Housing Specialist II

POSITION DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This classification is a senior-level position that will be responsible for providing a wide variety of public assistance through managing caseloads, determining eligibility of housing assistance, and performing administrative duties.  This classification will act as a liaison between owners, tenants, and government agencies to provide low income housing assistance.  Employees in this classification must be able to understand and apply appropriate regulations and will assist customers in person, over the phone, and through e-mail.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:*

Position Specific Summary
 

The Housing Specialist II position at the City of Tucson’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provides public assistance through determining eligibility of housing assistance, managing caseloads, and performing administrative duties. Housing Specialist II’s act as a liaison between owners, tenants, and government agencies to provide low-income housing assistance. Housing Specialist II’s are knowledgeable of and apply appropriate program regulations and provide customer assistance in person, over the phone, and through e-mail.

Work is performed under the supervision of a Housing supervisor. This position does not supervise.

Duties and Responsibilities

Interviews applicants, collects required data, and completes applications for continuing eligibility housing assistance. Reviews the Housing Choice Voucher Program with new applicants and answers questions in the group or individual setting. Verifies information received from applicants including income, assets, and allowances, to include social services, welfare (TANF/SNAP), childcare and medical expenses to determine continued eligibility for housing assistance or to make interim adjustments due to changes in financial circumstances of participants. Obtains criminal background from participants and applicants to ensure program compliance. Investigates reported changes in income, expenses, and participant status to determine if fraudulent information has been reported resulting in deficient participant rent portions and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Calculates and prorates applicant’s net income, rent, and utility allowances concurrent with the applicant’s acceptance of housing. Researches and interprets HUD regulations to effectively explain policies and procedures to disseminates rental assistance information to landlords, tenants, and applicants. Schedules eligible applicants for the Program briefing session. Schedules and conducts recertification appointments and interviews to determine continued eligibility.
 

Issues voucher authorizing clients to rent housing based on Housing Subsidy Standards. Distributes packages of information to certified participants relative to the Housing Choice Voucher program. Identifies errors in rent calculations and initiates measures to collect rent overpayments from participants. Computes subsidy payments and total tenant payments (TTP) in accordance to established HUD formulas from income data obtained in interviews and investigations. Generates contract drafts, interim changes, re-certifications, form letters, and other client information and/or correspondence. Prepares new files for participants relocating from one unit to another unit. Counsels applicants regarding the size unit, utility allowances, and rent amount allowable under HUD guidelines. Provides applicants with a landlord packet and a list of apartment and housing listing within the County. Performs rent reasonableness studies to determine if housing unit rent is comparable to others in the same area or neighborhood.
 

Responds to phone inquiries, compiles information to generate maintenance work orders, processes paperwork, prepares reports, enters information into the computer system, reviews files for accuracy, and prepares correspondence. Provides customer service by demonstrating tact and persuasion when dealing with customers who may be or become irate or distraught; listens to customer concerns and asks questions, demonstrates empathy, researches inquiries and discrepancies. Refers program participants to services offered by other community-based organizations. Coordinates with landlords and participants to facilitate occupancy and resolve landlord tenant issues. Communicates with housing inspectors to request inspections of rental units. Covers front desk in the absence of the front desk attendant to engage and assist with visitors as needed.
 

Assists in the preparation and analysis for required reporting including Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP), Rental Integrity Monitoring (RIM), and corrective action plans. Purges participant files to maintain current data and imports and converts data for merged files. Processes and documents participant files concerning possible determination from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Attends informal hearings related to program violations conducted by a hearing officer to provide information regarding lease agreement, case file notes, and other supporting documentation as needed. Consults and documents meetings with landlords regarding repeated violations of the dwelling lease agreement and Housing Choice Voucher program. Assists with quality control through regular audits of housing files and records to ensure compliance with program guidelines. Determines and processes income summaries for repayment agreements. Compiles and maintains applicant files consisting of initial applications and supplemental data accumulated through verification procedures. Assists in the compilation and reporting of data for HUD and other reports.
 

Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions

Mostly office environment.

* All duties, responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

Work Experience:

One (1) year of directly related experience

License:

Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

Work Experience:

-Community and Social Services, Customer Service

License/Certifications:

Languages:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree and equivalent two (2) years of related experience. 

Proficiency with housing software. 

Bi-lingual (English / Spanish). 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office. 

Prior experience providing face-to-face customer service with customers/clients. 

Housing Assistance Certifications from a certified organization. 

Candidates will be required to take mandatory training as a specialist in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program area they are assigned to work in. 

Must be able to access HUD systems as well as State of Arizona verification systems (i.e. DES). 

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Position Title:

Housing Specialist II

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click here.

Department Name: 

Housing and Community Development

Department Link: 

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development

Recruiter Name:

Elizabeth Reyes (202229)

Recruiter Email:

HCD_HR@tucsonaz.gov

FTE%:

100

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Position Type:

Regular

 COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Full Hourly Range: $19.97 - 34.44 USD

The Full Hourly Range reflects the City of Tucson's pay range at the time of posting. The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

 The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions.The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings.

With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours.

You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.

POSTING INFORMATION 

Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 12-08-2024 at 11:59 p.m. MST

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please see the special application instructions below and follow the directions for applying to this position.

Special Instructions:

Physical and lifting abilities/requirements are determined by position and are included in the position description.

Background Check:  This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. 

CITY OF TUCSON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status.  If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).  Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD 

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov

City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. 

Questions? If you need assistance applying for any position, please contact recruitment@tucsonaz.govor 520-791-4241or 520-791-4241 or 520-791-4241​.

HCD_HR@tucsonaz.gov