Job Title: HOUSING SPECIALIST

Posted 12/10/2009

Job Description:

The Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) in conjunction with the Recovery Administrator is seeking a Housing Specialist.  Provides operational support for the Detroit Housing Commission’s HCV (Section 8) programs by assisting in the delivery of these services, and may include application processing, waiting list management, portability actions, intake actions, and/or annual reexamination duties.

The purpose of this position is to provide operational support of the Detroit Housing Commission’s Section 8 programs by assisting in the delivery of these services and may include application processing, waiting list management, portability actions, intake actions, and reexamination duties.  The work is performed under the supervision of a Branch Chief; a Team Leader may coordinate and facilitate the work of several Housing Specialists. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Application Processing: Accept applications from the public.  Explain program procedures, eligibility criteria, waiting list preferences, anticipated waiting times, and other program issues to applicants and the public. Place applicants on the waiting list in accordance with DHC’s Administrative Plan and applicable HUD guidance.


• Waiting List Management: Participate in a waiting list update (purge) at least annually; update applicants’ personal information and waiting list placement as required.


• Portability: Explain DHC’s portability procedures to families porting into or out of the jurisdiction.  For port-ins, provide documentation to initial PHAs and DHC’s Finance Department.  Follow up with gaining PHAs to determine the status of port-outs; provide documentation to Finance Department when families are housed.


• Intake:  Send letters inviting applicants to provide documentation to support their eligibility for the program.  Obtain necessary verifications and other required information.  Determine eligibility for the program and appropriate voucher size.  Participate in applicant briefings.  Explain program requirements to landlords and rental agents. Verify unit passes HQS inspection before competing negotiations. Determine rent reasonableness, calculate utility allowance, apply the 40% rent burden test, negotiate and prepare Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contracts, calculate initial HAP payments, and complete the move-in process. Notify ineligible applicants; participate in informal review process as required.


• Reexaminations (Annual, Interim and Special): Notify program participants and landlords of scheduled reexaminations.  Interview participants; verify and document required information.  Calculate tenant share of rent.  Process requests for minimum rent hardship exemptions. Notify participant, landlord, and Finance Department of new HAP and tenant payment amounts.  Enter re-exam data into computer system and generate a HUD-50058. 


• Terminations:  Initiate voucher termination for families who fail to comply with program requirements. Initiate HAP Contract terminations and HAP abatements for landlords who fail to comply with program requirements. Prepare cases for hearings; participate in hearings as required.

Required Skills:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   Candidates will be evaluated on the following job-related criteria:

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally with a variety of people, one-on-one, in small groups, and with larger groups in a briefing situation. 


• Ability to effectively communicate in writing, generally using existing form letters or other documents as examples. 


• Ability to mitigate conflicts and negotiate successful resolutions to disputes among team members or with clients.


• Knowledge of organizational and planning skills necessary to accomplish the work load.


• Analytical skills necessary to: research policies, procedures, and guidance in response to specific questions or issues; make recommendations regarding what guidance is applicable to the specific situation and what course of action should be taken. 


• Creative problem solving skills for use when there is no directly applicable guidance.


• Interviewing and negotiating skills and techniques.


• Ability to operate a variety of standard office machines, including a computer, fax machine, copier, multi-line telephone, and calculator.


• Knowledge of basic office procedures such as filing.


• Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher program regulations, guidelines, procedures, and requirements including:  HUD regulations and guidelines relating to program eligibility and participation, income determination, HAP and tenant share calculation, Housing Quality Standards (HQS), rent reasonableness, payment  standards, etc.; and State and Local building and occupancy laws or regulations and DHC’s Administrative Plan and related policies and procedures.

SALARY:  $34,132.80 per year

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  High school graduate, GED, or equivalent and one (1) year of full-time experience working in subsidized rental property management or related field.  Two (2) years of college and Housing Choice Voucher experience is preferred. 

The incumbent must hold a valid state driver’s license; pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider.  Fluency in a second language (e.g. Spanish, Vietnamese) is desirable but not required.

HOW TO APPLY:  Submit cover letter; resume detailing your qualifications and work experience and salary expectations to Lisa E. Dubose, Director of Human Resources, Detroit Housing Commission, 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207 or apply online. The position is open until filled, however first review of applicants will occur on January 6, 2010.

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