Program Specialist

JOB CODE: 2238

PAY GRADE: 1140

SALARY RANGE: $29,219 - $49,743

LOCATION OF WORK
Office of Community Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs specialized counseling and technical work in providing rehabilitation and rental assistance services to low-income households. Duties include interviewing applicants regarding income and family composition in order to determine eligibility for low-income housing by means of established federal guidelines. Work is assigned orally and is reviewed through written reports. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Interviews applicants regarding income, family composition, and other criteria in order to determine eligibility for low-income housing by means of established federal guidelines; ensures programs meet established federal guidelines. Oversees the day-to-day operations of federal programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), Housing Assistance Program (HAP), and Single Family Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (SFOOR) of homes. Conducts educational sessions with new participants to explain federal program regulations and lease obligations, as well as housing assistance policies, rules, and regulations. Calculates housing assistance payments, tenant rental amounts, utility reimbursements, and rent increases in order to satisfy program guidelines and landlord requests. Performs administrative activities such as drafting correspondence, maintaining records, and preparing reports; prepares tenant files, maintains lease agreements, contracts, applicant verification forms, and other related HUD required forms. Reviews and analyzes financial information, contracts, and agreements, and if necessary, criminal records, to determine and maintain eligibility; conducts home visits when necessary to obtain applicant information. Performs re-examinations, interim interviews, and verification of income to determine and maintain eligibility according to federal guidelines and regulations. Explains programs to callers; responds to requests for information and complaints.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rulings, and regulations regarding low-income housing programs. Knowledge of standard interviewing techniques and practices. Knowledge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations for the Housing Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Word and Excel. Ability to use a computer for word processing, database operation, spreadsheet applications, or other software systems. Ability to participate in program development and process improvement ensuring that program(s) meet federal guidelines. Ability to adapt to a changing work environment, including new regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals. Ability to perform basic mathematical functions accurately. Ability to compose and prepare effective correspondence and statistical reports. Ability to deal with the public with tact and courtesy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, other departments, divisions, agencies, vendors, and the public. Ability to work with relative independence, completing all duties and special projects assigned accurately and timely. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS