Occupancy Specialist II

The Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority is looking to hire a Full-time Occupancy Specialist II in our Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8).Under the direction of the Housing Choice Voucher Program Director the Occupancy Specialist II performs a wide variety of tasks including:

Performs all case management duties associated with rental assistance for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Accurately maintains a caseload of program participants under HUD Section 8 regulations, other program requirements, and Housing Authority policies.

Duties Include but are not limited to:

Interviews and processes eligible households for rental assistance and affordable housing programs. Processes the applications and information received from these families and determines their eligibility for the program.

Verifies income, assets, medical or unusual expenses and assisted dwelling information. Enters data in computer generating rent, utility allowance and escrow calculations.

Assists applicants with their various housing options. Coordinates work with the Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator. Refers participants to other agencies.

Arranges for and conducts group/individual briefings that explain the rules and regulations to applicants, participants, and owners regarding the various Housing Authority programs. Assists applicants and participants needing help in finding a satisfactory unit and with other housing related problems. Provides information about other community resources.

Prepares necessary forms and secures signatures to finalize agreements between tenants, owners, and the Housing Authority.

Reviews incoming requests for lease tenancy approval or tenancy transfers for rent burden and forwards to the Inspector. Advises landlords of any problems. Prepares or has prepared the necessary paperwork putting eligible applicants on the programs.

Maintains participant contact by phone, mail and in person. Assures that participants are fulfilling their responsibility in providing accurate verification and timely submission of other necessary documents.

Performs annual reexaminations as well as computing any interim rent changes. Assists participants with completing and signing all papers related to beginning housing assistance, interims, and annual recertifications, explaining in terms they understand to ensure compliance with program rules. Processes requests for Portability (both in and out).

Completes all work according to established Housing Authority procedures.

Establishes, maintains, and updates various logs and books related to the orderly maintenance of records. Ensures all computer records of all tenants on caseload are accurate and current. Promptly and accurately maintains all file documentation.

Resolves program abuse allegations. Reviews public records. Investigates as directed. Issues program warning or notice of termination as warranted. Prepares hearing information and represents Housing Authority at informal hearing.

Informs owners of program requirements including Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Processes rent abatement as requested by inspection. Terminates HAP contract as warranted.

Prepares monthly reports and attends meetings as necessary and required.

Provides back-up coverage for other department staff as needed.

Participates in Authority's outreach program including contributions to the landlord/participant newsletter, landlord information meetings, and other public relations.

Occasional travel to offsite locations to assist in the finalization of applicant paperwork, attend/conduct training, attend/conduct meetings, and/or conduct necessary agency duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Completion of two (2) years of college in public administration, business administration, or other related discipline, plus two (2) years' experience, or equivalent. Must successfully complete the HCVP Specialist course within six (6) months of hire and obtain a passing score on the HCVP Specialist Certification Exam within one (1) year of hire. A valid driver's license and a good driving record must be maintained in accordance with personnel policy.