Vacancy expired!
The Northampton Housing Authority manages about 618 residential units (and growing), both elderly/disabled and family affordable units, currently all in Northampton and administers over 900 Section 8 Vouchers (Conventional HCV, VASH, Single Room Occupancy, Project Based, and Section 811 Mainstream) and MRVP. We are seeking a Occupancy Specialist to serve as a critical member of our Section 8 Team.
Must possess excellent communication, customer service, supervisory, administrative, and organizational skills, and be detail oriented. The ideal candidate will possess:
Proficiency in MS-Outlook and MS-Office applications; able to quickly learn new software applications;
Experience with Property Management/Section 8 software HAB, INC preferred;
Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate complex activities, prioritize conflicting demands and meet deadlines;
Must be able to work independently and able to establish strong collaboration based relationships with other staff and/or agencies;
Keen analytical skills and attention to detail;
Strong interpersonal skills. Good listening abilities;
Excellent spoken and written communication skills;
Knowledge of Fair Housing laws;
Knowledge of HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (preferred);
Knowledge of standards for applicant screening;
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds;
Multi-lingual preferred, but not required;
Ability to interact with employees and the public in a courteous and professional manner;
Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which include a computer, printer scanner, facsimile machine, copier, telephone, etc.;
Must be able to work with or move or carry objects of at least 10 pounds, including up-stairs;
Ability to sit for long periods of time and to operate computer utilizing repetitive motion of hands and wrists;
Must be able to deal with dispute resolution.
Overview of Position Responsibilities:
Screens and interviews program applicants and participants to determine initial and continuing program eligibility. Verifies provided information by requesting and reviewing third-party documentation obtained from employers, government programs and the on line Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) System, etc., regarding the participant's income, expenses and other factors affecting program eligibility and rent share.
Prepares, executes and issues all HCV contract documents between participants, landlords, the Housing Authority HCV program, and/or other housing agencies.
Schedules Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections with the Housing Inspectors.
Explains and interprets HUD and NHA policies, procedures and regulations to program participants including voucher subsidy applicants and recipients, and landlords; Policies and procedures include wait list process, program eligibility and income requirements, participant rent share, utility allowances, portability of voucher subsidy to other HCV programs, lease and grievance procedures, housing quality standards, and program rights and responsibilities.
Enforces compliance with HUD's regulations for "Rent Reasonableness" by comparing and evaluating rent amounts proposed by the Voucher holder and landlord against the amounts recommended for comparable housing units obtained from the computer program for rent reasonableness.
Negotiates with landlord for lower rent if necessary.
Education & Experience:
Experience with Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is preferred.
Section 8 Rent Calculation Certification from a recognized and reputable agency must be obtained within year of employment.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record;
Mandatory Background Check and Drug Screening;
