Housing Specialist

General Statement of Duties:
The Housing Assistance Program provides rental assistance to low-income community members in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. The incumbent will conduct enrollment interviews, provide accurate record keeping, maintain landlord and tenant relationships, and disseminate educational materials.

Essential Job Functions:
The following is a summary of the essential functions of this job. The incumbent may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below, and essential functions may change.

1. Prepares contracts/leases, assists with negotiations/terms/payment authorizations, prepares monthly recertification letters for landlords/tenants, and maintains HCR timetables.

2. Conducts housing quality standards inspections and follow-up with tenants/landlords.
3. Maintains confidential case notes/records for any consumers receiving direct services.
4. Inputs statistical data and generates reports as assigned.
5. Advocates with other agencies on consumer’s behalf.
6. Remains knowledgeable regarding current housing regulations.
7. Performs duties in housing-related secondary programs as individually assigned (Family Self Sufficiency, Homeownership, Project Based Vouchers, VASH, Foster Youth Initiative, Rent Supplement Program, Emergency Food and Shelter).

8. Assists with community education/outreach efforts.
9. Consistently demonstrates a commitment to Opportunities’ mission, objectives and outcomes, and adheres to all agency program policies/procedures.
10. Consistently displays professional work habits, invests in learning opportunities, and acquires/maintains necessary certifications and credentials.
11. Consistently interacts with all individuals using professional maturity/judgment and courtesy.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
The following qualifications are the minimum requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job:

1. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of HUD Housing Quality Standards, agency programs, and community services.
• Perform services requiring full-body range of motion to include bending, kneeling, squatting, sitting, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying items up to 15 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Travel as necessary to attend meetings, conferences and trainings relevant to the job.
• Communicate effectively and accurately carry out oral and written instructions.
• Work independently and in a team setting, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Have a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

2. Acceptable Experience and Training:

• Possess a High School diploma or equivalent with a preference of relevant college coursework or experience directly related to the job requirements.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Canva, preferred.
• Completion of initial Visual Assessment Course and ongoing continuing education thereafter.

Standards of Performance:
The incumbent will be formally evaluated by the Housing Program Manager after the introductory three months, at twelve months from acquiring the job, and annually thereafter. The incumbent will be evaluated on competency with the essential functions of the job.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.20 - $22.26 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $22