Housing Specialist

About the role

The Housing Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, oversees and manages rental units for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Housing Department. This role involves providing professional housing assistance and working collaboratively to serve applicants, community members, and program participants.

Responsibilities

• Accept and process applications by verifying eligibility and suitability for housing.
• Maintain a high level of customer service by responding to resident inquires and concerns in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicate with residents, co-workers, vendors, and other clients.
• Adhere to all Housing policies and procedures.
• Affirmative action policy - ensure compliance with funding agencies and adhere to Tribal, state, and federal laws, as well as Housing policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and implementation of community activities and events.
• Handle all aspects of lease renewals and move-in and move-outs.
• Process interim and annual certification for changes in the household composition and rent calculations.
• Maintain and monitor processes with tenants/homebuyer on general notices, delinquent notice, termination, notices and unlawful detainer of units.
• Enforce the provisions of the Housing Departments Collection and Eviction Policy against delinquent residents.
• May include representing the Housing Department in court cases of minor complexity such as eviction of tenant.
• Schedule the preparation of units for new residents, including cleaning and making necessary repairs.
• Develop and complete pre- and post-occupancy training for tenants/homebuyers.
• Ensure resident files are adequately maintained for Audits and Management reviews.
• Able to plan, monitor departments budget and tenant accounts receivables.
• Pursue repayment of amounts owed, by telephone, by mail, and in person in compliance with established procedures.
• Prepare monthly reports (or special reports) on occupancy issues for the department manager.
• Ability to learn, interpret and apply rules, regulations, and requirements for grants.
• Attend meetings/conferences with local agencies, civic organizations, and HUD as needed.
• Ensure timely submission of all documents required by the program (e.g., forms HUD-50058, HUD-51234m etc.).
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in one or more of the following areas: housing assistance programs, property management, compliance auditing, or case management.
• Experience in property management.
• Current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card or ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Awareness of non-traditional work hours, nights, and weekends.

Skills and Abilities

• Analyzing problems and developing recommendations for feasible, effective solutions.
• Applying and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• Dealing effectively with residents on occupancy matters.
• Organizing and completing internal record keeping activities.
• Operating a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications.
• Maintaining various confidential records.
• Performing mathematical computations and general office duties.
• Preparing clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Working well with people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public.
• Ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Knowledge

• Housing policies and procedures compliance.
• Report writing techniques.
• Investigation methods and principles.
• Customer service principles.
• HUD regulations, program requirements, policies and procedures.
• Federal guidelines and requirements.
• Problems and concerns of low-income individuals.
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.