Housing Benefits Administrator (Rent Programs)

The Government of Nova Scotia; Sydney; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Engaging workplace

Clear career paths

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer in Sydney to administer rent supplement and housing benefit programs. You will assess eligibility, manage benefit adjustments and renewals, and ensure decisions align with legislation and budgets.

The role blends administrative duties with meaningful client interactions, requiring sound judgment and attention to detail while supporting housing stability for individuals and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Office Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related field, plus at least one year of related experience or equivalent.
• Experience in administrative, program, or case management roles with deadlines and competing priorities.
• Comfortable working with clients in situations involving sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning electronic case/file management systems.
• Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple files and meet timelines.
• Capable of performing routine mathematical calculations and applying them to determine benefits, adjustments, and overpayments.
• Able to exercise tact, discretion, judgment and initiative when responding to inquiries.
• Clear, respectful communicator—written and verbal—and collaborative in service delivery.
• Open to new ideas and adaptable as program delivery models, processes, and tools evolve.

Responsibilities

• Gather, verify, and analyze information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for housing benefits in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures, and budgets.
• Assign housing benefits across a range of rent supplement products and manage benefit calculations, abatements, transfers, renewals, and interim adjustments.
• Complete new client and landlord set-up, including agreements, system entries, and maintenance of records using the Integrated Case Management (ICM) system.
• Manage a caseload of files, track deadlines, request income documentation, issue renewal reminders, and follow up to ensure timely decisions.
• Interpret income documentation and family composition to ensure accurate subsidy and benefit calculations.
• Investigate discrepancies, non-declaration of income, or potential fraud, and take action in line with policy.
• Prepare clear written correspondence for clients and landlords regarding eligibility decisions, benefit calculations, rent increases, appeals, and program requirements.
• Respond to client and landlord inquiries and complaints, escalating complex matters as required.

Skills

Administrative experience

Client interaction

Microsoft Office proficiency

Organization and detail-orientation

Mathematical calculations for benefits

Tact, discretion and initiative

Written and verbal communication

Adaptability to evolving processes

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 1 year experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

ICM

YARDI Property Management

Job description

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a Rent Supplement Program Administration Officer in Sydney to administer rent supplement and housing benefit programs. You will assess eligibility, manage benefit adjustments and renewals, and ensure decisions align with legislation and budgets.

The role blends administrative duties with meaningful client interactions, requiring sound judgment and attention to detail while supporting housing stability for individuals and families.