Housing Specialist, Special Programs

About the Role

INLIVIAN is looking for a Housing Specialist to play a key role in supporting families through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). This role involves guiding participants through recertifications, rent calculations, and housing processes while ensuring compliance and accuracy. You’ll be a trusted resource helping individuals navigate housing processes and serving targeted special programs such as Veterans Administration (VASH), Family Unification (FUP), Disaster Housing Assistance (DHAP), and Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.

Responsibilities

• Guide participants through recertifications, rent calculations, and housing processes.
• Review and verify eligibility, income, and documentation.
• Prepare and process HUD-required forms (including HUD-50058).
• Conduct participant interviews and explain program requirements clearly.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with HUD regulations.
• Collaborate with team members to support program success.
• Answer inquiries concerning policies and practices associated with the application and/or re-examination processes.
• Assist in coordinating background information checks of tenants to be recertified.
• Assist in performing final eligibility verifications.
• Contact eligible applicants to offer available units in accordance with Agency policies and program requirements.
• Conduct home visits for elderly and disabled clients as appropriate.
• Serve as point of contact for agencies involved in the targeted special programs.
• Verify client data in accordance with HUD’s Code of Federal Regulations and the INLIVIAN Administrative Plan.
• Review lease documents for accuracy and completeness prior to execution of leases.
• Assist in accurate and timely preparation of Form HUD-50058 and Notice of New Rent Change.
• Assist in collection and review of interim transfer and re-certification information, and coordinate evaluation, verification, and calculation of information and rent for recertification and move-in.
• Explain rent calculation to tenants and assist with completion of recertification materials.
• Assist in preparing and sending appropriate notices of rent adjustments in accordance with HUD regulations.
• Conduct re-examination with tenants, following proper verification methods/processing for each re-examination in accordance with HUD and Agency policies.
• Assist in examination and resolution of income discrepancies as necessary.
• Accurately enter move-in and move-out data into the system.
• Process and maintain files and correspondence associated with the leasing/occupancy process in an accurate and timely manner.
• Review resident/applicant files/folders and verification forms for accuracy and completeness and input data into the computer.
• Compile statistical data and prepare reports related to completed recertification, applicant folders, occupancy, and residents.
• Ensure privacy and maintain security of confidential materials.
• Adhere to Agency standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience (housing or social services preferred).
• Must serve as a Housing Specialist for two (2) years.
• Must obtain the following certifications within eighteen (18) months of employment:
  • Housing Choice Voucher Specialist w Occupancy Specialist
  • Rent Calculation w Enterprise Income Verification System (EIV)
  • Fair Housing

Skills

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience in housing, social services, or administrative support.
• Ability to work with diverse populations with professionalism and empathy.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to learn federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, and Agency policies and procedures pertaining to public housing.
• Working knowledge of interviewing techniques and record maintenance.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established administrative rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of the operation of the Agency’s computer system and applicable software.
• Knowledge of basic math principles sufficient to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports and make appropriate recommendations within scope of responsibility.
• Ability to use basic office equipment such as telephone, fax, copier, and computer.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, verbally, and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to deal effectively with situations requiring tact and diplomacy.

Benefits

• Opportunity to earn industry certifications (HCV, EIV, Rent Calculation, Fair Housing).
• Meaningful work that directly impacts families in your community.
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment.
• Career growth in the affordable housing field.

Physical Requirements

• Work is principally sedentary but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling, crouching, or lifting to obtain files, records, and office supplies.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for up to eight hours at a time while performing work duties.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, push, and pull in the performance of office-related duties.
• Must be able to use fingers bilaterally and unilaterally to operate office equipment.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and clients in an environment that may include increased levels of work-related stress.
• Must have vision and hearing corrected to be able to operate office equipment and fulfill essential job functions.
• Must maintain punctuality and attendance as scheduled.
• Must possess a valid State of North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license.
• Must work with the highest degree of confidentiality.

Reports To: Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Recertification’s Manager