation. Prepares contracts, reviews leases, releases payments.
- Prepares and conducts interim and bi-annual re-evaluations; verifies any changes in household composition or income; recalculates rent and prepares amendment to current lease as required; notifies participants/residents of changes; works with outside agencies to implement the transition of participant under the Portability Housing Choice Voucher program.
- Prepares correspondence to various agencies, landlords, and businesses to verify applicant data including total family income, current assets, and family composition; affirms applicant information as required; prepares information for input into data processing system and obtains output reports as required.
- Develops and maintains files, records, and indices, pertaining to applicant, participant/resident, and property owner information; compiles data form a variety of sources, databases and logs related to housing services operations and Housing Program Activities as required.
- Briefs prospective applicants, participants/residents, landlords for the various programs explaining the way the programs work outlining duties and responsibilities of owner and resident; answers questions and provides information to the public and program participants; resolves or refers requests and complaints to appropriate staff.
- Performs a variety of counseling functions to explain Housing Authority policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures to applicants, participants/residents, landlords
- Reviews client requests and prepares file for review, i.e. program hardship policies, program moves/transfer, reasonable accommodation requests to make recommendation to supervisor/PIU,
- Conducts initial compliance reviews, prepares and assists in terminations process including preparing, conditional terminations and hearing packets for review by supervisor. Makes recommendation for file transfer to PIU.
- Conducts partnership outreach as assigned. Develops and coordinates special projects/ special programs as assigned. May assist in supervision of projects, activities that fall within scope of work. Act as a Subject Matter Expert in field of work.
- Initiates and receives a variety of telephone and personal contacts with the public concerning the technical and responsible functions of the agencies housing services.
- Inputs information into computerized systems for information management, storage and retrieval; inputs and retrieves resident/applicant and owner/property information; inputs status and other changes. Assists in error reports and correction, i.e. PIC transmissions, EIV, deceased tenant, hold reports.
- Coordinates casework with the Community Development Initiatives (CDI) department as necessary for continued client support and development. Stays abreast of supportive services and programs available to participants/residents through CDI.
- Provides courteous, respectful, honest, timely and professional information to all Housing Authority staff, program participants, visitors and landlords for all activities and services in accordance with Housing Authority Customer Service Policies.
- May assist with FSS family participants including but not limited to: Coordinates various functions of outreach and gathering contract information, evaluates interests, education and experience of program participants and develops employment/education goals for self-sufficiency; performs counseling functions to assist participants in resolving problems associated with fulfilling a Contract of Participation, monitors program activities for compliance and effectiveness and maintains program files, records and activity reports. Reconciles escrow account balances with the finance department to ensure correct and timely payout and closure of escrow accounts. Coordinates portability requirements with other public housing agencies as they relate to FSS participation and transference of escrow accounts.
- May assist with portability households, both incoming and outgoing as business needs require. Including the following: works with other PHA’s to implement the transition of residents under the Portability Housing Choice Voucher program. Processes a variety of invoices and billings in relation to portability. Provides support by receiving, reviewing and verifying financial documents and reports for accuracy and adherence to legal mandates, policies and operational guidelines. Posts and maintains various ledgers, vouchers and journals related to the portability side of the HCV program. Prepares journal entries, including adjusting entries; audits and reviews financial documents for accuracy and completeness. Responds to requests for information and questions relating to receivable/payable, collections and clients/tenants, landlords and representatives of other housing agencies; researches account histories and other information and takes or recommends appropriate follow up action to clients and/or other department/agency staff.
- Performs other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to investigates fraud complaints, participates in Moving to Work activities and departmental/unit projects, attends and participates in a variety of committees and meetings, and stays abreast of regulations, guidelines and procedures.
High School diploma or equivalent; Associates preferred. Equivalent of three (3) years directly related experience preferably in a housing organization or social service agency. Bilingual preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Seeing to read a variety of materials and equipment
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Lifting light objects.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to file materials.
ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.
Constant interruptions.
The HACSB is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values differences among our customers, vendors, and the communities in which we live and conduct business. Our continued success and growth is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout the company and our communities. HACSB is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary : $50,523 - $57,886
