Housing Specialist - Rental Assistance

The purpose of this position is to provide operational support of the Detroit Housing Commission’s Section 8 programs by assisting in the delivery of program services and may include application processing, waiting list management, portability actions, intake actions, and re-certification duties. Additionally, work involves communication with participating property owners and management companies. The work is performed under the supervision of an HCV Supervisor or Manager.

Pay rate: $25.48/hour

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, Human Services, Public Administration or closely related field from an accredited college or University.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

• 2- 5 years of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program experience
• 3 years of experience in rent calculations and program administration

• Must obtain the HCV Specialist Certification and the HCV Rent Calculation Certification within 6 months of hire with a passing score of 80% or higher.
• Must pass the rent calculation examination with a minimum score of 80% on the rent calculation component of the HCV Specialist examination.
• Must periodically retake the HCV Rent Calculation examination and pass with a minimum score of 80%.
• Must maintain the HCV Specialist Certification during employment in the position.
• Knowledge of the Enterprise Verification System (EIV)
• Knowledge of HUD PIC Systems
• Must have or be able to acquire a valid state driver’s license
• Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
• Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy
• Valid Notary Public Certification preferred

• Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to property management:
  Fair Housing Laws, Michigan Real Estate Landlord-Tenant Law, OSHA Standards, Local and State Building Codes
• Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to program eligibility and participation, income determination, HAP and tenant share calculation, rent reasonableness and payment standards
• Knowledge of organization’s structure, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures, filing, and standard office equipment, including computer, fax, copier, telephone system.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of automated information systems, and data processing
• Knowledge of the operation of commission and HUD computer system and software § Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment and Microsoft 365.
• Knowledge of HUD regulations and guidelines relating to Housing Quality Standards (HQS)/NSPIRE (or successor programs and State and Local building and occupancy laws or regulations
• Knowledge of HUD HCV programs: regulations, principles, and practices governing
• Knowledge of HUD HCV program regulations, principles, and practices
• Knowledge of HUD HCV program determination of income and rent calculation guidelines
• Knowledge of HCV Project Based Vouchers
• Knowledge FSS & Home ownership Program Regulations, guidelines, procedures and requirements
• Knowledge of the RHF grant programs and Hope IV grant programs
• Knowledge of DHC’s Administrative Plan and related policies and procedures
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban development and housing management
• Knowledge of the agencies that provide assistance and services to residents, including eligibility requirements
• Knowledge of principles and practices of community programs and organizations
• Knowledge of Business English; punctuation, arithmetic, and spelling
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; departmental policies and procedures
• Knowledge of record keeping methods and procedures
• Knowledge of report preparation techniques
• HUD EIV Cyber awareness guidelines

• Act independently
• Analyze situations
• Attend to details
• Verbally communicate
• Communicate in writing
• Concentrate
• Empathize
• Identify problems
• Initiate
• Manage pressure
• Motivate
• Multi-task
• Organize
• Think creatively

• Analyze situations, review available actions, and determine the best course of action
• Calculate, compute, summate and/or tabulate data and information