Housing Specialist

  

Title Description-  This is an essential position classified as sensitive. Interview and assess applicants’ eligibility for participation in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program; plan, prepare, and conduct prescreening of prospective tenants; conduct initial, annual, and interim certifications for program participants for continued eligibility. Conduct initial, annual, and special inspections of identified rental units to ensure compliance with program requirements and to ensure safe, sanitary, and suitable conditions in accordance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS), VH, and HUD regulations. Requires field visits and home inspections; confer with property owners/landlords and tenants to resolve housing issues/concerns; prepare and maintain files/records in accordance with Virginia Housing (VH) and HUD requirements; provide accurate and timely data entry in the VH systems; scan and upload files into the VH data systems, eDocs, in a timely manner; prepare local and VH reports; maintain monthly Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) spreadsheets. Accurately and timely document case activities/contacts; monitor and utilize VH/Elite reports for program compliance. Facilitate/conduct group presentations for customers and/or property owners/managers. Assess customer needs for other assistance and utilize agency and community partners to address/meet those needs. Work cooperatively with VH, other housing agencies, and community partners, and authorities; participate in Emergency Shelter training and exercises and staff the emergency shelter during periods of disaster/emergencies. May be required to work during period of public health emergencies. This position requires a professional with a positive attitude, a team player with an ongoing relationship within the agency and the community.  
 

Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of principles and practices of assigned human services programs; local service agencies and organizations and departmental programs and activities; program management and development; laws, regulations, policies and standards related to the program; program terminology, principles and methods utilizes in the program; and human behavior; working knowledge of HUD/ Virginia Housing policy concerning the HCV Program.  Skill in operating a computer to enter, retrieve or modify data; and the use of spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs; in operating a motor vehicle.  Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clientele and staff; gather and interpret data, assess program, clientele needs; plan, coordinate and evaluate program activities; train, advise, direct and evaluate others on program requirements; maintain effective working relationships with others; identify problems and needs and assess services in problem solving; comprehend, interpret and apply regulations and procedures; conduct effective training for housing tenants and landlords/property managers; public speaking; interact professionally with a diverse group of people; produce meaningful, clear, and concise documents with the proper grammar and usage; comprehend and interpret program/technical reports and related materials; conduct home inspections; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, create written reports and documents in a concise, clear manner with correct grammar and usage; establish and maintain an effective professional working relationship with associates and the general public. Ability to make and implement case decisions, assess family's strengths and needs in all areas; to objectively plan, reason and negotiate.  Willing to work outside normal business hours.

 

Qualifications - Education, Experience, Licensure, and Certification-   High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services Field or related area is not required but preferred. Working knowledge of Housing Program Management and Development. Working knowledge of Human Service Programs.