Fore more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/swiftcounty/jobs/5220287/hra-program-specialist?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Position Summary
Performs work determining the eligibility and enrollment of participants for rental assistance
programs. Must accurately interpret and apply multiple complex policies and procedures through
the Administrative Plan, HUD notices and statutes. Works under limited supervision to make
eligibility decisions for rental assistance programs and collaborates with the Development Director
on complex cases and policy.
Performs intermediate skilled administrative support work processing and maintaining all
accounting duties for the HRA which includes accounts payable and receivable and collection and
distribution of HRA funds.
Scope of Responsibility
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
A. Serve as the primary contact for the HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program
and expenditure of federal funds.
A.1. Manage waiting list for HCV program according to Administrative Plan requirements.
A.2. Communicates program requirements and explains application procedure to
individuals or groups.
A.3. Conducts complex case evaluations and extensive personal interviews to
determine eligibility including background checks, income verifications, and other
HUD requirements. Reviews all mandatory HUD materials with each participant.
A.4. Determine eligibility initially, at recertification, and interims as required in
accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and the Administrative Plan.
A.5. Issue vouchers and complete briefing.
A.6. Complete inspection of the unit to verify it meets HUD-required standards.
A.7. Coordinate paperwork between participant and landlord.
A.8. Authorize monthly HAP and utility payments.
A.9. Responds to participant questions, concerns, and complaints through verbal and
written correspondence.
A.10. Initiates procedures to approve, modify, deny, or terminate eligibility for rental
assistance.
A.11. Researches and interprets policies and regulations established by legislative
statutes and HUD on eligibility.
A.12. Monthly reporting from PHA-web to make recommendations on projected funding.
Work with supervisor to determine how many vouchers to issue. Discuss payment
standard with supervisor annually.
A.13. Review utility allowances.
A.14. Compete and record annual plans following HUD requirements.
A.15. Utilize approved translators to assist communication with participants as needed.
A.16. Make appropriate referrals to other community services.
A.17. Prepares and participates in participant appeals.
A.18. Identifies potential fraud and makes fraud referrals. Resolves EIV and PIC
discrepancies in a timely manner.
A.19. Calculate overpayments and establish Repayment Agreements.
A.20. Clarifies and explains information regarding programs to other agency staff, County
Board members, and other authorized representatives.
B. Administer the Bring It Home MN Rental Assistance program.
B.1. Manage waiting list for BIH program according to Administrative Plan requirements.
B.2. Communicates program requirements and explains application procedure to
individuals or groups.
B.3. Conducts complex case evaluations and extensive personal interviews to
determine eligibility including background checks, income verifications, and other
HUD requirements. Reviews all mandatory HUD materials with each participant.
B.4. Determine eligibility initially, at recertification, and interims as required in
accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and the Administrative Plan.
B.5. Issue vouchers and complete briefing.
B.6. Complete inspection of the unit to verify it meets HUD-required standards.
B.7. Coordinate paperwork between participant and landlord.
B.8. Authorize monthly HAP and utility payments.
B.9. Responds to participant questions, concerns, and complaints through verbal and
written correspondence.
B.10. Initiates procedures to approve, modify, deny, or terminate eligibility for rental
assistance.
B.11. Researches and interprets policies and regulations established by legislative
statutes and HUD on eligibility.
B.12. Monthly reporting from PHA-web to make recommendations on projected funding.
Work with supervisor to determine how many vouchers to issue. Discuss payment
standard with supervisor annually.
B.13. Review utility allowances.
B.14. Compete and record annual plans following HUD requirements.
B.15. Utilize approved translators to assist communication with participants as needed.
B.16. Make appropriate referrals to other community services.
B.17. Prepares and participates in participant appeals.
B.18. Identifies potential fraud and makes fraud referrals. Resolves EIV and PIC
discrepancies in a timely manner.
B.19. Calculate overpayments and establish Repayment Agreements.
B.20. Clarifies and explains information regarding programs to other agency staff, County
Board members, and other authorized representatives.
