Housing Eligibility Specialist

Job Notice

Date Posted: January 2, 2025

Position: Housing Eligibility Specialist

Starting Rate: $23.28/ hour Job # 01-25

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled

Established in 1937, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is a national leader in providing safe, healthy and affordable housing options for the Austin community. HACA's mission is to cultivate sustainable affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self-reliance, growth and optimism.

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is looking for a motivated candidate to join a team that provides affordable housing and services to families and individuals in need of stable housing. The qualified candidate will coordinate service through the Housing Choice Voucher program and other rental assistance programs. HACA has been a leader in affordable housing in the City of Austin for more than 85 years. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local government entities, and numerous non-profit agencies, HACA provides access to safe, stable housing to over 20,000 individuals.

What you will do in this position:

• Rental Assistance Coordination: Oversee rental assistance for clients participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
• Leasing Cycle Management: Facilitate the leasing process, including issuing vouchers, scheduling inspections, and ensuring compliance from lease-up through ongoing eligibility.
• Eligibility and Certification: Conduct annual reexaminations, interim reviews, and certifications. Schedule appointments, collect documentation, perform data entry, calculate rent adjustments, and communicate changes to residents and property managers.
• Client Records Management: Maintain organized digital records, ensuring compliance with privacy and confidentiality regulations.
• HAP Contract Execution: Coordinate contract execution with property managers, obtain leases, and ensure accurate and timely subsidy payments.
• Client and Partner Support: Respond promptly to inquiries, provide guidance on program policies, and maintain positive relationships with clients, property managers, and partners.
• Program Compliance: Process terminations, address program violations, initiate fraud investigations, and handle voluntary withdrawals as necessary.
• Reporting: Prepare monthly caseload status reports for supervisors.
• Housing Resources: Offer clients information about housing options and resources to support self-sufficiency.
• Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

More about this position:

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; OR
• Four years related experience and/or training; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred candidates will also possess the following skills and abilities:

• Ability to provide compassionate and professional customer service to clientele of diverse backgrounds
• Strong computer skills (Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Docu Sign, Emphasys ELITE, and Laserfiche)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish, cultivate, and maintain effective working relationships with external partners, clients, and coworkers
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, business English and basic arithmetic
• Knowledge of standard bookkeeping principles, practices, and techniques
• Knowledge of HUD programs, regulatory compliance, the affordable housing industry
• Spanish language proficiency

More about the team:

The HACA Assisted Housing Department is a cohesive and committed team of affordable housing professionals. We work together to uphold the values and commitments of our agency, administer just and impactful programs, and maintain the highest standard of performance and program integrity. The primary task of this department is to administer the Housing Choice Voucher program. Together we support more than 6,000 households and pay more than $70 million in rental assistance every year.

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave, annual leave, birthday leave & federal holidays
• 100% of employee health insurance premiums paid by the agency
• Supplemental health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for employees and family
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid work schedule available

For a more detailed description of our compensation/benefits offered, go to the following website:  https://www.hacanet.org/employment/

APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT: Application for the open posted position must be submitted via online at the following website:  https://hacanet.applicantpro.com/ However, we will accept applications at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78704. No applications will be accepted after the noted closing dates on the job announcement. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin or sign up for job alerts at our career site. The HACA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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