Office Assistant

Housing Authority of Cook County; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Healthcare flexible spending account

Dependent Care flexible spending

Employee assistance program

401(k) – Employer contribution of 6%

Paid time off

Job summary

The Housing Authority of Cook County is seeking an organized administrative support specialist to assist with housing applications and perform general clerical duties such as filing, answering phones, typing, and data entry. This is a union position with professional interactions among residents, applicants, and staff.

The role includes handling mailings, document verification, and report preparation while maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with established policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent or better.
• 2–4 years related work experience.
• Certified voucher or occupancy specialist preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for housing applications and clerical duties.
• Answer phones, greet visitors, file, type, and process mailings.
• Enter data and codes accurately in computer systems.
• Maintain waiting lists and prepare reports as instructed.
• Assure compliance with HUD standards and safety procedures.

Skills

Multiline switchboard handling

Organizational skills

Computer literacy (Word, Excel)

Typing 35 wpm

Proofreading

Communication with public

Prioritization / multitasking

Teamwork / independence

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2–4 years related work experience

Certified voucher/occupancy specialist

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Please note, this position will move from the Chicago Heights office to the Downtown Chicago office by March 2027. This is a union position.

SUMMARY

Under direction of assigned supervisor, provides administrative support to housing application process and/or performs general clerical duties including but not limited to filing, answering telephones, photocopying, preparing mailings, typing, greeting visitors, entering codes into computer, and file routing, retrieval and replacement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs general clerical duties, including but not limited to filing, answering telephones, photocopying, preparing mailings, typing, faxing, and file routing, retrieval and replacement.
• Performs receptionist functions and assists visitors with high degree of professionalism.
• Makes computer entries in an accurate and timely manner.
• Utilizes computer system for entering or viewing data/codes such as inspection outcomes, work orders, rent amounts, etc., within required time frames.
• Updates and merges information to master file as necessary.
• May monitor, distribute, and prepare purchase orders for office supplies as necessary.
• May review documents which are submitted for completeness and validity.
• May maintain and update waiting list as necessary.
• May calculate tenant payments to determine eligibility for assistance.
• May prepare presentation packets for briefings.
• Assists in intake area as requested.
• Processes paperwork of applicants.li>
• Responds to all phone, mail or visitor inquiries.
• Maintains files, logs, and prepares reports as instructed.
• Utilizes available records to provide correct and timely assistance to callers, visitors, and other staff members, as instructed.
• Types letters, memoranda, and other required communication/reports.
• Answers and screens telephone calls and refers them to the proper source.
• Sorts, opens, and distributes mail/faxes on the same day as received.
• Maintains a filing system and processes incoming correspondence as instructed.
• Compiles and generates reports.
• Rotates files to storage when necessary.
• Performs all duties in accordance with Authority policies.
• Meets or exceeds applicable job-related HUD performance standards such as: review new intake clients for eligibility within 30 days; review and request third party verification within 10 days; answer calls and greet visitors within three minutes, etc.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• May serve as a back-up to other employees on leave/break.
• Complies with applicable job-related local, state, and federal regulations.
• Responsible for safety while performing all facets of job and observes all Housing Authority safety procedures, as well as all local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR CERTIFICATION

• High school diploma or equivalent. College level coursework or secretarial training preferred.
• Two-four (2-4) years related work experience.
• Certified voucher specialist or occupancy specialist preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate multiple line switchboard in an efficient, professional manner.
• Organizational skills.
• Demonstrated computer literacy including knowledge of Word, Excel, and related applications.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical functions.
• Ability to type 35 words per minute.
• Ability to proofread materials for accuracy.li>
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate and interact appropriately with the general public, applicants, residents and staff.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively with others and work independently.
• Analytical skills and problem-solving ability.
• Customer relations skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Demonstrated punctuality and reliability.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate and timely reports.

EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS OPERATED

• Personal computer and peripherals
• Standard office equipment.

BENEFITS

• Health insurance
• FREE Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Dependent Care flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• 401(k) – Employer contribution of 6%
• Paid time off

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.