Housing Assistant

HOUSING ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY (SEE FULL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT ATTACHED):
Under the direction of the Housing Manager, the Housing Assistant is responsible for determining the initial and continuing eligibility of applicants and participants of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs; and, implementing the Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher program in accordance with HUD, federal, local and other applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures. Responsible for performing a wide variety of technical and clerical/administrative work in accordance with established policies and procedures. Provides information and assistance to applicants, participants and to the public regarding the Authority’s policies and procedures. May provide lead direction to clerical employees and temporary support service staff. Undertakes special projects related to the delivery of HCV program services. The various duties listed below are illustrative of the various activities that may be performed. The omission of specific statements regarding duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignments associated with this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Eligibility and Recertification

• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with clients, co-workers, and the public from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Interview participants or applicants for housing assistance and assist them in the completion of prescribed applications, certifications, and declaration forms. Schedule and conduct interview with clients or applicants in person for determination and/or recertification of eligibility.
• Elicit pertinent information concerning items such as income, other monetary resources and financial obligations from applicants and participants.
• Collect and review recertification, interim, transfer and reasonable accommodation information.
• Evaluate, verify, and calculate information and rent for recertification, interims, and move-in.
• Explain client responsibilities to all prospective and current clients as well as landlords.
• Ensure proper verification methods/processing practices are utilized for each re-examination in accordance with HUD and Authority policies and procedures.
• Calculate housing allowances to establish the level of rent based on HUD regulations.
• Explain rent calculations to clients; prepare and send appropriate notices of rent adjustments in accordance with HUD regulations.
• Respond to inquiries concerning policies and practices associated with the application and/or recertification processes in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ensure that all pertinent information regarding income, other monetary resources and financial obligations from applicants and recipients is received in a timely manner to complete the initial and annual eligibility process
• Evaluate known eligibility factors in specific cases against established criteria and determine eligibility.
• Review application documentation and declaration for completeness and consistency including required signatures.
• Discuss with clients any discrepancies, omission of data, or incorrect data and solicit timelines for provision of all required information.
• Obtain information relative to clients or applicants from previous landlords, County Social Service Department, and other agencies.
• Coordinate background information checks of applicant/participants for eligibility purposes.
• Interpret rent contract and lease conditions to ensure that the voucher holder, landlord and the assistant representing the Housing Authority have the same understanding of the contract/lease.
• Conduct eligibility validation studies by reviewing eligibility factors to determine the continuation, modification, or termination of the housing voucher assistance, as directed.
• Prepare summaries/reports of information obtained during home or office visits with clients.
• Refers all applicants and recipients who appear in need of food, in-home care, or social services, to the appropriate community service agencies on the basis of either personal observation and/or needs expressed either orally by the client or from information on the application.
• Maintain client records in a timely and accurate manner and perform periodic reviews to determine continuing eligibility.
• Prepare a variety of forms and other documents required by Federal, State and County governments and answer correspondence requesting information about housing programs.

General and Other Duties

• Adhere to Authority and regulatory standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Authority materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
• Review and discuss client issues of non-compliance with the Manager and/or Director to ensure clients are provided with reasonable opportunity to correct areas of non-compliance.
• Process and maintain files and correspondence associated with the housing choice voucher process in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assist in providing initial orientation for new Housing Assistants, Office Assistants, or other support staff.
• Assist in the documentation and investigation of voucher holder complaints. Schedule appointments to discuss and initiate solutions or refer situations to the Manager for appropriate resolution.
• Ensure privacy and maintain security of confidential materials.
• Assist in performing other work-related duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise balance the workload.
• Maintain punctuality and attendance per agreed upon scheduled work hours.
• Process payments received as a result of overpayment agreements executed with landlords and program participants.
• Deliver mail to post office, may also have to pick up mail.
• Maintain working knowledge of office equipment and software related to the performance of basic duties and job-related functions, including Microsoft Office Suite, personal computers, copies, fax machines printers and typewriters

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform related duties as assigned.