HRA Specialist

Overview

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council’s regional growth strategy, planning and technical assistance to local communities, and planning for regional parks and open space. The Division also includes the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) and the Livable Communities grant program.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) operates the state’s largest Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program serving nearly 7,200 individuals and families with rent assistance through ten different programs and an annual budget of approximately $75 million.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The HRA Specialist audits the Housing Choice Voucher and special program files necessary to authorize correct payments to HRA owners and ensure the integrity of the database information; verifies information; and explains Metro HRA procedures and guidelines to other Housing Authorities, HRA staff, and contract employees to ensure compliance. This position is also responsible for authorizing weekly and monthly check registers.

Anticipated Starting Salary Range (DOQ): $70,117 - $83,595

Full Salary Range: $70,117 - $113,797

The starting salary will depend on the selected candidate s experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity.

The position is eligible for hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate s permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Audit new admission and ongoing files to confirm accurate data has been entered to produce correct eligibility results.
• Ensure appropriate payments are issued to the verified vendor according to HUD regulations and the Metro HRA’s Administrative Plan.
• Ensure prompt release of payments to Metro HRA vendors, including supplemental payments and check requisition payments to vendors, when requested.
• Manage new vendor paperwork, which requires that payments are held and then released to vendors in accordance with Metro HRA policy.
• Reconcile accounts with other Housing Authorities by utilizing an internal report and sending out quarterly statements.
• Audit participant accounts against payments received for families who have ported into Metro HRA’s jurisdiction.
• Accurately enter data into Metro HRA’s housing software to ensure balances match the Metropolitan Council’s finance system.
• Generate 50058 reports for each Housing Choice Voucher participant to be submitted electronically to HUD.
• Research, analyze, and correct the failed 50058 submissions to HUD.
• Recoup over payments and prepare repayment agreements for participant families who owe money to the housing authority.
• Assist participants and owners with signing up and accessing Assistance Connect, Metro HRA s online portal.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of completed education and experience:

• High school diploma/GED with five or more years of experience.
• Associate degree with three or more years of experience.
• Bachelor s degree with one or more years of experience.

• Experience in housing assistance.
• Experience in accounting, balancing credits and debits.
• Experience in principles and techniques of auditing.
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Certification from NAHRO and/or Nan McKay.
• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment.

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and other similar programs.
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks concurrently, prioritizing without direct supervision, handling critical deadlines, and maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to apply concepts of accounting and basic algebra.
• Strong and accurate data entry skills.
• Ability…