Housing Choice Voucher Specialist in KINGSPORT, Tennessee at Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Position: Housing Choice Voucher Specialist

FLSA: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Pay: Beginning at $17.50 per hour

Benefits: Group Health Insurance (80% Employer Paid) Pension, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance Policy Eligible (Employer Paid upon eligibility)

The Housing Choice Voucher Specialist is responsible for assisting with a variety of technical and clerical activities in support of the Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based Voucher programs administered by Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority (KHRA). Job related duties require experience in performing a variety of administrative activities, good mathematical skills and the ability to effectively prioritize activities required to meet all established deadlines and reporting requirements. Job performance is evaluated by the Executive Director. Job related duties are also subject to annual independent and HUD audits.

Necessary Requirements of Work

Graduation from an accredited four-year high school. An A.A Degree in public or business administration, social services or related field, or supplemental experience in property management is preferred. Must have experience working with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and considerable experience performing administrative functions; good interpersonal, organizational and decision-making skills; considerable experience working with the public. Knowledge in the areas of social service is preferred. Applicant must have effective written and oral communication skills, knowledge of general office equipment and possess suitable computer skills for data entry. Any equivalent combination of education or experience to provide the following essential functions is required.

Essential Functions

• Conducts annual and interim recertification interviews with existing residents and updates resident information as required.
• Assists with transmitting 50058 family reports and correcting errors utilizing the HUD PIC system.
• Calculates rental payments and utility allowances in accordance with local fair market rents for various bedroom sizes based upon applicant income.
• Assists in the day to day operations of the HCV and PBV programs
• Assists with compiling all necessary information for the Voucher Management System (VMS) report for submission to HUD.
• Assists with conducting briefing sessions for groups of eligible applicants to provide information about rental assistance programs.
• Assists with conducting quality control on case files in accordance with SEMAP requirements and corrects any inaccuracies and/or deficiencies when necessary.
• Assists with contacting prospective and/or current property owners to negotiate rents.
• Assists with negotiating and monitoring fraud/repayment agreements.
• Assists with organizing, maintaining and purging all program required/related records and files.
• Assists with preparing all HCV transactions for the month for transmittal to the HUD systems including move-outs, move-ins, annual and interim re-certifications and terminations.
• Assists with receiving, investigating, and resolving resident and/or landlord issues pertaining to housing conditions, maintenance needs and/or lease violations.
• Assists with termination proceedings for failure to comply with program regulations and/or lease provisions.
• Composes and sends correspondences to applicants in accordance with waiting list requirements.
• Contacts area employers and governmental agencies to establish proof of income and citizenship status.
• Executes leases between eligible housing applicants and property owners participating in the housing choice voucher program.
• Interacts with the local and regional service agencies, i.e. Department of Human Services, and assists applicants with referrals.
• Maintains ledgers, files and other documents in support of program activities.
• Meets with property owners and program applicants to sign required paperwork.
• Operates a multi-line telephone system and answers daily incoming inquiries from calls, voicemails, e-mails, faxes, etc.
• Provides front desk coverage as needed; greets and helps clients, schedules and re-schedules appointments.
• Refers residents and applicants to appropriate community resource programs for assistance when necessary.
• Remains current on assisted housing regulations, landlord tenant law and related issues.
• May assist the intake coordinators over various program needs.
• Performs related duties as required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Special Necessary Requirements

Possession of a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.

Must obtain or maintain the following certifications within 30 but no more than 90 days of employment or other timeframe approved by Executive Director:

• Housing Choice Voucher Occupancy Specialist
• Project Based Voucher Occupancy Specialist

I understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position. By applying for this position, I am confirming that I can perform all tasks, duties, and requirements with or without accommodation.