Occupancy Specialist

Starting Rate: $26.69 - $28.04

Position Range: $26.69 - $38.65

FSLA:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Looking for a great benefits package? We have you covered with:

• Employer paid medical for base employee plans.

• Employer paid dental for employee plan.

• Employer paid vision for employee plan.

• Employer paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance

• Flexible scheduling

• 13 Paid Holidays

• Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) - Pension style retirement program.

Great PTO Accrual

0-2 years 15 days a year

3-4 years 27 days a year

5-9 years 30 days a year

10-14 years 33 days a year

15-19 years 37.5 days a year

20+ years 40.5 days a year

Days based off 8 hours

Purpose of Occupancy Specialist

Under the direct supervision of a Housing Programs Manager, the Occupancy Specialist performs a variety of day-to-day functions associated with ensuring efficient transition for applicants from waiting lists to project-based voucher (PBV) units and to tenant-based voucher opportunities. Work involves administering waiting lists for all housing assistance programs, assisting clients through application and eligibility processes, monitoring utilization for project-based and tenant-based voucher programs, and collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure timely voucher issuance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to achieving the SHA mission, compliance standards, and the effective and efficient administration of rental assistance programs, ensuring adherence to applicable federal, state, local, and agency regulations, rules, laws, and procedures.
• Administer Housing Assistance Program waiting lists in accordance with SHA's Administrative Plan and program requirements, including sorting waiting lists, selecting and communicating with applicants, responding to applicant inquiries, and removing inactive/ineligible applicants.
• Assist clients with application, eligibility, and voucher issuance processes.
• Proactively monitor project-based and tenant-based voucher utilization rates, identify underutilized units, and implement strategies to maximize occupancy.
• Promptly fulfill voucher referral requests.
• Collaborate with property owners/managers and internal staff to remove voucher issuance or leasing barriers.
• Prepare occupancy and waiting list reports as assigned.
• Coordinate interpreters when translation services are needed for applicants, participants, or landlords with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
• Review and process client requests for Reasonable Accommodations, according to HUD and SHA standards.
• Attend training, review relevant publications, and engage in professional development to remain current on evolving federal regulations and policies.
• Attend regular meetings to discuss strategies for improving client services and reviewing policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with the public, applicants, and landlords while ensuring compliance with SHA policies, rules, and regulations.
• Educate, network, and coordinate with previous, current, and potential property owners/managers, participants, and various social service and governmental agencies to resolve issues and ensure high-quality customer service.
• Coordinate activities and share information with other SHA departments, including Finance, Administration, and Asset Management.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Plan and organize work according to established office procedures and best practices.
• Establish priorities within work assignments while employing independent judgment and initiative.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive files and records.
• Attend training sessions related to housing and program administration to stay up to date with industry best practices and evolving job requirements.
• Work closely and professionally with other public agencies and organizations that may be available to support SHA communities.
• Assist other Department staff with assignments as necessary.

Requirements

Regulatory and Housing Program Knowledge

• Knowledge of publicly funded housing assistance programs, applicable regulations, client eligibility, and rental subsidy…