Housing Assistant, Government

Overview

This is a Union Represented FLSA Non-Exempt Position

LOCATION: Housing Choice Voucher Department, 2870 Howe Road Martinez, 94533

DEFINITION/PURPOSE: 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 assignment associated with this position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This classification is the journey level of the technical eligibility determination function. The class is responsible to a manager, or designee, for the evaluation of applicants, analysis of their applications, and related documents, and the determination of initial, annual and interim examinations of income eligibility and other Housing Choice Voucher Program regulations. This classification deals with voucher holders, the public, colleagues and personnel in other HCV agencies.

Significant action to the client may result based on the accuracy of sensitive information. The class is distinguished from the Sr. Housing Assistant by the latter’s responsibility for performing more challenging client support processes and on-sight inspection of the voucher holder’s living environment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

This class operates under the direct supervision of a manager. The employee plans and carries out routine work activities with minimal supervision and independently resolves problems that arise in accordance with agency policies and procedures and program rules. The employee receives instructions and direction from their supervisor. The employee's work is reviewed periodically for conformance to Authority policies and attainment of objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsibilities

• 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…