Housing Specialist

Housing Specialist

Employees in this entry-level service title perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks, including participant, landlord and housing authority liaison activities. Housing Specialists may assist management in overseeing day-to-day operations of public housing complexes. Housing Specialists may also manage participants and private landlord relations and interview, evaluate, select, and assist in evicting participants. Employees may perform field work such as inspecting Housing Authority property.

Employees work independently, with general supervision from management staff. Related work is performed as required. Work may be performed in extreme weather and travel situations, as well as in varying living conditions.

For purposes of this document, the general term of 'Participant' will be used to refer to Applicants, Tenants, Residents and Participants, both prospective and current.

Typical Work

Activities:

• Assists with the activities of a small housing office, assigning tasks to clerical workers and monitoring workflow;
• Interviews prospective participants to complete housing applications and collect eligibility information and documentation, explain RHA and HUD programs and guidelines, eligibility requirements and lease restrictions, and the rules and regulations applicable to public housing and Section 8 programs;
• Conducts recertification of housing eligibility for current participants;
• Interviews new and current participants to obtain data regarding income and household expenses and to collect documents of proof;
• Verifies that information provided by housing participants is accurate by inspecting documents and contacting social service agencies, employers, etc. by phone or mail;
• Determines eligibility and suitability of participants for residency in public housing and Section 8 programs;
• Computes income and expenses to determine participants rental charges according to the Authority's policies and HUD's rules and regulations;
• Inspects rental units to assess housekeeping habits of participants and identify repair and maintenance needs and need for correction of safety hazards;
• Discusses with public housing participants complaints against them such as poor housekeeping habits, insect infestations, landlord/neighbor relations, noise, etc., and delivers oral and written lease enforcement notices when necessary;
• Recommends eviction of participants when necessary and assists with eviction proceedings;
• Assists landlords with completing forms for lease and contract renewals to receive rental subsidies for privately owned housing;
• May contact various human service agencies and refers tenants to such organizations as visiting nurses, Department of Social Services, medical transportation and youth and family counseling;
• May collect rents and other participants charges, make deposits and prepare appropriate documentation;
• Writes letters, memos, simple reports, and completes a variety of forms and ledgers using a personal computer.

Entry Level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information;
• Ability to multi-task and be efficient;
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, management and participants both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to communicate in writing by preparing documents such as correspondence, memos, simple reports and work orders;
• Ability to handle daily caseload and maintain files which includes lifting (up to 25 pounds) and transporting of files;

Entry Level Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities continued:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages;
• Ability to write clearly and transfer and transcribe written and oral information accurately;
• Ability to read and understand complex regulations, procedures and guidelines;
• Ability to follow office procedures;
• Ability to explain rules and guidelines in terms appropriate to the audience;
• Ability to interview individuals in order to obtain necessary information;
• Ability to evaluate impartially the validity of information given by all parties in a dispute;
• Ability to be firm and professional in explaining and enforcing rules and guidelines;
• Ability to conduct…