What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupancy Specialist position at Norfolk Redevelopment And Housing Authority?
About NRHA Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.
NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.
NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.
NRHA seeks qualified candidates for Occupancy Specialist.
Summary
Reviews applications for admission to public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program following preliminary processing. Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for placement in public housing. Determines and communicates eligibility of applicant for public housing or HCV participation. Processes and coordinates the placement of eligible public housing residents. Coordinates the issuance of vacant HCV rental assistance vouchers to eligible applicants. Plans, organizes, and conducts public housing orientation sessions. Plans, organizes, and conducts HCV program orientation sessions. Responds to applicant and new resident/participant inquiries.
Essential Functions
Reviews applications for admission to public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program following preliminary processing: receives application; and assesses applicants’ eligibility for placement in public housing based on application data, criminal history record, other data, and NRHA policies.
Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for placement in public housing: contacts applicant; schedules interview; interviews applicant; and prepares documents to be used to record applicant eligibility.
Determines and communicates eligibility of applicant for public housing or HCV participation: conducts or requests eligibility verifications, including but not limited to income, criminal history, and social services verifications; calculates earning and income levels; determines and notifies management of client eligibility; notifies applicant of eligibility; and enters applicant data into database.
Processes and coordinates the placement of eligible public housing residents: offers vacancies to appropriate applicants from the approved public housing waiting list; assigns public housing living units to applicants; forwards application package to property managers; and authorizes transfers of residents between public housing communities.
Coordinates the issuance of vacant HCV rental assistance vouchers to eligible applicants: offers available vouchers to appropriate applicants from the approved HCV program waiting list; assigns vouchers; and conducts initial lease-up between applicant and landlord.
Plans, organizes, and conducts public housing briefing sessions for regular public housing residents, elderly public housing residents, and public housing residents with special needs: plans content of the orientation session; arranges schedule, materials, and location; conducts session; evaluates session; and takes corrective action for improving future orientations.
Plans, organizes, and conducts HCV program orientation sessions for new participants: plans content of the orientation session; arranges schedule, materials, and location; conducts session; evaluates session; and takes corrective action for improving future orientations.
Responds to applicant and new resident/participant inquiries: researches questions; communicates with new resident or participant to give response; and resolves problems related to the administration of the admissions process.
Conducts on-site interview of applicant at applicant’s present address to verify public housing applicant’s eligibility for public housing: interviews applicant and verifies application information; inspects applicant’s living quarters and identifies housekeeping and maintenance problems caused by applicant; assesses applicant’s ability to uphold provisions of rental lease; conducts disability assessment of applicant; and documents visit and assessment.
Maintains client records: updates database client data: maintains client hard-copy file per standard procedures: reviews files to assure compliance with procedures: and assists in periodic file audits.
Performs a variety of administrative detail work related to administering the public housing and HCV admission process: prepares a variety of reports, correspondence, and memoranda, and maintains records of admissions activity.
Performs related work as required.
Education, Experience, and Licenses
High School diploma or GED required for this position.
One to two years progressively responsible administrative support experience in public housing, social work, or a related field.
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Rent Calculation certification, Occupancy certification, and Notary Public certification are required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to the program eligibility and continued receipt of HCV rental assistance payments; includes knowledge of the HCV Program Administrative Plan as it relates to admissions and initial lease-up criterion.
Operational knowledge of NRHA organization, programs, policies, and practices.
Operational knowledge of personal computer, to include knowledge of word processing and data base management computer applications.
Skill in managing human relations, particularly communication and persuasion skills. The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder.
Skill in dealing effectively and courteously with the public, program participants, other employees, and others outside the organization. Includes the ability to maintain the confidentiality of business-related information.
Oral and written communication skills to present and make comprehensible moderately complex information regarding organization operations, of which some information may be technical in nature; provide clear instructions; compose reports; and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.
Ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret moderately complex and technical information.
Ability to analyze detailed application data to determine eligibility for public housing or rental assistance.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the implementation of moderately complex operational activities.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Job requires depth, color, and texture perception.
NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.
Those candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted directly by telephone. All other candidates will receive an email communication after the position is filled.
