Housing Assistance Technician

Under direction, collects and reviews information, interviews and/or investigates applicants and participants to determine eligibility for public housing or housing assistance programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Project Based Voucher PBV program. The selected individual will inform applicants/participants of regulations affecting their rights and obligations as participants on the HCV and/or PBV programs; does related work as required. BASIC FUNCTIONS: The Newark Housing Authority is looking for a professional, well-organized, compassionate individual with great attention to detail to serve as a Housing Assistance Technician. The position will service participants in assisting low-income families and individuals, who may include homeless, elderly or disabled, to secure affordable housing and improved living conditions with the goal of improved quality of life and self-sufficiency The Housing Assistance Technician will ensure programmatic and policy compliance of the Newark Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program / Project-Based Voucher Program participant files. Responsible for approving re-examinations of Newark Housing Authority participants to determine continued eligibility including reviewing the file for completeness and accuracy; calculating income and deductions; determining HAP, TTP and Tenant Rent to Owner; and communicating with staff, participants and property owners as needed. Responsible for ensuring that all required documents are in the participant’s file and all rent calculations are correct. Communicates with Housing Technicians as needed and assists with corrections to participant files. Develops and issues regular quality control reports, on a monthly or other appropriate interval, including statistical results, analyses, and recommendations. Communicates and may follow up on instances of suspected program fraud. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Demonstrate knowledge of HUD rules and regulations, NHA program procedures, forms and NHA Administrative Plan and ACOP. Review, correct and ensure the accuracy of re-certification files monthly according to HUD regulation and PHA policy and procedures. Explains to applicants or program participants and property owners, the purpose of program and agency requirements for eligibility, procedures for application or re-certification, and clarifies any questions applicant may have regarding the program (for example, estimated rent payments, site preference, other factors) to inform applicant about eligibility and financial program assistance. Perform and complete annual re-certifications, interim re-certifications, new admissions, transfers, portability, special program referrals (as assigned), terminations, and rent increases for the HCV and PBV Program participants. Ensure that all necessary documents are present in participant files in accordance with HUD and PHA requirements. Ensure that all rent calculations are completed accurately and are properly supported through documentation in the HCV participant’s file. Ensure that all information on the HUD form 50058 is accurate and properly supported through documentation in the HCV participant’s file and memos. Monitor participant moves and lease terminations. Accurately enter data into appropriate databases. Conduct briefings with Program applicants/participants to explain HUD, and administrative plan guidelines. Answer telephone inquiries from participants and property owners. Return all calls and emails within 48 hours. May be required to write/enter answers on form to complete application form for client. Accurately verify information collected from multiple sources based on HUD prescribed verification procedures and according to NHA Administrative Plan. Certify that completed files are accurate and ready for audit. Other duties as assigned. Occasional communing may be required. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Minimum of (2) year experience working with economically and socially disadvantaged individuals and/or families, or Minimum of (2) year experience working with a financial institution providing consumer banking services; preparing client files or providing audit services, or Minimum of (2) year of experience in securing and verifying information and making determinations or recommendations pertaining to such matters as the eligibility or qualifications of applicants. Excellent Customer Service skills. Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications: Outlook, Word, and Excel. Excellent Organization skills. Ability to operate necessary office equipment, computers and peripherals. Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations. Must be able to perform assigned tasks in a remote work environment when required. Must have the ability to adapt to a changing work environment. Must be able to meet productivity and accuracy requirements. Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Project-Based Voucher Program requirements, policies and procedures. Ability to safeguard confidential and sensitive information. Ability to determine a solution and what method to follow based upon the transaction that needs to be completed. Ability to exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the organization. Ability to articulate program requirements for recertification to program participants, property owners, and other agency affiliates. TRAINING Certification in Housing Choice Voucher or Project-Based Voucher Program Proficiency within 90 days of hire. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. BENEFITS Fulltime employees are offered Health, Vision, Dental, Life, LTD, STD, and Rx Plan, benefits after 60 days of employment