Services Specialist

Housing Services Specialist

The work involves responsibility for renting public housing units for the Syracuse Housing Authority and performing related tasks such as contacting those tenants with delinquent accounts to arrange for payment. The work is carried out in compliance with the policies of the Authority and requires much personal contact with tenants. Tact and courtesy are essential in dealing with difficult situations yet the employee must also pursue the resolution of outstanding accounts.

The work is carried out under the general supervision of a Housing Property Manager or other higher-level employee who is responsible for occupancy and leeway is allowed for independent action in carrying out the work. Supervision is not typically exercised by an employee in this class. Does related work as required.

Full Salary - $49,383 - $62,966

Hiring Range - $49,383 - $57,129

Housing Services Specialist is an Open-Competitive Onondaga County Civil Service position and if hired, continued employment will be contingent on qualifying for, successfully passing, and reachability off the applicable Onondaga County Civil Service Exam.

After a conditional offer of employment, a favorable background check, verification of education and work history, and illegal drug screening must be completed prior to starting employment. Proof of identity and legal work authorization will also be required.

Minimum Qualifications Promotion:
Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Tenant Selector. Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Public or Business Administration, Management, or Human Services, and two (2) years of work experience or its part-time equivalent in residential property management, social or community services, program eligibility determination for assistance, veterans or unemployment benefits, insurance or a similar program operating under an established criteria for eligibility which must have included determining eligibility for such benefits, or a closely related field;

or,

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Management, or Human Services, and four (4) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in, residential property management, social or community services, program eligibility determination for assistance, veterans or unemployment benefits, insurance or a similar program operating under an established criteria for eligibility which must have included determining eligibility for such benefits, or a closely related field;

or,

C. Six (6) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in residential property management, social or community services, program eligibility determination for assistance, veterans or unemployment benefits, insurance or a similar program operating under an established criteria for eligibility which must have included determining eligibility for such benefits, or a closely related field; or,

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) and (C).

Typical Work Activities Explains leasing and renting policies to housing applicants and informs them of housing availability and eligibility requirements; may show apartments to eligible applicants; discusses lease requirements and resident responsibility for unit; completes rental process by filling out appropriate forms. Reviews record of outstanding accounts to determine those accounts requiring collection efforts. Contacts tenants by letter, phone and in person concerning problems with rent payments and to discuss collection and payment.

Informs tenants of eviction proceedings for violation of lease. Negotiates rent payments to prevent eviction. Maintains files, computerized records and databases on each tenant household and unit. Prepares reports regarding status of delinquent accounts and collection activities. Prepares documentation for eviction procedures. Represents the Syracuse Housing Authority in court as necessary. Acts as liaison with an outside collection agency for uncollectible accounts.

Full Performance Knowledges, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics Good knowledge of the policies, methods and practices of the Syracuse Housing Authority and the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) related to the renting and leasing of public housing units. Good knowledge of the needs and problems associated with low-income families and individuals. Ability to understand and interpret written material.

Ability to use tact and courtesy and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people including elderly, disabled and low-income tenants and professional colleagues.…