Housing Assistance Specialist (Section 8)

The Housing Assistance Specialist performs clerical and technical work of routine difficulty processing the required forms and documentation necessary to effectuate required documents/processes with Housing Choice Voucher Program participants, landlords, and Opportunity Home. The specialist routinely interacts with participants and landlords of diverse backgrounds. Essential Duties + Responsibilities The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed. These essential functions require a consistent presence in the work environment on a regular basis, and regular attendance must be maintained. Conducts interviews with clients to obtain information required to determine eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, establish the client's portion of the rent, and complete internal forms processing in a timely manner. Processes amendments to the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract, between Opportunity Home and the landlord, to reflect changes in family composition or income and during recertifications in a timely manner. Executes HAP Contracts with property landlords after receiving approved Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection reports within established time parameters. Generates HAP, adjustments to HAP, and overpayments to landlords after reviewing the HAP amount. Maintains client's file integrity in accordance with Opportunity Home's privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations. Maintains working knowledge of Special Programs and Move-to-Work (MTW) programs, processes, and procedures. Translates program procedures to participants to ensure proper explanation of participants' responsibilities in the program. Investigates previously reported income for discrepancies by reviewing participants' files and analyzing past fluctuations in income and expenses. Terminates participants in the system; closes out files, reviews files for possible termination, makes decisions based on policies and procedures to continue with termination, closes out portability files when the client is absorbed, processes portability billing, and runs reports (e.g., EIV Reports, etc.) to ensure proper processing of terminations. Manages financial accounts for other Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) when billing for participants who port to/from Opportunity Home. Reviews accepted forms and participant information, including employment and earnings, for completeness and accuracy, and corrects information if necessary. Responds timely to inquiries from owners, clients, and the general public by providing general information about the Assisted Housing Programs and resolves client concerns regarding housing assistance and HAP for clients and owners in a timely manner. Manages a high volume of phone calls, emails, and in-person visits on individual participant cases. Manages multi-step processes and turnaround times for the completion of each step or phase of the process. Researches information received through the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system and/or other third-party sources to determine program fraud and abuse, and prepares documentation for fraud investigations. Maintains a working knowledge of policies and procedures established by Opportunity Home and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and applies the rules and regulations to daily tasks. Maintains working knowledge of HQS inspections and procedures to be able to understand/relay inspection items that fail for HQS to clients, as well as assist clients with the inspection process. Follow up with Inspectors for documents and/or clarification of participant information. Attends regularly scheduled training to maintain HCV certification. Complete all duties as assigned or requested as outlined in operational and procedural guidelines. These guidelines are maintained and issued in the event of an emergency situation that arises at a property or any other location that serves our residents or employees. Participate in Trauma Informed Care (TIC) initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to achieve and/or maintain certification as a TIC organization. Recognize the significance of a data-driven organization that adheres to expanded policies and practices in the area of data governance. Learn the distinct and different roles to include: Data Trustee, Data Domain Stewards, Data System Custodians, Data Stewards and Data Users. Effectively collaborate with the various data roles as needed on a daily basis or in a project capacity. Employees are expected to use Generative AI solutions ethically and responsibly. Other duties as assigned. Behavioral Competencies This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills Values Driven | Demonstrates an understanding of the values (Compassion, Equity, and Excellence) and embodies the values in their work and interactions with residents, vendors, co-workers, supervisors, board members, community members, and other stakeholders. Customer Service | Responds with Compassion in a professional manner to the expectations and needs of internal and external customers; is friendly and helpful to all customers, fostering positive relationships while providing Excellent service. Effective Use of Information | Communicates important information to those who need to know clearly, securely, effectively, orally and/or in writing; proactively exchanges accurate and timely information. Commitment and Continuous Improvement | Sets the standard for Excellence by proactively pursuing innovation through systematic experimentation and learning. Corrects mistakes by assessing appropriate processes, proposing adjustments, and prioritizing long-term solutions. Teamwork | Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits Compassion, objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts of Excellence; attends, supports, and participates in the organization's team building events. Responsiveness and Accountability | Demonstrates a high level of Excellence and holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; complies with procedures and directives and understands the importance of maintaining and managing confidential information; recognizes and anticipates issues and provides a responsive resolution in a timely manner. Education Required High School Diploma or GED Experience Required Two (2) years of experience in case management, client services, or social work. Must have the ability to learn and use cloud applications such as the Google GSuite applications, including but not limited to Google Chrome Browser, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Understand document sharing and collaboration in the cloud. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, cloud-accessible applications, including but not limited to OneDrive, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or a MAC or PC desktop equivalent, is acceptable. Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, work history verification, and drug screening test. Preferred Education and Experience Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification. Bilingual speaker and writer in English and Spanish. Knowledge of housing programs. Ability to learn cloud technologies such as LucidChart for diagram, workflow, and chart drawing. Experience with Vizio or equivalent is acceptable. Basic understanding of Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to connect to internal business systems. License + Certificates Required Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification is required within 18 months of employment (depending on availability of training) and no more than three attempts to pass the certification. Texas Class "C" driver's license at the time of placement and insurable by Opportunity Home San Antonio liability and fleet insurance carrier. Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks. Technical Skills To perform this job successfully, the employee should have Understands the agency's Mission, Vision, and Values, and directs work within these guiding principles and operational framework. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Knowledge of client service principles and practices and interviewing skills, and techniques. Intermediate reading and writing. Intermediate skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands with excellent problem-solving and organizational skills while meeting established deadlines. Intermediate working knowledge of computer software, including Microsoft Office and Mail Merge, Google Docs, with the ability to learn new software applications. Intermediate skill in reading, interpreting, and applying HUD rules and regulations, and Opportunity Home policies and procedures. Ability to work independently and in a team, and apply leadership, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills. Intermediate skill in analyzing problems and determining appropriate courses of action. Written and verbal communication skills to promote professional relationships with internal and external clients. Ability to work with a diverse population. Ability to project a professional image at all times. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, operating computers and other office equipment, walking and moving about the office and/or community property, and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to complete data entry, utilize various portals, and communicate via email and verbally via telephone. Will need the ability to walk large properties and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Office Environment The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. High level of interaction with external/internal clients. May be transferred or be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods in order to support business needs. Outside Environment Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events. ADA Statement In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will make reasonable accommodations to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business. Ethics As a public agency, the organization is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors, and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Opportunity Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, marital status, veteran status, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Opportunity Home is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. Disclaimer The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This position specification is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this position specification at any time without notice.