Housing Program Specialist- Rental Assistance Administrator

City of Alexandria, VA; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria, Virginia is seeking a Housing Program Specialist- Rental Assistance Administrator to oversee daily rental assistance operations, income certifications, and payments to landlords. The role requires strong analytical skills, regulatory compliance, and coordination with case managers, landlords, and service providers.

Preferred candidates have a four-year degree and relevant housing or mortgage experience, with attention to detail and the ability to manage program records,

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree and at least three years in mortgage financing or housing programs.
• Experience with home loan programs, regulations, and assessment procedures.
• Strong numerical and data entry accuracy, with audit-ready record keeping.
• Ability to supervise contract staff and coordinate with landlords and case managers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day administration of rental assistance programs.
• Process rental payments to landlords and maintain financial records.
• Perform income certification and recertification calculations.
• Conduct HQS inspections and ensure unit compliance.
• Coordinate with case management staff and landlords on contracts and renewals.
• Monitor compliance and prepare periodic financial and program reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Financial record keeping

Supervision

Education

Four-year college degree

Tools

Housing management databases

Job description

Housing Program Specialist- Rental Assistance Administrator

About the Department

The Office of Housing coordinates and administers City housing and housing-related programs and services and makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Council on housing policy and potential affordable housing investments. City-administered rental assistance programs support low-to-moderate income individuals and families by providing subsidized and permanent supportive housing opportunities that promote housing stability and self-sufficiency.

General Statement of Duties

The Rental Assistance Administrator oversees the day-to-day administration of rental assistance programs including income certification, payment processing, compliance monitoring, and asset management activities. This position is responsible for ensuring program participants receive appropriate housing assistance while maintaining program integrity and regulatory compliance. This position performs regular review and analysis of participant files, monitors compliance with federal and local housing regulations, processes rental payments to landlords, and maintains detailed program records and databases. Work will be performed with considerable independence, requires strong analytical skills, and involves coordination with program participants, case managers, landlords, and support service providers.

Examples of Duties

• Process and manage rental assistance payments to landlords and property managers, ensuring timely and accurate disbursements while maintaining detailed financial records and payment tracking systems
• Conduct rent reasonableness determinations to ensure compliance with program requirements and local market rates
• Review and process Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts and lease agreements for compliance with regulatory requirements and program standards
• Maintain accurate program financial records and participant payment data in housing management databases, ensuring all required information is current and properly documented
• Perform income certification and recertification calculations based on documentation provided by case management staff, ensuring accurate benefit determinations and payment adjustments
• Monitor HAP contract compliance and, with case management staff, coordinate lease renewals, rent increases, and contract modifications with property owners
• Process payment adjustments, overpayments, and collections while maintaining detailed accounting records for audit purposes
• Monitor program reserve accounts and coordinate with fiscal staff on budget management and expenditure tracking, preparing periodic financial reports on program expenditures, payment activities, and budget utilization
• Maintain master calendar for compliance deadlines including HAP contract renewals, payment standard updates, and reporting requirements
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies, accounting issues, and contract compliance matters in coordination with property owners and program staff
• Track and manage communications with landlords regarding payment status, contract requirements, and program compliance issues
• Perform Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections and maintain inspection records to ensure assisted units meet program quality standards before payments are initiated
• Performs related financial, analytical, administrative and other work as required

Minimum Requirements:

Four-Year College Degree; three years of experience in mortgage financing and lending, or providing guidance and assistance in the purchase of property acquisition and completion of college-level courses in a relevant field; or at least two years experience working with housing and community development programs in either the public or private sector. Good knowledge of and experience with home loan programs, parameters, regulations, policies and procedure. One year of experience and understanding of planning, monitoring and analysis. ability to process loan applications; ability to provide effective supervision to contract architects and engineers; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least two years of experience in rental assistance program administration, housing finance, or related field. Knowledge of federal housing assistance programs, particularly HUD regulations and income calculation methodologies. Understanding of rental assistance program administration including eligibility determination and benefit calculation procedures. Proficiency in database management and data entry with high attention to detail and accuracy. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex compliance and payment calculation issues. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interaction with landlords and regulatory agencies.

This position is grant-funded and is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.

Additional Requirements: Successful completion of Federal criminal records check, Commonwealth of Virginia child abuse registry and a check of the Medicare/Medicaid fraud database prior to beginning employment. Must possess a valid