Housing Specialist

Position: Housing SpecialistStatus: Non ExemptImmediate Supervisor: Executive DirectorWorking Conditions: 52 weeks, Full-time, in office position Position Summary:The Housing Specialist is responsible for the administration of key rental assistance programs including the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), the Mainstream Voucher Program, and the Re-Entry Rental Assistance Program. This position requires a thorough knowledge of key federal and state rental assistance programs, housing authority policies, and operational procedures; and the ability to relate to other staff as well as the public. The Housing Specialist must be able to take direction, maintain confidentiality, and perform work in a trustworthy and ethical manner. MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:Conducts all activities related to program requirements including intake, eligibility determinations, voucher issuance, review of Request for Tenancy requests, rent reasonableness, interim and annual reexams, preparation of HAP Contracts and other technical program functions.Conducts briefings to fully explain programs to participants.Performs inspections in compliance with program requirements.Monitors leasing levelsPerforms monthly electronic reporting to HUD.Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures governing rent assistance programs.Assists in the review of HAP to owners and Utility Reimbursements Prepares monthly requisitions for the Housing Trust Fund ProgramLeads and maintains a rent reasonableness database.Maintain and update the Nan McKay inspection manual. Conducts quality control file reviews.Maintains an effective interpersonal working relationship and responds in a timely manner to participants, owners/managers, social service agencies, and others in the community. Identify potential fraud or program abuse by applicants, participants, and owners. Gather appropriate information, evaluate, and take appropriate action.Assists management team with renewal or new applications for funding and required reporting.Applies HUD’s Code of Federal Regulations, Public and Indian Housing notices, and state program rules and guidance to ensure program compliance.Attends trainings, webinars, and meetings to keep informed of new procedures and policy changes.Works cooperatively and positively with other agency staff to advance the mission, goals, and Strategic Plan of the agency.Represents the agency in community meetings.

Qualifications:Education: 2-years’ post-secondary education. BA degree preferred. (2-5 years of directly related work experience will be considered in lieu of education) Experience: Affordable housing programs specifically the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, Property Management, MN Landlord/Tenant Law, Subsidized Housing. Prior work at a Public Housing Authority preferred.Licenses/Certifications: Valid Minnesota Driver’s License and access to automotive vehicle to be used for business purposes with proper insurance coverage.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:Demonstrated excellent communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups – both oral and written formAbility to work independently to evaluate situations, determine appropriate course of action, and proceed with minimal supervision.Excellent organizational and administrative skillsAbility to negotiate, interview, and mediate situations.Ability to collect, analyze, check data, and perform basic mathematical functions.Demonstrated knowledge of laws and regulations affecting HRA clients.Proficiency with a computer, basic software (word processing, Excel), and ability to learn housing specific software.Ability to work cooperatively with all ICHRA staff.High energy level, ethical, honest, trustworthy, respectful, loyal to the organization and desire to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment. Physical RequirementsThe 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. If the accommodation cannot be made, because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such person may not be eligible. While performing this job, the employee is required to talk, hear, have eyesight, and have mobility enough to operate a variety of office machines, operate a vehicle and work in buildings with stairs and elevators. The employee frequently is required to bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, push, and pull. The employee is occasionally required to squat, crawl, climb, kneel and carry/lift up to 20 lbs. Employee must be able to possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, view a computer terminal, and do extensive reading.