Director - Housing Choice Voucher Program

GENERAL SUMMARY

Since 1938, the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority (PRHA) has been a dedicated member of the Portsmouth community working passionately to provide and manage affordable housing in our area. PRHA is a Move to Work (MTW) agency that will enable an extensive list of flexibilities and innovative practices, including a locally designed rent structure, and risk-based inspection protocols. The duties of the position include a wide range of activities in support of the administration of 2,700 Housing Choice Voucher Program. This includes but not limited to the following vouchers: Mainstream, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Fostering Youth Initiatives (FYI), Family Unification Program (FUP), Emergency Housing (EHV), Single Room Occupancy (SRO), Tenant Protection (TPV) and Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) vouchers.    The Director in this role will, under the supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, oversee the Housing Choice Voucher Program, developing goals and objectives, monitoring progress, setting budgets, managing contracts, supervising all Department personnel, and assuring compliance with government regulations. The work will involve setting policies and determining program approaches in consultation with the Deputy Executive Director and the Executive team. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Collaborating with the Executive Team and the Deputy Executive Director for HUD Programs to develop department goals and initiatives, to design new programs and approaches, and to assess progress. 
• Developing the annual HCV department budget and monitoring financial results on an ongoing basis. 
• Directing the Department’s leadership team in supervising and administering all aspects of program operation including monitoring utilization levels, determining payment standards, assessing field inspection quality, overseeing client case management, housing stability, participant outcomes, maintaining good landlord relations, and assuring compliance with HUD requirements. 
• Responsible for managing and understanding data in all database systems used by the HCVP operations including HUD’s Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Center (PIC), Voucher Management System (VMS), and Two Year Forecasting Tool; Emphasys Elite Software and all other systems in operation or under development.
• Oversees the Department’s business processes, including the development of efficient and effective workflow, quality assurance, and provision of appropriate technical support for program staff. 
• Assigning, leading, training and auditing the work of staff; recommending merit recognition, promotions and disciplinary actions, adjudicating grievances; recruiting, coaching, counseling, and evaluating staff performance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Strong background in affordable housing including an in-depth understanding of laws, rules, and regulations, policies and procedures related to HUD’s federally subsidized housing programs.
• Proficient in the use of technology in order to produce HCV programmatic reports; have proven experience with HCV programs and processes (including waitlist management, intake appointments, voucher management, reporting, audits, and determining eligibility) and HUD requirements related to the program; have a strong managerial background; demonstrated strong organization, problem-solving and communication skills; and the ability to work independently interpreting HUD regulations. Certification as a Housing Choice Voucher Program Specialist, Certified Voucher Specialist, or similar a plus.
• Ability to communicate with and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, landlords, and the public.
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Strong leader who communicates a sense of mission and vision, backed by the ability to establish and accomplish goals and objectives. Brings a proven track record of delivering results, designing innovative programs, and leading diverse groups of people to sustain a high-performing operation 
• Ability to supervise others effectively and collaboratively, reinforcing good performance and dealing firmly but fairly with less than satisfactory performance.
• Ability to meet both internal and SEMAP program deadlines.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree. 
• Five years of progressively responsible positions within a Public Housing Authority with an emphasis on program compliance within the HCV program.