Portability Specialist

Under general supervision performs a variety of duties pertaining to the occupancy and eligibility of applicants porting in or out of the HACSB Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program; plans, organizes, and conducts applicant interviews, briefings and documents processes including leases and contracts in relation to applicants porting in to HACSB; advises participants and property owners on Housing Authority policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures; performs account reconciliation, billing and collection work in relation to the portability side of the HCV Program and maintains appropriate documentation.

Day-to-Day Glimpse: The Portability Specialist is responsible for providing direct customer support to Housing Choice Voucher Program clients, including both incoming and outgoing portability clients. This role entails a variety of responsibilities, including voucher issuance, HAP contract management, and client recertification; ensuring compliance with HUD requirements; and conducting regular reviews of client files to ensure program transactions related to portability are carried out in accordance with applicable HACSB procedures, MTW policies, and HUD regulations. Serves as a liaison to other housing authorities to resolve portability inquiries. The ideal applicant will be well-organized, committed to community housing efforts, and capable of providing excellent customer service.

1. Works with outside agencies to implement the transition of residents under the Portability Housing Choice Voucher program.
2. Determines eligibility of program; interviews housing applicants; investigates and verifies applicant and participant information for accuracy and completeness; contacts applicants and other agencies to discuss and clarify discrepancies.
3. Prepares/reviews leases and documentation involved in the occupancy eligibility and rental process; prepares notices to participants and property owners regarding changes of status; receives information and processes participant transfers; processes inspection requests and prepares the necessary documentation. 
4. 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. 
5. Develops and maintains files, records, and indices, pertaining to applicant, participant, and property owner information; compiles data form a variety of sources, databases and logs related to housing service operations.
6. Briefs prospective residents 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.
7. Processes a variety of invoices and billings in relation to in-coming and out-going portability. Ensures timely and accurate payments, billing, and submission of the form HUD-52665. Provides follow-up to ensure billing is processed and payment received from other PHA.
8. Prepares and maintains applicant/participant files. Utilizes Yardi portability reporting and maintains a spreadsheet for accounts payable/receivable and collections. 
9. Provides support by receiving, reviewing and verifying financial documents and reports for accuracy and adherence to legal mandates, policies and operational guidelines.
10. 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.
11. Assist in the preparation of a variety of reports including those required by Federal and state agencies; prepares mathematical calculations and verifies computations.
12. Provides support by researching and resolving difficult problems independently through multiple records; takes initiative in anticipating or identifying problems or errors and follows up to resolve; forecasts impact of potential actions/decisions.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned (Attends and participates in a variety of committees and meetings, and stays abreast of regulations, guidelines and procedures.).

High School diploma, or equivalent with college level coursework in public accounting, business/public administration or related field.  Two years of clerical accounting and records management experience including double entry bookkeeping or directly related experience in case management preferably in a public housing organization or social service agency. Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus. 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 : $48,655 - $60,819