Housing Specialist - Property Assistant

Job Title: Housing Specialist/Property Assistant

Reports to: Property Manager

Employee Status: Hourly / Non - Exempt

Job Summary:

Assist in managing the day-to-day operation of assigned property(ies), perform annual and interim re-certifications of income for residents in accordance with established regulations and guidelines (ACOP). Assist property manager in preparing reports of activities and fiscal status. Assist and encourage residents to become self-sufficient by referring to programs directed toward self-sufficiency.

Education/Certification Requirements:

Associate’s degree in management, business administration, social science area, or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An individual must possess or be able to obtain Housing Specialist Certification within 6 months of employment.

Experience Requirements:

Two or more years of experience working in the HCV Section 8 program/low income/affordable housing and/or property leasing/customer service.

Qualifications:

This position requires a valid Florida driver’s license and the ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening as well as be eligible for coverage under SHA’s fleet auto insurance.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong Customer Service Skills, Phone, and online etiquette.
• Knowledge of the general operations and procedures of a Public Housing Agency (PHA).
• Knowledge of the purposes, policies, and regulations of the Housing Authority as established by the Board of Commissioners or as set forth by HUD regulations that apply to property management.
• Knowledge of the of Authority policies and procedures, particularly as they pertain to property management such as ACOP
• Knowledge of the State, Local, and Federal laws governing the public and other subsidized housing programs such as Fair Housing Laws, Florida Real Estate Landlord-Tenant Law, OSHA Standards, leasing of property and evictions
• Knowledge of the organization and programs of other community agencies and groups that can assist the Authority and provide for the health, welfare of educational and recreational needs of the residents, including some knowledge of eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Knowledge of the operation of authority computer system and software (PHA Web)
• Knowledge of English, including spelling, usage, and grammar sufficient to produce oral and written communication that is clear, concise, cogent and structured according to standard business practice
• Knowledge of mathematics sufficient to perform calculations required for summarizing rent collections, and for rent adjustments
• Ability to maintain required records such as tenant files, vacancy reports, etc.
• Ability to read and interpret policies and guidelines in order to make sound decisions
• Ability to prepare clear concise reports and make appropriate recommendations within scope of responsibility
• Ability to use basic office equipment such as telephone, fax, copier, and computer
• Ability to generate records, receipts, and reports efficiently using a calculator and the computer system
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with peers, superiors, residents, community service agencies, and the public
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and multiple demands to accomplish tasks in accordance with established requirements
• Skilled in communicating with all types of people in a wide variety of situations

Duties/Responsibilities of Position:

• Uphold and support the Agency’s core values.
• Assist property manager in maintaining, monitoring, and updating records
• Review requests for rent adjustments in accordance with established procedures including verifications, entering information into computers, etc.
• Review posted charges associated with work order, late charges, etc. entered in computer and notices for residents.
• Assist manager in pursuing delinquent accounts and collections in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist property manager in preparing reports in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain tenant files and related documentation regarding continuing eligibility and adjustments.
• Perform Annual and Interim recertification of rent timely.
• Regularly schedule interviews, obtain income verifications, compute rents and utility allowances, properly notify residents of any rent changes and perform all tasks related to the timely conduct of initial, annual, and interim re-certifications in accordance with pre-established deadlines.
• Produce minimal errors resulting from audited files, correcting errors in a timely manner.
• Ensure that property meets the Sarasota Housing Authority and HUD’s PHA standards by making appropriate rent adjustments, addressing resident concerns in a professional manner, enforcing rules, lease requirements, and maintaining associated records.
• Communicate with residents as needed to inform of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Assist the property manager and help maintain a property-based waiting list of applicants.
• Process moves ins/move outs and transfers as allowed by HUD regulations.
• Process unreported income and set up repayment agreements.
• Assist residents with special problems and promote amicable tenant relations.
• Counsel residents who are not complying with the terms of the lease, and concerning delinquent payments.
• Refer residents with special problems, such as economic, social, legal, health, etc. to groups or agencies that provide assistance or to resident initiative coordinator, as appropriate.
• Act as a liaison with the Resident Services dept. to assist with resident activities, address specific problems, plan meetings, or support activities as appropriate.
• Assist manager in resolving conflicts and complaints among residents, if possible, to avoid grievances.
• Assist property manager with supervising the assigned property in their absence.
• Interpret and apply SHA personnel policies, department policies, and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Assist property manager in the day-to-day operations of the property.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Demands/Environment:

Work is principally sedentary but may involve some physical exertion during on-site visits with residents or landlords, inspection of dwellings or facilities, and travel to meetings, conferences or workshops in other cities. The person may be exposed to repetitive motion, vision strain, noise, and frequent challenging interactions with residents.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job classification. All incumbents may not perform all job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform some duties, which are not listed, and incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.