HCV Specialist

Program Specialist - Housing (Full Time)
Location: Roanoke, VA 24017
Department: Housing Choice Voucher

General Definition of Work

Performs work participating in leasing agent functions, entering initial applications into Section 8 tenant-based computer software, reviewing new applications, determining eligibility for participation based on income and family size, requesting supporting documents from external agencies, computing housing assistance payments and family rental rates, completing criminal history request forms on all applicants, and other work as apparent or assigned.

This position reports to the Housing Choice Voucher Manager.

PAY: $15.63 - $21.88 PER HOUR

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position and, if necessary, the employee must engage in an interactive process with RRHA HR to determine what accommodations may be possible.

Assists HCV HQS Inspector with scheduling of monthly inspections. Assists with periodic housing quality standard inspections.

Manages Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Program

Performs the function of a leasing agent by entering initial applications into Section 8 tenant based computer software; reviews new applications, determines eligibility for participation based on income and family size, requests supporting documents from external agencies; computes housing assistance payments and family rental rates; completes criminal history request forms on all applicants.

Communicates with clients in a clear, professional and sensitive manner; answers questions clients may have regarding the HCV program; instructs clients in their responsibilities while they are participating in the program; provides information on established routines and procedures; takes client complaints regarding a landlords failure to repair or maintain the rental unit and passes it on to the proper designee.

Receives and processes changes from clients on income level and family composition; verifies income to compute and adjust rent; posts rent changes and other changes to appropriate records and generates or composes letters notifying the client and landlord.

Answers client inquiries concerning rental, special maintenance, damage and other charges or fines that have been levied by the landlord; follows through on complaints with program participants. Explains security deposit and rent amounts to clients and landlords, and obtains all pertinent documentation.

Receives and processes termination and new employment verification information, notifying landlords of the change in their tenants status; assists clients and landlords with the signing of new leases and contracts; generates form letters, composes specific correspondence to program participants, owners and other service agencies, prepares notifications, contracts, correspondence and routine reports from MS Excel files; sends landlords a copy of any moving notices submitted by clients to RRHA.

Calculates water, sewer, electric and gas utility allowances.

Manages waiting list; explains program requirements to realtors and property owners; determines rent reasonableness of units.

Performs complex mathematical computations, determines appropriate codes for recording various transactions or documents; enters information in Section 8 tenant based software and in MS Excel reports for monthly changes made in clients/RRHA payment accounts and notes such transactions to the client accounting records in specific and specialized transaction areas; uses calculators, photocopiers and/or personal computers as part of the normal operation of the business office on a daily basis. Maintains office files in an orderly and efficient manner.

Updates electronic files regarding changes in rental or employment status; receives, records, transcribes and posts client demographic and financial data in an accurate and efficient manner.

Maintains an awareness of worker safety guidelines and procedures and applies these in performing daily tasks and activities.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED and two (2)years of practical work experience in a position involving significant public contact, education, job training, social services programs whose core group of participants is low or very low-income individuals, housing subsidy programs, leasing, or rent calculation, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Associates degree or Bachelors degree with a major in public administration, social sciences, or related field. Experience working with education, job training, and social services programs whose core group of participants is low or very low-income individuals. Experience working with housing subsidy programs, leasing, and/or Rent Calculation Certification. Bilingual, Spanish and English preferred.

Special Qualifications

Obtains Housing Choice Voucher Rent Calculation Specialist Certification.

Valid state identification or drivers license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Working Conditions

The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands, physical agility, sensory requirements, and environmental exposures required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position and, if necessary, the employee must engage in an interactive process with RRHA HR to determine what accommodations may be possible.

Employees sit frequently or most of the time of the time but may sometimes walk or sometimes stand for periods of time.

This classification involves physical agility requirements such as: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions and manual dexterity.

Sensory requirements include standard vision requirements , ability to express ideas and standard hearing requirements . #HP