What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist I position at Housing Authority of Baltimore City?
This posting will remain active until all vacancies are filled.
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has the responsibility to safeguard the health of all employees and their families, our customers and visitors, our residents, and the community at large. With this, all new employees are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. To be Fully vaccinated means you have received either two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Under direct supervision, provides clear and informative information orally and in writing to clients, tenants, landlords, other agencies, and employees. Performs client eligibility calculations that are in compliance with HUD guidelines. Maintains case management information, performs data entry and creates reports. Position requires excellent customer service skills and mathematical abilities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
1. Communicates with clients, property owners, tenants, other agencies, and employees by telephone, in writing, or in person.
Provides information about housing assistance programs.
• Assists with new client and landlord orientations.
• Explains HUD regulations and contract terms.
• Obtains documentation to assist clients.
• Completes accurate and expedient contract work.
2. Determines client eligibility and completes HUD’s re-certification and re-examination procedures for new and existing clients. Verifies household composition and income, coordinates unit inspections, contacts clients, and prepares paperwork.
3. Performs rent calculations on all approved units to determine contract rent, tenant portion, and Housing Assistance Payment portion. Performs rent reasonableness and rent affordability on all RFTA’s.
4. Gathers information from clients concerning landlord/tenant disputes and non-payment issues. Assists with preparing reports and work orders.
5. Prepares a variety of reports, documents, and records concerning Section 8 properties and property owners.
6. Performs case management functions. Maintains and analyzes information on account activities and accurately completes related data entry.
7. May perform the following duties: (1) Total Tenant Payments (TTP), Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), and utility allowances; and (2) Annual Income Reexaminations and Interim Changes.
8. Performs other related duties.
Required Knowledge and Abilities
1. Knowledge of the general operations and procedures of a Public Housing Agency (PHA).
2. Knowledge of the purposes, policies, and regulations of the Housing Authority as established by the Board of Commissioners.
3. Knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws governing assisted housing programs including health and fire regulations, landlord/tenant regulations, leasing of property, and evictions.
4. Knowledge of Section 8 Program policies and procedures to include the Housing Choice Voucher program, admission, occupancy, rent adjustment, inspections, and re-examinations.
5. Knowledge of report preparation techniques and procedures, and a demonstrated ability to prepare and evaluate professional and technical reports and other documents.
6. Knowledge of modern office equipment including copiers, personal computers, calculators, facsimile machines, etc. Proficient with MicroSoft Office products.
7. Ability to successfully complete and pass the Section 8 Rent Calculation and Section 8 Occupancy certification exams.
8. Ability to understand, act on, and interpret policies, regulations, and procedures as set forth by the Housing Authority and/or HUD.
9. Ability to treat all callers and visitors with unfailing courtesy, consideration, and maintain a professional attitude at all times.
10. Ability to express ideas, concepts, and statistics in writing reports, memos, letters, and public relations mediums.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, property owners, tenants, and local, state, and federal officials; ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.
Physical Requirements
1. Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines including computers, copiers, printers, facsimile machines, telephone, etc.
2. Must be able to work, move, or carry objects or materials such as files, computer printouts, reports, calculator, pencils, legal pads, etc.
Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience
1. Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a business or social service related degree.
2. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered sufficient.
Special Requirements
1. Section 8 Rent Calculation and Section 8 Occupancy certification within 12 months of employment.
