Lead Occupancy Specialist

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Lead Occupancy Specialist provides leadership and guidance in support of the daily operation of the HCV programs. Performs all case management duties associated with rental assistance for such programs as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, Mod Rehab Vouchers, VASH and other programs or projects owned or managed by the Housing Authority and/or Bridge Rockford. Accurately maintains a caseload of program participants under HUD Section 8 regulations, other program requirements, and Housing Authority policies. The incumbent will provide general assistance to the Department Supervisor in all areas. This position requires accuracy, completeness and the use of good judgment. The incumbent will receive supervision from the Department Supervisor.

Although direct supervision of employees is not a responsibility, providing training, leadership and guidance is required in this class and some direction of clerical staff may be required from time to time. An incumbent will assist in the job orientation of new personnel. Independent decisions and actions are expected with good reasoning ability required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Interviews and processes client applications for rental assistance programs. Determines program eligibility requirements and explains these requirements to applicants.
2. Prepares all necessary documents for clients and owners for initial occupancy and ongoing program participation in a timely manner.
3. Performs annual reexaminations and any interim reexaminations for clients following HUD policies and RHA procedures.
4. Establishes and maintains contact with RHA Resident Programs staff and other social service agencies in order to inform and refer clients as deemed appropriate.
5. Maintains accurate rent calculations, HAP contracts, lease agreements, inspection records, and other work generated by the department. Assists with analysis of approved rents, rent increases, transfer requests and monitors rent reasonableness data.
6. Responsible for ensuring all Port-Ins and Outs are processed timely, accurately and in accordance with RHA Administrative Plan and HUD guidelines.
7. Provides general leadership to HCV staff. Responsible for briefing and training of HCV program participants, landlords and staff. Ensure all HQS inspections, abatements and tenant/landlord concerns are addressed appropriately.
8. Work with RHA Resident Services and/or Community Partners to develop programs and/or services related to HCV program participants.

1. Ensure SEMAP indicators are being met throughout the year and ensuring HCV Program procedures are implemented in accordance with RHA Administrative Plan, HUD regulations and Federal, State and local law.

• Works directly with the resident services department to promote and ensure compliance with all FSS and Home Ownership programs.
• Responsible to client and employee file audits to ensure compliance in accordance with RHA Administrative Plan, HUD regulations, and Federal, State, and local law.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required. SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. Interviews and processes eligible applicants for rental assistance and affordable housing programs. Processes the applications and information received from these households and determines their eligibility for the program.
2. Verifies income, assets, medical and other expenses and assisted dwelling information. Enters data in housing software program accurately to generate rent and utility allowance calculations.
3. Conducts group/individual briefings explaining the rules and regulations to applicants, participants, and owners regarding the various Housing Authority programs.
4. Provides applicants and participants information to assist in finding a satisfactory unit including information on opportunity areas. Refers participants to Resident Programs staff or other community resources as needed.
5. Reviews and processes requests for lease changes including unit transfers and rent increases. Performs rent reasonableness calculations for all new units and rent increases.
6. Performs annual and interim reexaminations ensuring that all documents are accurate and timely. Works to ensure tenant compliance with annual reexamination requirements and documents any noncompliance (i.e. failure to show for appointments, etc.).
7. Ensures all computer and tenant file records are maintained in an accurate, complete, and orderly manner.
8. Informs owners of program requirements including Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Processes rent abatements as requested by inspectors. Terminates HAP contracts as warranted.
9. Terminates clients from the HCV program for violation of the program rules in a timely, accurate manner and in accordance with the HCV Administrative Plan and HUD guidelines.

• Answers client, owner, and public inquiries in a timely manner. Maintains records of calls and communications.
• Prepares monthly reports and attends meetings as necessary and required.
• Performs other related essential duties and tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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.

1. Knowledge of procedures and policies governing assisted housing and HCV program.
2. Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as calculator, copy equipment, computer along with word processing and spreadsheet programs, maintain a filing system and willing to demonstrate same.
3. Ability to complete work assignments with limited supervision and to understand and follow directives, policies and procedures.
4. Ability to furnish work directions to others and to perform work under time pressure, organizing workloads to achieve maximum efficiency.
5. Ability to prepare and deliver (if necessary) concise reports and possess working knowledge of office procedures and practices.
6. Proficient at making mathematical computations quickly and accurately.
7. Capable of working harmoniously with fellow workers, program participants, and the general public.
8. Versed in the principles of HCV program(s). Certification must be updated every seven (7) years.
9. Must be accessible to and assist the HCV Programs Manager as required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor of Art or Science in business, public administration or related field with a minimum of 3 years work experience in property management of assisted housing holding supervisory responsibilities, plus a minimum of five (5) years of successful work experience in a busy office environment. The RHA will pay for one (1) certification training session and one (1) certification examination to maintain Occupancy Specialist or equivalency certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EEO POLICY: The Rockford Housing Authority does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on account of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, political or union affiliation nor any type of unlawful discrimination prohibited by applicable State and Federal laws. It is the policy of the Employer to take

affirmative action to encourage and foster employment of minorities, women and disabled persons.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. This opportunity is covered under Section III of the HUD Act of 1968.

Current Openings for Lead Occupancy Specialist Jobs at Rockford Housing Authority