DEFINITION: To perform a variety of duties involved in assisting low income persons in locating and maintaining decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private rental market. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives supervision from the Section 8 Supervisor or delegate. EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Coordinates support staff in assigned areas. Performs initial, annual, and special unit inspections for Section 8 Housing Voucher and Shelter Plus Care Program units within program and Agency timelines; document condition of unit; ensures decent, safe and sanitary conditions of unit in compliance with HUD s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Advise property owners/property managers and participants of unit maintenance needs identified from inspections; conduct follow-up inspections of completed work and repairs. Determine the Agency s portion of reimbursement of owner claims using the condition of the unit as detailed in the initial inspection and the vacate inspection; analyze and detail damage claim data; ensure necessary documentation is complete; process forms for compensating owner for excessive damage, unpaid rent, and/or vacancy loss Conduct initial and transfer group or individual orientation classes in compliance with HUD rules and regulations and Agency policies and procedures; explain lease agreement provisions and contractual obligations; explain HQS requirements; ensure that necessary documents are completed and signed; answer questions from participants, owners and the public. Document the reasonableness of each contract rent based on the community rental market; apply the Fair Market Rents limitations; conduct research to determine the Page 1 of 5
EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES (continued): Document the reasonableness of each contract rent based on the community rental market; apply the Fair Market Rents limitations; conduct research to determine the reasonableness of the rent; negotiate rents with owners/property managers. Contribute to and maintain rent reasonableness database. Process transfer requests from participants; complete inspections; process forms and documents; coordinate activities with previous and current owners/property managers. Evaluate notices given by owners/property managers and participants to determine validity within the terms of the program regulations. Serve as liaison between program participant(and/or the participant s advocate) and the Agency; explain and clarify procedures, policies, rules and regulations and services. Serve as liaison between Agency and social service organizations; assist program participants and/or their advocates with information and referrals to community resources. Serve as liaison between owners/property managers and the Agency. Serve as in-office staff person; respond to emergency situations; answer questions and provide program information to participants and the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints. Utilize utility allowance tables; calculate special utility allowances as required. Participate in the investigations of allegations or indications of fraud and noncompliance; prepare necessary documentation; appear and testify at informal hearings; monitor participant compliance to requirements set by the Hearings Officer. Monitor voucher rents; determine if rent increases are within HUD regulation guidelines; compute and notify owner/property manager and participant of new rent amounts. Audit co-workers files, including special utility allowances, and pad space rental calculations. Maintain appropriate records and files; meet ongoing timelines for processing various program requirements; coordinate information with other staff members regarding participant and owner/property manager issues; maintain file narrations. Monitor owner compliance with the regulations as spelled out in the HAP contract. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Page 2 of 5
QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of and Proficiency in: Safety and health standards relating to Housing Procedures, techniques, and guidelines used in compliance with HUD s Housing Principles of managing a caseload of families. Principles and practices of record keeping. Principles of arithmetic and basic algebra. Current office procedures, methods, and equipment. Principles of business letter writing and report preparation. Operations, services and activities of the Section 8 Housing Assistance Programs. Public relations skills. Interviewing principles and techniques. Mediation and negotiation skills and techniques. Ability To: Learn which community agencies, programs and resources are available to program participants. Learn, interpret and apply HUD program rules and regulations and Agency policies and procedures. Learn, interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and standards related to the application of HUD s Housing Page 3 of 5
Ability To (continued): Learn, interpret and apply codes and standards related to residential construction, health and safety related to the application of HUD s Housing Learn, interpret and apply codes and standards related to residential construction, health and safety related to the application of HUD s Housing Prepare clear and concise reports. Perform housing inspections and determine needed repairs in compliance with Housing Gain cooperation through discussion and mediation. Learn and apply hearings policies and procedures. Investigate complaints and recommend corrective action necessary to resolve complaints. Respond to requests and inquiries in a timely manner. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records within the established program and Agency timelines. Operate standard office equipment. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Perform public speaking. Perform work assignments within program and Agency established timelines. Page 4 of 5
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Three (3) years of responsible community or social service experience with an emphasis in managing a caseload. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in social work or a related field is desirable. LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid State of Oregon driver s license and be insurable at the standard rates. 09/22/2011 Page 5 of 5