Housing Specialist I

Housing Authority Co Springs; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Springs Housing Authority is seeking a Housing Specialist I to manage the Section 8 program and other rental assistance initiatives. The role involves reviewing applications, recertifications, and compliance research to ensure HUD compliance, while maintaining detailed records and coordinating with landlords and tenants.

The position requires strong knowledge of housing programs, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree; preferred field: social work, public administration, or related area.
• One year of property management or public housing program experience preferred.
• Certification in Housing Choice Voucher Occupancy, Eligibility, Income and Rent Calculation encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Housing Choice Voucher participants and other rental assistance programs.
• Review documents for initial application, recertification, and compliance research to determine eligibility.
• Coordinate program activities, explain requirements, conduct applicant interviews, and calculate rent.
• Enter data into HAB/MRI/FileVision and prepare reports; support lease document execution and related tasks.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Records management

Communication skills

Public housing knowledge

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

HAB/MRI/FileVision

Job description

Job DescriptionClassification: Housing Specialist I – Section 8/Housing Choice VoucherFLSA Status: Non-ExemptJob Status: Full-timeOBJECTIVE:Manage the federally funded Section 8 and other rental assistance programs, for low to moderate income families. Assist the organization in recovering any monies owed from non-compliant landlords and program participants. Assist participants in maintaining program eligibility by reviewing/verifying applications, completing the certification process, and conducting research to ensure Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) is in compliance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policies and procedures.SUPERVISION RECEIVEDReceives directions from Colorado Springs Housing Authority’s higher-level management and supervisory staff.ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTEssential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:Understand and adhere to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) & Colorado Springs Housing Authority (CSHA) processes, policies, and procedures to maintain compliance with pertinent federal, state, local laws, codes, and ordinances.Effectively and efficiently manage a caseload of families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 program and other rental assistance programs by thoroughly reviewing applicant’s documents for the initial application, recertification, and compliance research.Coordinate activities in the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 and other housing programs to explain program requirements, conduct applicant interviews, review/verify required documentation, determine eligibility, and calculate rent.Accurately manage electronic records and enter all data into HAB/MRI/FileVision.Serve as a liaison with landlords and tenants to schedule property inspections, meetings, and workshops as needed.Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with participants, landlords, and community representatives.Oversee the collection process to recover funds owed by non-compliance landlords and/or participants by creating repayment agreements.Prepare a variety of reports as requested; assist in the preparation of legal documents; coordinate the executor of lease agreements and related documents.Testify in court as an expert witness when needed.Provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to higher-level management.Perform related duties and responsibilities as needed/required.QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers, scanners, fax machines and Microsoft Office Suite.Principles and practices of accurate records management.English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparationBasic principles and practices of landlord/tenant law.Principles, practices, rules and regulations of housing choice voucher or public housing.Principles and practices of public relationsPertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations for housing assistant programs.Ability to:Learn operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive affordable housing program.Learn eligibility requirements of a variety of affordable housing programs.Learn Housing Quality Standards.Perform a variety of program administration duties in support of comprehensive affordable housing program.Learn to resolve tenant landlord issues.Learn to interpret and apply housing program rules and regulations.Determine housing program eligibility.Learn to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.Maintain detailed program records.Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.EXPERIENCE AND TRAININGAny combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:Preferred Education:Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, public administration, social work, behavioral sciences, or a related field.Preferred Training / Experience:One year of increasingly responsible property management or public housing program experience.LICENSE OR CERTIFICATIONPossession of or ability to obtain certification as Housing Choice Voucher Occupancy, Eligibility, Income and Rent Calculation.WORKING CONDITIONSEnvironmental ConditionsOffice/field environments; travel from site to site as needed; exposure to traffic, weather elements, irate or hostile clientele, computer screens.Physical ConditionsEssential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, and walking and bending for extended periods of time.**Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties and/or responsibilities performed within the job.