Housing Specialist/FSS Position

Job description
Position Overview:

The Housing Specialist II provides a supportive role within the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department. The incumbent works toward meeting department and company performance standards and goals. Essential duties include activities related to determining and documenting applicant and/or participant eligibility, income, rent, inspections and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) operations using written administrative policies and procedures. Work for this position will be in multiple locations and daily travel may be required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Operates under the direct, general supervision of the HCV Director; the Housing Specialist II does not supervise any employees directly.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Housing Specialist II will bridge the gap during dates of absence of the HCV Manager, HCV Housing Specialist/FSS Coordinator, Housing Specialist of Special Programs and HCV Inspector.

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide exceptional Customer Service to participants, landlords, co-workers, clients and vendors when conducting business and all communication within the office and out of office.
• Ability to conduct participant briefings
• Process and monitor participant move-ins to a new dwelling, change of units, move-outs, port-ins and port-outs.
• Process terminations according to agency policy. Attend Informal Reviews and/or Informal Hearings as needed.
• Determine housing assistance payment and tenant rent calculation
• Educate participants on program requirements and family obligations
• Resolve concerns between owners, tenants and the Public Housing Authority (PHA)
• Process all transactions within the PHA’s required business systems
• Conduct all job functions in alignment with the PHA’s Administrative Plan, HUD regulations and other state and local requirements
• Obtain certifications pertaining to the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Attend trainings to obtain CEUs
• Ensure regular attendance and punctuality
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge and Abilities

1. Knowledge of the structure, operations, policies, and procedures of a Public Housing Agency.

2. Knowledge of the vision, mission, and purposes of the Authority as established by the Board of Commissioners and the Executive Director.

3. Knowledge of current trends in effective program management. Ability to proactively modify operational approach to maximize the performance of assigned properties.

4. Knowledge of the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) and ability to apply standards to maximize the score of assigned properties and the agency as a whole.

5. Ability to produce periodic reporting and provide clear and concise performance data to the Program Director, including applicable recommendations for improvements.

6. Ability to present ideas and information in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, consultants, contractors, professionals, residents, HUD, and local, state, and federal officials. Ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Performance Standards

Performance standards are provided to help facilitate the periodic evaluation of the degree to which the employee meets the requirements of the job. The performance standards below represent examples and are in no way all inclusive. The Authority reserves the right to add or change performance standards through a modification of the position description, a supplemental performance evaluation tool, or written or verbal communication between the employee and their supervisor or the PHA Executive Director. Achieving the performance standards in no way guarantees a change in compensation and does not supersede or affect the at-will relationship between the employer and employee. Examples of performance standards for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Aide in assuring that the Housing Choice Voucher Program remains a High Performer as designated by HUD.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

This position requires graduation from an accredited college with a BS/BA; a minimum of three years’ experience within the Housing Choice Voucher Program; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of Microsoft software applications: Word and Excel. Regular attendance is required for this position.

Preferred candidate will have knowledge not limited to, HCV Intake, Rent Calculations, Portability, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, special purpose vouchers, Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and NSPIRE.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent must have the ability to access all portions of their assigned site during normal operation and during active construction or modernization. Must be able to work while standing for extended periods of time. Must be able to push, pull, carry, lift, crouch, and climb. Exposure to all types of weather, including extreme heat and cold.

Special Requirements

1. Possession of a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

2. Must be bondable.

3. Must pass a criminal background check

4. Must pass an alcohol and drug test

5. Excellent communication skills

6. An analytical mindset with great problem-solving skills

7. Excellent organizational and leadership skills

8. A business acumen with a strategic ability

9. Working knowledge of MS office and program management software

10. Outstanding knowledge of data analysis, reporting and budgeting

11. Excellent knowledge of performance evaluation techniques

12. Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Administrative: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Carlisle, AR 72024: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person