Program Specialist - Rental Assistance Office

Shamass; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Springfield Housing Authority seeks a Program Specialist for the Rental Assistance Office. The role involves reviewing tenant applications for eligibility, maintaining records, and issuing vouchers to clients while coordinating with property owners.

You will evaluate client progress, assist tenants with housing searches, arrange on-site inspections, handle complaints, compute rent based on income and report findings, with focus on accuracy and bilingual communication (Spanish preferred).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or its equivalency.
• Knowledge of federal regulation preferred.
• At least one year experience in general office and clerical work, including computer work.
• Duties require attention to details, data and documentation, effective interpersonal skills, use of various office equipment and software.
• Effective written and verbal communications skills required.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review tenant applications to ensure basic eligibility for program participation.
• Maintain records.
• Prepare and issue vouchers to clients.
• Evaluate progress of clients ascertaining additional assistance as needed.
• Maintain active communication with property owners and representatives of dwelling owners compiling lists of available housing units.
• Assist prospective tenants in search of rental housing with personal assistance and counseling.
• Arrange for on-site inspections of units, prepare necessary report, and follow up on any repairs prior to occupancy.
• Receive tenant or property owner complaints and arrange for a hearing if problems cannot be resolved.
• Compute rent based on tenant income information and review against lease documents.
• Provide oral/written reports as required.
• Terminate tenants no longer eligible to participate in the program.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Bilingual Spanish

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

The Springfield Housing Authority, consistent with its equal opportunity and affirmative action policies, invites applicants for the position of: Program Specialist, Rental Assistance Office.

M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Rate: $21.58/h, excellent benefits package.

Position will remain open until filled.

Duties:

• Receive and review tenant applications to ensure basic eligibility for program participation.
• Maintain records.
• Prepare and issue vouchers to clients.
• Evaluate progress of clients ascertaining additional assistance as needed.
• Maintain active communication with property owners and representatives of dwelling owners compiling lists of available housing units.
• Assist prospective tenants in search of rental housing with personal assistance and counseling.
• Arrange for on-site inspections of units, prepare necessary report, and follow up on any repairs prior to occupancy.
• Receive tenant or property owner complaints and arrange for a hearing if problems cannot be resolved.
• Compute rent based on tenant income information and review against lease documents.
• Provide oral/written reports as required.
• Terminate tenants no longer eligible to participate in the program.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or it equivalency.
• Knowledge of federal regulation preferred.
• At least one year experience in general office and clerical work, including computer work.
• Duties require attention to details, data and documentation, effective interpersonal skills, use of various office equipment and software.
• Effective written and verbal communications skills required.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred.