Housing Specialist

Community Affairs, Department of; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Community Affairs in Georgia is seeking a Housing Specialist to manage occupancy, eligibility and ongoing operation of housing programs within the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You will maintain a caseload of participants, including regular, portability, FSS, Homeownership, VASH, DOJ and PBV, following HUD rules and the DCA Administrative Plan.

Minimum qualifications include a relevant advanced degree or equivalent combination and strong organizational, customer service, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a social services field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree with one year of related experience or equivalent.
• Three years of related experience with an Associate's degree or four years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Certifies initial eligibility determinations, annual recertifications, move, and interim certifications for program participants.
• Determines and verifies income, assets, citizenship, medical expenses, and other eligibility requirements for assigned caseload.
• Completes subsidy calculations and adjustments for continued participation in the HCV program.
• Ensure that all files in the caseload conform to HUD and DCA Administrative Plan rules and regulations.
• Maintains effective communication with participants and landlords to explain regulations and options to resolve violations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in social services

Bachelor's degree + 1 year related experience

Associate's degree + 3 years related experience

Four years related experience

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia! We are the force that drives Georgia! Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens! Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title: Housing Specialist Agency: Department of Community Affairs Job Requisition ID: JR0000005113 Shift: Not Applicable (United States of America) Compensation Details: $48,000-$50,000

Make a difference and join the DCA Team! DCA gives employees more to do than merely make a living. We are serious about helping Georgia's families live more abundantly with a greater sense of hope and achievement. If public service, a great environment, and the desire to enrich the lives of others motivate you to do your best work, you should consider joining the DCA Team.

OUR MISSION

To help build strong, vibrant communities.

OUR VISION

For Georgians of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to live and work in thriving communities.

OUR CULTURE

We are a diverse team of highly competent and committed professionals who strive to help people and communities thrive through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a passion for making a difference. Team members are at their best when collaborating and supporting each other as they perform challenging and dynamic work.

SUMMARY This position is responsible for performing a variety of duties pertaining to the occupancy, eligibility and on-going operation of assigned housing programs. Maintains a caseload of clients within the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including, but not limited to: Regular, Portability, FSS, Homeownership, VASH, DOJ and PBV. This position requires knowledge of HUD Rules and Regulations, and the DCA Administrative Plan.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in a social services field from an accredited college or university OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND One year of related experience OR Associate's degree from an accredited college or university AND Three years of related experience OR Four years of related experience.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have HCV Rent Calculation certification or obtain within 12-months of hire.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Certifies initial eligibility determinations, annual recertifications, move, and interim certifications for program participants.
• Determines and verifies income, assets, citizenship, medical expenses, and other eligibility requirements. For assigned caseload.
• Completes subsidy calculations and adjustments for continued participation in the HCV program.
• Ensure that all files in the caseload conform to HUD and DCA Administrative Plan rules and regulations.
• Maintains effective communication with participants, property owner/managers to explain regulations and violations and options to resolve violations.
• Completes Rent Reasonable comparisons to ensure that units do not exceed comparable unit rents.
• Prepares and submits documents to assist in the finalization of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract in a timely and accurate manner.
• Accurately calculates both participant and landlord rent according to rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Conduct timely review of case files for interim recertifications.
• Coordinate with the inspections team the need for initial, special, and recertification inspections.
• Ensure that all required data is entered accurately into the housing software and that all HUD 50058 reports are completed timely for all program participants.
• May prepare verbal and written correspondence to landlords, participants, and other housing agencies.
• Prepare a variety of computerized records and reports related to assigned activities.
• Reviews participant requests and prepares file for review, i.e. program hardship policies, program moves/transfers, and reasonable accommodation requests, to Manager.
• Participate in monthly file audits.
• Identify potential instances of fraud, and work with the DCA Compliance office to investigate fraud cases.
• Ensure that all safety and health rules, standards, and procedures are observed; conduct monthly inspections of work areas and practices to eliminate potentially hazardous conditions.
• Scan information received and purged from files into appropriate computerized client files in a timely manner.
• Return telephone calls and e-mails within one (1) business day.
• Maintain a high level of productivity.
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information and issues.
• Manage several tasks at once, anticipate and identify problems putting forward solutions that are creative, innovative, and flexible.
• Make accurate mathematic calculations.
• Accurately interpret rules and regulations relating to the Housing Choice Voucher Program; work effectively with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds; communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relations with other staff, participants, owners and landlords.
• Continuously provides excellent customer support.
• Perform related duties and tasks assigned.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS (TRAVEL, HOURS, ENVIRONMENT)

In Office This position non-exempt While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential

PHYSICAL / SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Work is principally stationary, but the person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc., and constantly operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Must be able to perform office-related duties.
• Must be able to operate office equipment.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, and community agencies and other entities that provide services.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that will sometimes include increased levels of work-related stress.
• Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.

NOTE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. DCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodation for an interview, please contact the Human Resources Office at [phone] Hiring is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background, criminal records investigation and motor vehicle reports. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the business and requirement of the job change. This job posting may close at any time upon gaining a sufficient applicant pool from which to select a qualified candidate. All duties and responsibilities listed are considered to be essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Marginal functions of the position (those that are incidental to the performance of the job duties) have not been included. However, the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position. Minimum Qualifications: Associate degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of job-related experience. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department. Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's 10 million citizens. With nearly 62,000 employees, we are one of the single largest employer in the state. Public service opportunities stretch across the state as employees live and work in all 159 counties. From traditional fields such as accounting, nursing, and engineering to unique fields like forestry and natural resources management, Georgia state government provides a world of opportunity.