What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Specialist position at Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority?
Position Title: Housing Specialist – HCVP
Classification Title: Specialist I
Reports to: Manager, HCVP
Department: Housing Choice Voucher Programs
FLSA & Union Status: Hourly; Non-Exempt; Union
Employment Status: Full-Time
Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to assist the staff of the Housing Choice Voucher Programs (HCVP) Department with processing and determining applicant eligibility status for the HCV Programs. The incumbent receives applications, verifies information, determines initial eligibility and continued eligibility, notifies applicants of the decision rendered, and assists with providing additional services to HCVP participants.
All activities must support Lucas Metropolitan Housing (“LMH”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.
- Greets incoming residents and potential residents by assisting with the completion of all documentation necessary for the application process.
- Receives and responds to inquiries (telephone and in-person) from applicants, residents, landlords, and community organizations when appropriate.
- Receives and reviews applications from potential residents; interviews applicants; investigates and verifies information received; and determines housing eligibility.
- Establishes and maintains electronic filing system and clerical tasks for applications, certifications, and interims; verifies all data and changes reported by HCV participants; enters and retrieves data from the system, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
- Verifies accuracy of data obtained from residents and applicants (e.g. family composition, income, assets, and medical expenses) during initial application and annual interview; establishes eligibility of applicants and of residents for continued occupancy; and accesses criminal and credit checks.
- Prepares residents for continued eligibility through the completion of necessary documentation and recertification appointments.
- Interviews residents on an annual basis and makes interim rent determinations as requested. Calculates retroactive rent increases or credits where applicable; ensures rent charges are accurate; forwards necessary documents to resident and landlord.
- Determines continued eligibility for the program, investigates fraud and prepares retro-active debts. Reviews file for accuracy of information supplied for cancellation and makes the first determination whether a hearing will be necessary. Submits necessary documents required for informal hearings and serves as LMHA representative during informal hearings.
- Contacts both client and landlord to advise of rental amount, establish a move in date, obtain lease and prepare Housing Assistance (HAP) Contract. Completes New Admission or Other Change of Unit certification and forwards necessary documents to the client and/or landlord. Sends out notice of cancellation to applicants, housed residents, and landlords. Processes cancellations, and withdrawals in the computer system.
- Performs all activities relating to incoming and outgoing portability as required from a receiving and/or initiating PHA under HUD regulations.
- Receives request from property owners for contract rent changes and requests for change of ownership. Prepares necessary paperwork, determines eligibility, and completes change in computer system.
- Schedules, notifies, and assists with the presentations of pre-occupancy programs for HCV programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Behavioral Competencies
This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:
Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the Authority; uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with level of responsibility.
Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.
Safety Awareness: Employee is cognizant of his/her surroundings. Follows proper safety procedures and considers the safety of self and others. Identifies, communicates, and assists in the correction of any safety concerns where appropriate.
Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers
Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Reliability: Employee demonstrates sound reasoning and critical thinking by making decisions in line with established Authority expectations. Performs work in a reliable manner that is both accurate and timely. Ensures a positive record of attendance.
Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness. Holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work and does fair share of work.
Education and/or Experience
Completion of two (2) years of college in public administration, the behavioral sciences, or other related discipline and a minimum of one (1) year of experience application intake and maintenance. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Must possess a valid Ohio or Michigan driver’s license and be insurable under the Authority’s plan.
Technical Skills
To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to communicate via email and verbally via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Adopted: 04-13-2005 Revised: 10-01-2023
