This position performs various Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program activities including, but not limited to: processing applications for eligibility and screening, re-certifying a participants status to ensure continued eligibility, preparing contracts, conducting briefings, and verifying information, all in conformance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, HCV policy, and prescribed performance standards. The services provided above assist low-income families and individuals who may include the homeless, elderly or disabled. Assistance will include helping the client to secure affordable housing and improve their living conditions with the goal of an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Housing Specialist
- Perform and complete annual re-certifications, interim recertification, transfers, special program referrals (as assigned), terminations and rent increases for the Housing Choice Voucher Program participants.
- Conduct all work activities in a manner that supports achievement of SEMAP, contractual standards, and/or other performance measures as required.
- Schedule recertifications and appointments with participants; interview participants.
- Collect recertification information, including income and any other required documentation for the administration of the HCV program.
- Accurately verify information collected from multiple sources based on HUD prescribed verification procedures and according to the Administrative Plan.
- Notify participant and owner of the results of interim re-certification.
- Make recommendations for termination of assistance or HAP contract when appropriate.
- Monitor participant moves and lease terminations.
- Accurately prepare weekly reports on recertification and other reports.
- Accurately enter data into appropriate databases.
- Conduct briefing with tenants to explain HUD, and administrative plan guidelines.
- Answer telephone inquiries from participants and property owners.
- Receive and review applications/documentation to certify family eligibility and accurately verify that all information provided is in compliance with program guidelines that establish eligibility and financial assistance on a daily basis and/or as assigned.
- Accurately calculate familys gross/adjusted income, deductions, allowances, families rent to the owner as well as HAP Payment to the owner.
- Process files (interim changes, annual re-certifications, moves, initial certifications, rent increases, etc.) and other required processes as assigned.
- Perform accurate and timely data entry to maintain updated computer files pertaining to rent calculations and master files; utilize computer programs to prepare correspondence and reports, including interview schedules, activity reports, transfer lists, etc., and reports as required.
- Maintain caseload of participants
- Demonstrate flexibility; open and receptive to new ideas and approaches at all levels.
- Demonstrate knowledge of HUD rules and regulations, program procedures, forms and the Administrative Plan.
- Maintain skill sets necessary to meet performance standards and comply with changing administrative requirements as directed. Read PIH notices, training materials, guidance and other HCV-related publications.
- Accurately process files monthly within the required timelines specified in departmental protocols, objectives, and goals.
- Coordinate activities with supervisor, inspectors, and other co-workers.
- Return all calls within 48 hours.
- Perform home visit and/ or offsite appointments when required.
- All additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program requirements, policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and superior customer service skills at all times. Answer phone, speak to prospective owners about the HCV program; answer inquiries from participants, owners, applicants and the general public.
- Ability to articulate program requirements for annual, bi-annual and interim recertification, information verification, and rent adjustments to program participants, property owners, and other agency affiliates.
- Ability to effectively perform with constant interruption.
- Ability to effectively write letters, maintain documentation, and accurately complete required forms.
- Ability to operate necessary office equipment, computers and peripherals.
- Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
- Computer knowledge and proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, etc.) and be able to create and manipulate such documents.
- Ability to study information and HUD regulations so as to determine, define, and comprehend its elements, including conducting of intake interviews to identify the actual physical certification needs of clients.
- Review of third party documentation to determine program eligibility and compliance.
- Responsible for maintaining all required records and for the preparation of all required reports.
- Advanced communication skills in the areas of interviewing, investigation, interpretation, written and verbal communication, persuasion, and negotiation.
- Must have ability to safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
- Ability to determine a solution and what method to follow based upon the transaction that needs to be completed.
- Exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelors degree PLUS one (1) year of previous experience working with the public in a Housing Choice Voucher Program or similar relevant experience.
-OR-
- Minimum of four (4) years experience working with economically and socially disadvantaged individuals and/or families in similar capacity.
About CVR Associates, INC:
CVR is a multi-disciplinary team of affordable housing industry leaders that specialize in program administration and community redevelopment. Since 1995, CVR has been a leader in the affordable housing industry with clients across the United States, as well as on the islands of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands since 1995. CVR has over 400 employees and offices in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and Tampa. CVR provides program management of more than 46,000 Housing Choice Vouchers and has provided oversight in excess of $2.5 billion in affordable housing development for multiple clients.