Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist I in Norfolk, Virginia at Norfolk Redevelopment And Housing Authority

NRHA’s Vision and Mission

At the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), we’re proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we’ve been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

Position Summary

Administers and implements family self-sufficiency (FSS) programs and procedures to foster economic autonomy among participating public housing residents; programs include job training, educational assistance, employment counseling, financial planning, and homeownership programs. Assists the participating public housing residents in developing achievable self-sufficiency goals, action plans, and timetables. Establishes and maintains contact with public and private resources to link FSS participants with services to assist participants in obtaining the skills necessary to achieve financial independence. Prepares and submits reports and studies as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NRHA, and other government agencies. Prepares and submits a variety of internal reports, correspondence, and other documents related to the implementation of self-sufficiency programs. Participates on community committees/programs/teams as assigned; may lead teams as directed. Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of FSS rules, regulations, programs, and procedures.

Essential Functions

Administers and implements family self-sufficiency (FSS) programs and procedures to foster economic autonomy among participating public housing residents; programs include job training, educational assistance, employment counseling, financial planning, and homeownership programs: promotes and markets FSS programs; receives and reviews applications for participation in programs; interviews applicants; determines applicant eligibility to participate in programs; establishes and maintains documentary and electronic records of client participation in programs; monitors client progress in staff-based, vendor-based, or partner-based programs; advises, counsels, and guides client in program participation and other related matters; acts to bring client to complete program; ends client participation as appropriate; maintains documentary and electronic database participation records; and prepares and submits participation reports.

Assists the housing residents in developing achievable self-sufficiency goals, action plans, and timetables; identifies obstacles and barriers to participants’ progress in achieving self-sufficiency; and develops, initiates, and implements alternate plans to overcome those barriers as needed.

Establishes and maintains contact with public and private resources to link FSS participants with services to assist participants in obtaining the skills necessary to achieve financial independence.

Experience in Employment Services Program to include demonstrated proficiency in use of applicable computer software. Demonstrated ability to adhere to regulations regarding timeliness and accuracy standards of case management. Demonstrated ability to perform all assigned employment services duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.

Assures adherence to state and federal program regulations related to self-sufficiency and public housing programs.

Prepares and submits reports and studies as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NRHA, and other government agencies.

Prepares and submits a variety of internal reports, correspondence, and other documents related to the implementation of self-sufficiency programs.

Participates on community committees/programs/teams as assigned; may lead teams as directed.

Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of FSS rules, regulations, programs, and procedures.

Performs a variety of administrative detail task; enters client data in electronic database; prepares reports, memoranda, and correspondence, and performs other administrative work in support of FSS programs.

Performs other related work as required.

Performance Standards

• Communicate professionally with residents, partners, and staff.
• Stay current on FSS policies and complete all required training.
• Implement FSS programs in full compliance with HUD and agency guidelines.
• Prepare clear, accurate internal correspondence and reports.
• Maintain documentation that passes audits with minimal corrective actions.
• Submit required reports accurately and on time.
• Use case management and office software proficiently.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field. Two to four years of progressively responsible social services experience. Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive and current knowledge on Family Self-Sufficiency policies, programs, practices, methods, and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to the program eligibility and continued receipt of HCV rental assistance payments; includes knowledge of the HCV Program Administrative Plan.

Comprehensive knowledge of HCV organization, programs, policies, and practices.

Operational knowledge of NRHA organization, programs, policies, and practices.

Operational knowledge of personal computers, to include knowledge of word processing and database management computer applications.

Skill in managing human relations, particularly leadership, consulting, negotiating, and persuasion skills. The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder.

Skill in dealing effectively and courteously with the public, program participants, other employees, and others outside the organization. Includes the ability to maintain the confidentiality of business-related information.

Oral and written communication skills to present and make comprehensible moderately complex information regarding organization operations, of which some information may be technical in nature; provide clear instructions; compose reports; and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.

Ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret moderately complex and technical information.

Ability to analyze detailed application data to determine eligibility for public housing or rental assistance.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the implementation of moderately complex operational activities.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, smell, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Requires color and depth perception.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.