Job Summary

Under the direction of a higher designated employee, the Eligibility Specialist receives and verifies background data; verifies and analyzes information obtained to determine applicant and participant eligibility for the CMHA Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). No supervisory duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Advises applicants and participants on the rules and regulations governing the application, screening, and eligibility process and participant requirements for the HCVP program.
• Secures information on the applicant and/or participant to determine eligibility.
• Records, verifies, and evaluates family data to determine if applicants and participants meet the financial eligibility, citizenship, and criminal background requirements according to guidelines of the specified program.
• Receives and processes initial and continued assistance for applications received for the specified housing program. Maintains and updates assigned caseload according to the applicable rules and regulations.
• Contacts employers, public and private health and welfare agencies, and public and private institutions via third-party verification and by telephone when necessary, to verify applicant and participant information.
• As requested, refers applicants and participants in need of supportive social services to social service agencies.
• Refers applicants and participants to Supervisor for review (informal review or hearings); presents proposal for termination cases to Hearing Officer at hearings.
• Coordinates with landlords and tenants to ensure the proper transition of moves with continued assistance in the specified housing program (i.e. HCVP, etc.).
• Identifies and refers to the Fraud and Recovery Division any evidence of fraud or program abuse for detained investigation.
• Assess and recommends action to Damage and Vacancy Claims.
• Advises housing program participants, landlords, and tenants on federal rules and regulations as it relates to the HCVP program.
• Retrieves information and performs data input duties.
• Maintains files of assigned caseload.
• Participants in peer review of assigned caseload for quality control purposes.
• Compiles records and prepares reports as required by Supervisor.
• Generates and forwards correspondence to housing program participants for information and/or action.
• Calculates and generates rent increases for assigned caseload.
• Gives direction to other Personnel in a non-supervisory role to assist in the operations of the specific housing program.
• Performs other related as assigned.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not be construed as an exhaustive list of job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• One to two years prior experience in a program serving low-income clientele or social service 
• area. Experience in the HCVP Program as Program Assistant, Scheduler, or other related job
• duties preferred.
• Broad knowledge of federal, state, and local statues, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and 
• guidelines related to low-income housing and social services, with an emphasis on the HCVP 
• Self-Sufficiency guidelines.
• Broad knowledge of organizational development, management, and business operations.
• Experience in HCVP Programs as program assistant, scheduler or other related job duties 
• preferred.
• Ability to deal with many variables and determine specific courses of action.
• Ability to gather and classify information and prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with external organizations and agency
• personnel.
• Ability to analyze mathematical/financial data.
• Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License, and be insurable under Agency guidelines.
• The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered. 

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.

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.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including: Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Group and Voluntary Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have a very active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

To view our benefits, click here.