Housing Assistance Specialist

Overview

The Washington County Community Development Agency is looking for a Housing Assistance Specialist I to join our team. We pride ourselves on our mission to “improve the lives of Washington County residents by proving access to affordable housing…” and our values support that mission.

The ideal candidate will thrive synergizing with a team. They will have strong prioritizing and time management skills and can pivot from working directly with participants to file management.

We have a great team, and we hope you’ll join us! This full-time, non-exempt position located in Woodbury, allows up to 80% remote work, offers medical, dental, retirement, short-term & long-term disability, AD&D and life insurance for eligible employees. We start at 160 annual hours of PTO and recognize 12 holidays. The hiring range is $29.78 to $36.22.

Visit our website to apply: washingtoncountycda.org/our-organization/careers/

Performs intermediate administrative work maintaining efficient application of rental assistance programs, serving as the primary contact for landlords and program participants, presenting and marketing for the program or agency, encouraging self-sufficiency via coordination of the Family Self Sufficiency Program, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Housing Assistance Assistant Director.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Receives and processes application materials; clarifies applicant information via telephone or in person meeting; collects and verifies application information; processes client file in accordance with program rules and regulations.
• Coordinates resources and programs to best meet the needs of applicants and clients; determines eligibility for reasonable accommodations.
• Serves as the primary agency contact with participants in rental assistance programs, property owners and case managers.
• Reviews and authorizes cases involving annual recertifications, interim rent changes, lease termination and transfers.
• Keeps current on program rules and regulations, including agency administrative plans. Provides input as directed on agency practices and policies.
• Monitors and updates cases involving participant and owner disputes; determines participant eligibility for housing assistance; researches, compiles evidence and presents agency position on terminations, potential fraud cases, and other information as needed at informal hearings.
• Serves as the Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator, referring eligible participants, coordinates participant contracts; oversees escrow accounts and updates participants and initial housing authorities on contract and escrow: completes quarterly reports and assists in the annual renewal funding application and completing required reports. Establishes and maintains the FSS Program Coordinating committee.
• Maintains accurate program systems, records, files and reports. Conducts property inspections.
• Calculates participant rent using prescribed methods and regulations.
• Authorizes contracts for self-sufficiency programs; monitors participant progress; determines completion and possible pay out of funds.
• Attends various meetings.
• Works in coordination with accounting staff to ensure payment accuracy.

General knowledge of real estate and property management; thorough skill serving program clients; general skill building strategic relationships; ability to display project management and organizational skills; ability to use standard computer equipment; ability to display proficient communication skills.

Thorough knowledge of the local, state and federal rules, regulations and manuals associated with rental assistance programs; thorough knowledge of standard agency policies, procedures and…