Lead Housing Specialist (Only Internal Applications Accepted)

Aurora Housing Authority; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k with employer match

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Education on the job

Job summary

Aurora Housing Authority in Colorado seeks a Lead Housing Specialist to provide advanced administrative support in the Assisted Housing Department. The role includes managing eligibility, waiting lists, lease-ups, and portability, while ensuring HUD and SEMAP compliance.

The position emphasizes strong analytical and communication skills, experience with Section 8 programs, and the ability to train staff. Travel among properties is required; salary is around $65,000 with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Two years experience as Housing Specialist in a Section 8 program or related role.
• Strong mathematical and analytical capabilities for rent calculations, percentages, and subsidies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with staff, clients, landlords, and the public.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple programs concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Administers advanced tasks for Assisted Housing programs, including Section 8 and HCV portable programs.
• Manages eligibility determinations, waiting lists, orientations, and lease-up processes.
• Prepares and negotiates contracts, computes utilities, and ensures timely HAP payments to landlords.
• Trains staff and collaborates with leadership to develop training materials.

Job description

Lead Housing Specialist (Only Internal Applications Accepted)

Full-time

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Aurora (AHA) is to develop and promote quality housing while supporting and encouraging economic opportunities leading to self-sufficiency and independence. AHA accomplishes this mission by providing affordable or subsidized housing at 15 different properties, administering approximately 1700 vouchers, and offering a variety of programs with case management.

AHA fosters a professional, productive, and friendly work environment in which the open exchange of ideas and information is encouraged. At AHA, we know that our reputation and impact are built upon the acts of each employee.

Why work for AHA?

• Make a difference in your community
• Earn outstanding benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k w/ 4.5% employer match, and robustholiday, vacation, and sick leave policies
• Participate in a diverse workplace that values inclusivity
• Volunteer in the community on paid time
• Continue your education on the job and through our tuition reimbursement program

Prior to hire, candidates will receive our full benefits guide detailing these and other benefits.

AHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Provides a variety of administrative support functions to the Assisted Housing Department. Acts as a resource for other Assisted Housing and AHA staff: answers program questions, handles difficult clients and landlords, relays policies and guidance to department personnel. Assists in the implementation of agency policies and procedures, recommends changes in operating procedures, and attends meetings as required.

Administers a variety of assigned advanced level tasks, which include but are not limited to: PIC operations and maintenance, SEMAP documentation maintenance, Colorado Legal Services liaison, HUD OIG liaison, Police Department liaison, portability billing reconciliation and special program management. Administers assigned tasks for Assisted Housing programs, including but not limited to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and HCV Portable Programs. May perform assignments in any of the following areas of responsibility: re-examinations, interim determinations, client moves, landlord changes, rent increases, portability, inspection entry and management, client terminations, HAP contract cancellations.

Applies HUD and AHA regulations and policies to all Assisted Housing programs.

• Answers program questions, relays policy and procedure internally and externally, provides guidance to department staff. Handles personnel, landlord and client situations and problems.
• Assist in administering training for new and existing staff members. Collaborate with Director of Assisted Housing and Compliance Managers to develop ongoing training materials for all staff.
• Manages the waiting list. Conducts initial eligibility, manages the waiting list in accordance with SEMAP requirements, conducts orientations, and completes new client lease ups.
• Manages special programs. Manages all required actions for special programs as assigned, including but not limited to: VASH, FUP, MS5, EHV and PBV. Ensures utilization to achieve maximum program funding.
• Responsible for the timely completion of annual re-certifications, moves, interims, inspection data entry and management, rent increase and landlord changes in assigned task.
• Prepares initial and renewal contracts in accordance with program guidelines. Processes Request for Tenancy Approvals, rent burden and rent reasonableness calculations. Negotiates rent with perspective landlords when allowable rent exceeds the landlord’s requested rent.
• Accurately calculates utility allowances, applies correct payment standard, subsidy standard and utility allowance schedule. Ensures timely HAP payments to landlords.
• Submits accurate portability paperwork within required timeframes to initial and receiving HA’s. Works with the AHA Finance Department to resolve portability payment and receivable issues. Maintains working relationships with initial/receiving HA’s to ensure timely and accurate processing and payments.
• Maintains participant files to ensure completeness of required documentation and verifications. Completes timely filing of documents.

Demonstrated knowledge of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and Fair Housing Laws.

Demonstrated knowledge of AHA Policies and Procedures

Demonstrated excellent judgment and decision making skills

Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations such as percentages, ratios and rates.

Demonstrated computer skills, including but not limited to: HA software programs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Access, Desktop Publishing. Demonstrated ability to

prepare reports, charts, and other informational documents.

Demonstrated proficiency with 10 key adding machine/calculator.

Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and interact with all levels of personnel, clients, landlords, and the general public.

Demonstrated excellent public speaking and presentation skills.

Two years experience as Housing Specialist in a Section 8 program, or other equivalent position related to Section 8 Assisted Housing programs. Advanced education or equivalent experience is considered at the sole discretion of the Housing Authority.

Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability to apply HUD regulations and AHA policies and procedures to all aspects of Assisted Housing Programs.

Demonstrated ability to maintain client, landlord and program confidentiality.

Demonstrated ability to recognize, investigate and analyze a variety of programmatic problems.

Conditions of employment:

Valid Colorado Driver License and proof of Insurance due to necessary travel amongst various local properties.

Salary range for this role will be b$65,000, depending upon experience.

In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, we are actively recruiting for this position and accepting applications. This posting will remain open until the role is filled or until October 2026, whichever comes first.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law. Applicants with disabilities or those who require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process are encouraged to contact us to request assistance.