640 Housing Choice Voucher Specialist

1 - 1 - 640 housing choice voucher specialist Nature of Work This is responsible technical and administrative work assisting with the coordination of the Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based Voucher program in accordance with existing HUD regulations and guidelines for the Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority (KHRA). Activities associated with the job include program outreach and negotiation with property owners, calculating Housing assistance, maintaining data to support established utility allowances, conducting annual interviews with residents and assisting with the coordination of monthly payments to property owners.

2 Additional responsibilities include assisting with rent reasonableness studies and assisting with the electronic transmission of various HUD required reports and data. Job responsibilities require strong organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills, considerable knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher program rules and regulations, strong accounting and mathematical skills and dedicated attention to detail. Job performance is evaluated by the Deputy Director through review of the accuracy and timeliness of required reports and financial transactions, organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills, knowledge of program rules and regulations and level of administrative and accounting support provided for the Housing Choice Voucher program.

3 Job duties are also subject to annual independent and HUD (SEMAP) audits. Illustrative Examples of Work Assists with receiving and processing applications from individuals and families requesting rental assistance and places eligible applicants on the waiting list. Meets with property owners and program applicants to sign required paperwork. Contacts area employers and governmental agencies to establish proof of income and citizenship status. Performs criminal background checks on applicants.

4 Ensures leases are executed between eligible Housing applicants and property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. Assists with contacting prospective and/or current property owners to negotiate rents. Calculates rental payments and utility allowances in accordance with local fair market rents for various bedroom sizes based upon applicant income. Maintains ledgers, files and other documents in support of program activities. Assists with running initial reports and making corrections prior to processing rental payments for property owners.

5 Assists with preparing all HCV transactions for the month for transmittal to the HUD system including move-outs, move-ins, annual and interim re-certifications and terminations. Assists with transmitting 50058 family reports and correcting errors utilizing the HUD PIC - 2 - system. Assists with receiving, investigating, and resolving resident and/or landlord issues pertaining to Housing conditions, maintenance needs and/or lease violations. Assists with conducting briefing sessions for groups of eligible applicants to provide information about rental assistance programs.

6 Assists with the portability of incoming and outgoing families who wishes to transfer their vouchers. Refers residents and applicants to appropriate community resource programs for assistance when necessary. Assists with termination proceedings for failure to comply with program regulations and/or lease provisions. Conducts annual and interim recertification interviews with existing residents and updates resident information as required. Assists with negotiating and monitoring fraud/repayment agreements.

7 Assists with organizing, maintaining and purging all program required/related records and files. Remains current on assisted Housing regulations, landlord tenant law and related issues. Assists with compiling all necessary information for the Voucher Management System (VMS) report for submission to HUD. Assists with conducting quality control on case files in accordance with SEMAP requirements and corrects any inaccuracies and/or deficiencies when necessary. Assists with preparing receipts for incoming accounts receivables and prepares the deposit for submission to the finance department.

8 Participate in the development and implementation of goals, work plans, performance measures, and continuous improvement of service delivery. Assist in department initiatives, agency core strategies and mission through a spirit of service, teamwork and respect. Follow directions and work respectfully and courteously with other employees, participants and the general public. Performs related duties as required. Necessary Requirements of Work Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with an Degree in public or business administration, social services or related field, preferably supplemented with experience in property management; experience working with individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds; strong organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills; considerable knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher program.

9 Strong accounting and/or bookkeeping skills; or any equivalent combination of education or experience to provide the following critical knowledge, abilities and skills: - 3 - Considerable knowledge of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based Voucher program regulations and guidelines including SEMAP criteria and indicators, PIC reporting requirements, and the Voucher Management System regulations. Considerable knowledge of the current Tennessee Landlord/Tenant Law, local Housing ordinances and local Housing building codes.

10 Considerable knowledge of the Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority Administrative Plan governing the Housing Choice Voucher program. Considerable knowledge of the reporting requirements and required documentation pertaining to the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Considerable knowledge of the methods and practices utilized to determine fair market rents and utility allowances. Considerable knowledge of acceptable accounting practices and methods including the use of internal controls, receipt and disbursement of funds, reconciliation of accounts, etc.