Job Opening: Housing Counselor/Inspector

Housing Counselor / Inspector -- Salary Range : $33,072 - $40,000 a year -- Apply Online

Title: Housing Counselor/Inspector

Reports To: HCV Homeownership Supervisor

Department/Division: Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) / Homeownership

Position Summary:

Performs counseling assistance, investigation, and eligibility verification for applicants in various housing programs. Must have good knowledge of basic office practices, skills, and techniques. Must be able to make, enter, and interpret many mathematical computations. Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.

Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Housing Software. Must pass a certification exam on calculations and eligibility within one year.

Responsibilities:

Undertakes and performs the following and other work-related duties as assigned.

Casework/Administrative Duties:

1. Answers inquiries concerning policies and practices associated with the application and/or re-examination processes in a courteous and professional manner or routes/direct inquiries to appropriate staff.
2. Schedules appointments and assists in explaining programs and eligibility requirements to applicants.
3. Ensures clear background checks for clients to be recertified. Performs final eligibility verifications.
4. Based on information and Waiting List data, contacts eligible applicants to offer available units in accordance with Agency HCV Program policies and procedures.
5. Prepares lease-up packets and briefs new clients on occupancy and lease requirements.
6. Reviews lease documents for accuracy and completeness and execute leases, and issues HAP Vouchers.
7. Assists in preparation and distribution of notices of rent violations and assists HCV Homeownership Supervisor with lease enforcement.
8. Prepares/completes Form HUD-50058 in an accurate and timely manner and sends it to the HCV Homeownership Supervisor for quality control review prior to timely electronic submission to the PIC system.
9. Collects and reviews interim transfer and re-certification information, evaluates, verifies, and calculates information and rent for recertification and move-in. Explains rent calculation to clients and assists with the completion of recertification materials as necessary. Prepares and sends appropriate notices of rent adjustments in accordance with HUD regulations.
10. Schedules and conducts re-examination interviews with clients.
11. Ensures proper verification methods/processing for each re-examination in accordance with HUD and Agency policies and procedures. Examines and resolves income discrepancies as necessary.
12. Reviews and discusses non-compliant client issues with HCV Homeownership Supervisor to ensure clients are provided with reasonable opportunity to meet requirements to remain in compliance.
13. Enters lease-up and move-out data into the system, as needed.
14. Processes and maintains files and correspondence associated with the leasing/occupancy process.
15. Maintains account information such as present rent and coordinates other collections due and reconciliation of rent and other charges collected throughout the month with appropriate personnel.
16. Accurately updates the system with system notes and ensures compliance with program requirements and regulations. Reviews client/applicant files/folders and verification forms for accuracy and completeness and accurately input data into the computer in a timely manner.
17. Reconciles Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) and provides the required information to the Finance Department to process to be sent to the Landlords.
18. Compiles statistical data and prepares reports related to completed recertification, applicant folders, occupancy, and clients as required.
19. Documents and investigates resident complaints and schedules appointments to discuss and initiate solutions or refers to HCV Homeownership Supervisor as appropriate to the situation.

HQS Inspection Duties:

1. Performs, documents, records, and uploads into appropriate system initial, interim, move-out, special, or recertification inspections of units for compliance with HQS and City Code. Advises owners/landlords and program participants of inspection results, ensure required repairs are completed, and encourages proper maintenance of units. Prepares all inspection-related correspondence, documents, and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
2. Presents HQS information at the applicant, client, and moving briefings.
3. Assists with landlord meetings to attract new and maintain current landlords. Ensures the program is landlord-friendly without sacrificing duty to participants and to HUD.
4. Makes home visits as scheduled or as required.
5. Photographs housekeeping inspections to document conditions at the time of inspection.
6. Reports to the HCV Homeownership Supervisor any and all violations that occur that may be life-threatening and/or not in compliance with preset standards.
7. Informs the HCV Homeownership Supervisor of situations and/or conditions of participants' non-compliance with housing assistance contract and Housing Agency policies.
8. Notifies owners and program participants in writing of unit code/HQS violations so that deficiencies can be corrected within a specified time; notifies participants of trash or debris that needs their attention; and notifies participants when employees or contractors will need access to their units.
9. Recommends code-compliant solutions for rehabilitation/repair problems.
10. Assists in mediating disputes between landlords and participants.
11. Recommends abatement, detainment, and termination of HCV housing assistance payment contracts and supports the HCV Homeownership Supervisor in the preparation of termination of assistance. Sends a letter of abatement notice to owner/tenant within the specified time period.
12. May conduct utility and rent reasonableness comparability analysis on Section 8 units and may recommend amount of initial contract rent and rent adjustments based on comparable, unassisted housing. May maintain Rent Reasonableness comparable information for single-family dwellings, apartments, and duplexes.
13. Performs, documents, and logs participant complaints and owner damage-claim inspections. Advises parties of results and ensures actions are taken to comply with HOS.
14. Assists in creating/maintaining landlord/owner and contractor pool.
15. Assists in mediation between contractor and client to resolve differences of opinion and provides building code interpretations and applications as required.
16. Maintains complete records/files for the area of responsibility in an accurate and timely manner.
17. Handles documents on a variety of general, personal, and technical topics of a highly confidential nature and maintains the confidentiality of all documents and information received by or in the possession of the employee.
18. Participates in job and certification training; attends continuing education classes for certifications and to stay abreast of current codes, regulations, and laws governing area of responsibility.
19. May greet the general public and explains the HOS/HUD rules and regulations.
20. Participates in job and certification training; attends continuing education classes for certifications and to stay abreast of current codes, regulations, and laws governing area of responsibility.
21. Ensures privacy and maintains the security of confidential materials.
22. Attends meetings, seminars, and conferences to keep abreast of new trends, activities, and concepts in the HCV. Supports, assists, and works with other Agencies and affiliated organizations in joint efforts, which are mutually beneficial.
23. Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Agency standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree in Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university and two ) years of experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to fulfill essential position functions.

The following certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment or another allowable period of hire as authorized by the Executive Director or his/her designee:

• Housing Choice Voucher Occupancy Specialist
• Rent Calculation Enterprise Income Verification System (EIV)
• Fair Housing Housing Quality Standards (HOS)

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Knowledge of general construction, real estate, and inspections techniques, principles, and procedures applicable to all types of residential structures, including foundations, framing, plumbing, HVAC, interiors, and insulation; federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to Housing Agency policies and procedures on Housing Quality Standards (HOS).
2. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations and Agency policies and procedures pertaining to public housing.
3. Thorough knowledge of interviewing techniques and record maintenance.
4. Ability to inspect and determine necessary repairs for units to meet City Code and HOS.
5. Ability to detect defects and faults in construction and to assess compliance with established standards.
6. Ability to meet and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
7. Ability to understand and follow moderately complex written and oral instructions, communicate and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
8. Ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established administrative rules, regulations, and policies to explain the re-examination process to clients in an objective and impartial manner.
9. Working knowledge of the operation of the Agency's computer system and applicable software.
10. Knowledge of basic math principles sufficient to perform calculations for determining rent, resolving discrepancies, and PIC and EIV errors.
11. Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and make appropriate recommendations within the scope of responsibility.
12. Ability to use basic office equipment such as telephone, fax, copier, and computer.
13. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, verbally, and in writing.
14. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees.
15. Ability to deal effectively with situations requiring tact and diplomacy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $33,072.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Pay may depend on skills and/or qualifications.

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location