Eligibility Specialist

Housing Connect; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Connect is seeking a Client Service and Eligibility Specialist to greet customers and answer questions, determine eligibility for Public Housing and Section 8, and maintain waiting lists per HUD regulations and Housing Connect policies. You will interview applicants, collect documents, and keep accurate records.

The role requires attention to detail, strong English communication, and the ability to work with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years related full-time experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate well in English, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Conduct eligibility interviews with applicants at the top of the waiting list to determine program eligibility.
• Obtain and verify required documentation; update information in the computer and file.
• Maintain familiarity with HUD regulations related to Public Housing and Section 8 programs.

Skills

Customer service

Eligibility interviews

Documentation

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Data entry

Office software

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data entry software

Case management systems

Job description

The purpose of the Client Service and Eligibility Specialist is to support the mission of Housing Connect in greeting and answering customer questions and working with Public Housing and Section 8 to determine the eligibility of individuals and families and maintaining the waiting list in accordance with HUD regulations and Housing Connect policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct eligibility interviews with all applicants as they reach the top of the waiting list to ensure they are eligible to participate in various housing assistance programs in a timely manner.
• Obtain and verify all required documentation from the applicants, update the information in the computer, and file.
• Remain familiar with current U. S Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Regulations as they relate to the Public Housing and Section 8 Programs by reading, attending training and conferring with other officials.
• Cover the Front Desk as scheduled.
• Collaborate and communicate with the Public Housing and Section 8 Programs to determine their need for applicants to fill vacancies.
• Coordinate with Sheriff’s Department to ensure that criminal background checks are received in a timely manner in accordance with Housing Connect policies and procedures. Process backgrounds that require fingerprints.
• Send letters of denial, if required, in accordance with Federal Regulations and Housing Connect polices and procedures.
• Release pre-screened eligible applicant files to Case Managers/Property Managers.
• Schedule and conduct orientation for Section 8 and specialty programs as needed.
• Maintain the paper copies and computer files of applicants accurately and confidentially per Housing Connect policies and procedures. Withdraw applications of ineligible applicants. File all correspondence.
• Assist with conducting periodic surveys of applicants to determine if they are still in need of housing assistance.
• Maintain required reports and statistics by updating information on a continual basis.
• Send multiple reports on a weekly basis.
• Answer customer calls in a timely manner.
• Greet customers in a friendly professional manner as they enter the building.
• Listen to customer concerns and refer to appropriate parties.
• Familiarize self with community resources in order to better assist customers.
• Provide copies of all documentation for customers.
• Help enter new applications when necessary.
• Postage/mail.
• Attend regular staff meetings.
• Communicate and collaborate with Section 8, Public Housing to determine their need for eligible applicants to fill vacancies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Detail oriented.
• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Two years related full-time experience.
• Able to work with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Able to communicate well in English language, both oral and written.
• Must be prompt and dependable.
• Ability to work well with the general public, low income individuals, the elderly, and disabled.
• Must be pleasant, personable and patient, with a desire to help people in need.
• Able to work well under stressful conditions.
• General office, clerical and computer skills.
• Ability to conduct presentations in a clear, professional manner.
• Approaches problems pro-actively and be solution focused.
• Knowledge of computer programs.
• Must be able to perform general office procedures.
• Type 50 words per minute.
• Proficient with 10-key.
• Ensure client needs are met by providing interpretation and translation services, when appropriate, with the use of agency approved resources.