C. Enter data specified computer programs.
D. Serve as grant compliance assistance, specifically for Federal Home Loan Bank, Small
cities Development Programming, HUD through file management and audit preparation.
E. Ability to prepare agendas and minutes.
F. Serve as a rental property liaison which can include, but not limited to, management of
current waitlists, advertisements of vacancies, working with agency subcontractors and
collecting rent.
G. Collects rent and security deposits.
Additional Functions
A. Attends trainings as needed.
B. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
C. Acquire Housing Quality Standards Certification within one year.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A. High School Diploma or GED and Associate Degree in relevant field or equivalent and
moderate relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
B. Experience working with MS Office.
C. Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
A. One year of experience in administering HUD rental assistance programs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of housing and community and
economic development programming.
B. Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of federal
guidelines governing subsidized housing.
C. Ability to read and understand County and state policies and procedures.
D. Ability to interpret complex policy, complete research and troubleshoot software programs
to get the anticipated eligibility.
E. Knowledge of laws and ethics pertaining to data privacy.
F. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
G. General knowledge of current social, economic and health problems.
H. Ability to work with diverse tenants, participants, and cultures.
I. Ability to effectively deescalate hostile situations.
J. Knowledge of community resources
K. Ability to exercise professional judgement, critical thinking, and in-depth analysis of
information collected from participants and data sources to ensure program integrity.
L. Ability to prioritize and organize tasks; handling multiple interruptions to ensure
performance standards are achieved.
M. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
N. Ability to work with community partners, public, attorneys, HUD, landlords, employers, law
enforcement, Social Security Administration, financial institution, community action
partnerships, schools, and other local and state agencies.
O. Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports.
P. Skill operating office computer equipment and applicable hardware and software.
Q. Ability to operate stand office equipment and computers.
R. Ability to analyze complex problems and development comprehensive plans from general
instructions.
S. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing and have strong positive
public relations skills.
T. Ability to handle intermediate level of work and a variety of assignments
independently.
Employee Core Competencies
Quality of Work
A. Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
B. Demonstrates the ability to use resources productively, effectively, and efficiently.
C. Demonstrates the ability to think proactively, anticipates potential problems, and provides
workable solutions and alternatives with a ‘can do’ approach.
D. Develops and maintains good working knowledge of job responsibilities and prescribed
procedures, which facilitates the efficient performance of duties.
E. Takes initiative to utilize job knowledge to analyze situations, resolve problems, and reach
decisions.
Quantity of Work
A. Exhibits good organizational and time management skills: plans and schedules completion
of work accountabilities in order of priority, making the most effective use of time.
B. Self-motivated and works independently: demonstrates willingness to assume new and
challenging assignments.
C. Demonstrates ability to work well under pressure, utilizing resources effectively.
Professional Conduct/Integrity
A. Demonstrates knowledge and actions consistent with the County’s values and the
County’s code of ethics and conduct.
B. Demonstrates high moral principles and professional standards with others through
truthfulness and sincerity; makes ethical decisions.
C. Shows respect for others’ ideas, perspectives, and styles.
D. Demonstrates appropriate business etiquette and social skills.
Customer Service
A. Provides information, options, and/or solutions to inquiries, concerns, and/or requests from
the diverse public in a respectful manner.
B. Maintains the County’s reputation of providing a high-level of customer satisfaction.
Communication
A. Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain working relationships to produce results,
and a work environment that builds rapport and trust.
B. Communicates professionally and effectively with internal and external customers through
spoken and written correspondence, including emails.
C. Maintains confidentiality.
D. Listens well; respects viewpoints different than own.
E. Contributes knowledge, experience, and feedback appropriately to others.
Safety
A. Maintains a safe work environment by complying with County safety policies and
procedures, and attends necessary trainings.
B. Performs duties with consideration to minimize risk. Reports safety concerns to appropriate
parties.
Accountability and Dependability
A. Adheres to all County policies and procedures.
B. Competently performs all required job duties.
C. Maintains an acceptable record of work attendance, and punctuality in accordance with
County and Department requirements.
