Reading Housing Authority Hiring for Housing Specialist at Reading, PA Full Time

HOUSING SPECIALIST

Description: Non-supervisory staff position in the Applications, Property Management and Housing Choice Voucher Program Departments. This position is responsible for technical and highly independent work that requires following policies and procedures as outlined by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Reading Housing Authority. Housing Specialists work under the direction of Program Manager or Administrator in the processing of initial and continued eligibility examination for applicants, residents and participants to/in the agency’s housing programs. The Housing Specialist is charged with accomplishing functions related to the determination of rent, family composition, and in the execution of housing assistance payment contracts for voucher programs. The employee is responsible for an assigned caseload, with work performed under the direction and review of the supervisor.

Reporting Structure: Reports Property Manager, Applications Manager, Voucher Programs Manager

Classification: Hourly

Working hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Essential Functions:

• Schedules eligibility interviews and/or annual and interim re-examinations for households.

• Conducts annual re-examinations by requiring applicants and family members to provide required information regarding income and family composition, and reviews for accuracy.

• Calculates and conveys information to clientele regarding the information and methods used to assess income, assets, deductions, allowances, rent amount, family composition, community service obligations, and eligibility for and/or compliance with HUD rules and programs.

• Creates, organize and /or maintains electronic and physical files. Performs document shredding and/or purging at manager’s direction.

• Prepares and educates applicants and residents of the rules and regulations according to residential lease, residents handbook or voucher contract (in accordance with applicable program).

• Conducts applicant and resident initiated interim re-examinations when family circumstances change.

• Conducts RHA-initiated interim re-examinations as required by the Earned Income Disregard Program (EID) to correct errors from prior re-examinations or in investigation of resident fraud.

• Makes use of 3rd party verifications by way of HUD’s Enterprise Income Verification System (EIV), The Work Number, The National Crime Information System (NCIC), and various other methods to determine initial eligibility and continued occupancy.

• Works hands on and collaboratively with residents and agency Resident Services Department (RSD) with the objective of assisting residents in attaining economic self-sufficiency reducing their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.

• Makes referrals to supervisor and/or Residents Services Department as needed.

• Serves as Hearing Officer upon request by supervisor.

• Assists in the performance of a wide variety of tasks related to resident selection, initial and continued eligibility.

• Communicates with applicants, residents/participants and referral agencies by appointment, telephone or electronically in obtaining and sharing of information.

• Reads and applies regulations, policies, procedures, and forms for understanding. Provides explanation to applicants, residents and participants with explanations that ensure understanding.

• May serve on required or voluntary work groups and committees.

• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of high school diploma or equivalent required, with one year of experience in a related field preferred.

• Excellent communication skills including active listening. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

• Service-oriented, with ability to resolve conflict.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to plan and organize in order to manage assigned caseload.

• Understanding of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment.

• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions with minimal supervision. Willingness to request clarification as needed.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel Outlook) or related software. Ability to learn new software.

• Knowledge of and/or demonstrated ability to learn, apply, interpret and explain organizational policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of and/or demonstrated ability to learn, apply, interpret and explain pertinent laws and regulations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, clients, other agencies, and the general public.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.42 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 2 years (Preferred)
• property management and/or applications office: 1 year (Required)

Language:

Work Location: One location