About NRHA Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within 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.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

NRHA seeks qualified candidates for Administrative Assistant I - Leasing.

Summary

The Administrative Assistant I for the Leasing Department plays a vital role in supporting leasing operations for Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. Reporting to the Leasing Manager, the role includes customer service, application intake, document processing, hearing coordination, waitlist management, and general administrative support. The Administrative Assistant ensures smooth and timely handling of applicant records, supports Leasing Specialists, and provides a professional and welcoming environment for all applicants.

Essential Functions

Applicant & Front Desk Support

• Screens and routes telephone calls relating to applications for public housing; provides factual information and directs clients to appropriate staff or services.
• Greets and assists walk-in clients in a professional and courteous manner.
• Responds to applicant inquiries and provides timely updates regarding application status and housing programs.
• Assists applicants with Emergency Housing Requests, including identifying eligible candidates and expediting application procedures.
• Coordinates and schedules applicant appointments with Leasing Specialists and the Leasing Manager.

Application & Eligibility Processing

• Conducts preliminary interviews of applicants for Public Housing, PBV, and LIHTC programs.
• Assists with processing preliminary application paperwork.
• Performs applicant eligibility verification procedures, including income, credit history, and criminal background checks.
• Creates and issues letters of denial in accordance with agency policy and regulatory guidelines.

Waitlist & Records Management

• Pulls applicants from program-specific waitlists in accordance with NRHA policy and federal/state regulations.
• Maintains and administers the application recordkeeping system:
  • Tracks, compiles, and prepares routine statistics on application activity
  • Maintains activity logs
  • Prepares routine statistical reports
  • Tracks and balances assigned units
• Updates applicant data and housing records in Yardi and other relevant systems.

Hearing Coordination

• Coordinates with the Hearing Officer on applicant hearings:
  • Gathers necessary documentation and prepares case files
  • Schedules hearing appointments
  • Receives and organizes all related correspondence
  • Ensures timely and accurate communication with applicants and staff regarding hearing outcomes

Communication & Documentation

• Contacts external parties including landlords, employers, and government agencies for verifications and referrals.
• Types correspondence, memoranda, reports, and notices using Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent tools.
• Maintains confidentiality of applicant and agency information at all times.

Administrative & Office Support

• Performs a variety of routine administrative tasks such as:
  • Preparing check requests
  • Tracking budget changes and payments
  • Ordering office supplies and equipment
  • Scheduling and coordinating business meetings
• Provides general administrative support to Leasing Specialists and the Leasing Manager.
• Ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping of all leasing-related activities.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned to support department operations.

Performance Standards 

• Routine administrative tasks are completed independently and correctly.
• Communication with staff and residents is professional and responsive.
• Records and files are organized, complete, and accessible.
• Supports Leasing staff with minimal supervision and consistent reliability.
• Maintains accurate records of leasing activity with 100% file compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required. One (1) to two (2) years of progressively responsible administrative support experience, including data entry and clerical support.

Experience with Yardi property management software required.

Notary Public, Fair Housing, and Occupancy certifications required (or must be obtained within six months of hire).

Rent Calculation Certification required (or must be obtained within six months of hire).

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or a related field. At least one (1) to two (2) years of experience in affordable housing, property management, leasing, or related administrative support. Strong working knowledge of HUD, PBV, LIPH, LIHTC, and Fair Housing laws.

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

• Considerable knowledge of public housing, PBV, and LIHTC application procedures.
• Knowledge of housing operations, program regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Yardi and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong typing and formatting skills in a variety of business formats.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain procedures, policies, and services clearly.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining complex records and organizing data.
• Ability to make sound decisions within established procedures.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with applicants, residents, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all business and applicant-related information.
• Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and reliability in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing Act and ADA regulations.
• Knowledge of Program Administrative Plan as it relates to admission and initial lease-up criterion as well as the Statement of Policy Governing Admissions to and Continued Occupancy in the federally-Aided Low-Income Public Housing Program and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Skill in managing human relations, particularly communication 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.
• Operational knowledge of NRHA organization, programs, policies, and practices.
• Commitment to equitable housing practices and compliance with Fair Housing laws.

Physical Requirements

Frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and use vision. Occasionally required to stand and walk. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Job requires color perception for document review. Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational or outreach needs.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

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.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.