Public Housing Specialist

Job Title:  Public Housing Specialist Job Classification Code:  G-14 Reports to:  Property Manager

Employee Status:  Hourly – Non-Exempt

Starting Salary: $36,753

Job Summary:

Conduct initial assessment of individuals interested in Public Housing in accordance with established procedures. Enter information in computer and process applications in accordance with established procedures and regulations. Maintain files and records. Identify and contact applicants eligible for vacant units. Provide assistance and clerical support to property manager or assistant property manager in the day-to-day operation of assigned property. Collect and record rent and other charges. Receive requests for repairs, and generate work orders. Assist and encourage residents to become self- sufficient by referring to programs directed toward self-sufficiency. Conduct annual re-examinations to verify continued program eligibility.

Education/Certification Requirements:

Person must have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) supplemented with additional classes in accounting or business. Long-term this position will be certified as a Property Specialist. Person must be certified within 120 days of employment.

Experience Requirements:

Experience of 2 years working in a position involving public contact, preferably in a real estate setting, using a computer to enter data, generate records, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One year of accounting experience is also needed. Yardi and/or Rent Café Software are desirable.

Qualifications:

This position requires a valid Florida driver’s license and the ability to pass a pre-employment screening, and criminal records check, and eligible for coverage under Authority fleet auto insurance.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge  of  Authority  policies  and  procedures,  particularly  as  they  pertain  to  property management
• Knowledge  of  ACOP  and  Department  of  Housing  and  Urban  Development  (HUD)  rules  and regulations that apply to property management
• Knowledge  of laws and standards  that  apply  to property management, such as  Fair Housing Laws, OSHA Standards, Local and State Building Codes, and HUD UPCS
• Knowledge of basic building maintenance and fire prevention liability reduction principles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Knowledge of the operation of authority computer system and software (YARDI)
• Knowledge  of the agencies  that provide  assistance and  services to residents, including some knowledge of eligibility requirements
• Professional working proficiency of English including spelling, usage and grammar sufficient to produce oral and written communication that is clear, concise, grammatically correct, cogent, and structured according to standard business practice
• Knowledge  of  mathematics  sufficient  to  perform  calculations  required  for  summarizing  rent collections, making deposits, and for rent adjustments
• Ability to maintain required accurate and easy to audit records such as tenant files, etc.
• Ability to read and understand policies and guidelines
• Ability to prepare clear concise reports and make appropriate recommendations within scope of responsibility
• Ability to use basic office equipment such as telephone, fax, copier, and computer
• Ability to generate records, receipts, and reports efficiently using a calculator and the computer system
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with peers, superiors, residents, community service agencies, and the public

Duties/Responsibilities of Position:

• Conduct initial assessment regarding applicant eligibility for public housing and take appropriate action in accordance with established procedures and HUD regulations

• Interview applicants to determine eligibility for housing
  • Obtain income and other required verification
  • Conduct background screening, as needed
  • Complete application and inform applicant of decision
  • Refer clients to agencies that provide services needed by clients
  • Perform rent calculations
  • Process requests for transfer in accordance with established procedures

• Prepare,  maintain,  and  update  financial  and  other  records,  including  collections  of  rent  and other charges

• Collect  rent  and  other  charges  from  residents  and  enter  corresponding  data  into computer system
  • Post  charges  associated  with  work  order,  late  charges,   by  entering  them  in computer and generating notices for residents
  • Prepare bank deposits
  • Maintain  tenant  files  and  related  documentation  regarding  continuing  eligibility  and adjustments
  • Maintain records of residents’ community service hours as appropriate
  • Maintain parking log and vehicle registration

• Assist residents with special problems and promote amicable tenant relations:

• Counsel resident who are not complying with the terms of the lease, and concerning delinquent payments
  • Refer residents with special problems, such as economic, social, legal, health, etc. to groups or agencies that provide assistance, or to resident initiatives coordinator, as appropriate
  • Resolve conflict and complaints among residents, if possible, in  order   to  avoid grievances

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Demands/Environment:

Work is principally sedentary, must be able to sit or stand for long periods as well as carry/handle file folders. Although it is usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted, and ventilated. The person may be exposed to repetitive motion, vision strain, noise, and verbal abuse on a regular basis.

As a Regular Employee, you are eligible to receive the following benefits paid by the Commission:

• Eleven paid holidays
  • Up to Eighteen days (182 hours) of vacation
  • Ten + days (104 hours) of sick time
  • Subsidized Health Insurance
  • Group Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Policy
  • Short term and long-term disability insurance
  • Paid bereavement leave up to four days is permitted in the event of death of an immediate family member
  • Florida State Retirement
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • 4 Day Workweek (10 hours per day)

In addition to the above, the Authority’s Flexible Benefits Plan is authorized under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, and permits employees to us pre-tax dollars to pay for their portion of cost of benefits.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job classification. Incumbents may not perform all job duties listed, some incumbents may perform some duties, which are not listed, and incumbents may be requested to perform job- related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.