Apprentice Housing Specialist

Apprentice Housing Specialist

Housing Pierce County (HPC) is a self-supporting public body enterprise created by Pierce County's Board of Supervisors (now County Council) in 1978 according to State statute (RCW
35.82). The mission of HPC is to provide safe, decent, affordable housing and economic opportunity free from discrimination. HPC currently operates 121 HUD Public Housing units that we are in the process of selling, 20 Units of USDA/RD Housing, administers approximately 3,003 HUD Section 8/HCV program vouchers, and an Enterprise Portfolio comprising approximately 727 apartment units at 9 communities. Additional competitive grants received periodically for the Renovation and Modernization of existing facilities, construction of new facilities, and in support of our Family Self-Sufficiency Programs.

Currently, HPC employs approximately 50 individuals.

The Apprentice Housing Specialist position is a non-exempt, union/bargaining position in the Supported Housing Department of HPC. Under general administration of the HCV Manager, the Apprentice Housing Specialist will perform various functions of case management, including disseminating program information, reviewing applications, interviewing applicants, determining eligibility, certification and briefing.

Upon completion and successful passing of exams for the following courses, the apprenticeship position would be awarded the position as a Housing specialist:

• Section 8 eligibility
• Section 8 occupancy
• Section 8 rent calculations

This position is part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 8.

Essential functions include:

• Performing work of moderate to considerable difficulty, and in accordance with current Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations and Housing Authority policies
• Interviewing or screening applicants, as necessary, securing verifications needed to accurately determine eligibility for housing assistance through the Authority's various assisted housing programs
• Computing rents and levels of assistance
• Maintaining and utilizing database system for records maintenance, support of check generation and statistical reporting
• Performing all functions needed to determine eligibility and benefit level of applicants and participants
• Determining that participants are in compliance with program regulations and taking appropriate actions when necessary to bring the participant into compliance or to terminate benefits
• Conducting annual and interim re-certifications of participant continuing eligibility and benefit level
• Representing HPC at informal hearings
• Attendance is an integral component of this position.
• Issuing family participation vouchers
• Preparing documents for addendum preparation, renewals, and rent adjustments
• Providing housing referral assistance to clients, as needed
• Disseminating program information to prospective participants
• Identifying and conferring with other staff regarding department functions, procedures and client status
• Providing status reports as needed. Performing other related duties as assigned
• Conducting thorough group briefings to assure that clients receive complete information regarding the program rules and benefits
• Performing related duties as assigned.
• The primary job duties noted above are not exhaustive and other job duties may be added as necessary to serve Housing Pierce County and ensure successful business operations.

Required skills, knowledge & abilities include:

• Considerable ability to work with people from disadvantaged situations
• The ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a wide range of people, including clients who appear to be under significant stress
• Ability to be tactful and non-judgmental
• Ability to initiate workloads, work independently and manage time effectively
• Ability to exercise judgement and make well-informed decisions
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex rules and regulations
• Ability to perform routine mathematical functions with accuracy
• Advanced Computer Skills to include Word, Excel and Power Point
• Strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of automated systems
• Ability to respect privacy and confidentiality of…