Section 8 Specialist

Position Summary

To determine the eligibility of applicants and participants for all programs administered by the Rental Assistance Department; to provide support in various procedures relating to initial eligibility, initial lease-ups, re-examinations, transfers, terminations, and related work as required.

Typical Duties

• Initiates, schedules and implements process for initial interviews, voucher issuance, initial lease-ups, re-examinations, and terminations.
• Explains policies, procedures and disseminates other rental assistance information to landlords, Tenants, and applicants.
• Generates contracts, interim changes, re-certifications, form letters, and other client information and/or correspondence.
• Enters client data into the computer software program to document changes in participant status.
• Prepares new files for HCV participants relocating from one unit to another unit.
• Affords support in the collection of data for rent reasonableness, utility costs, and general market data; assists in owner and family disputes.
• Prepares material for hearings; conducts briefings.
• Compiles reports as needed;
• As requested, I will assist in the preparation and analysis of SEMAP, RIM Review responses, and corrective action plans.
• Refers program participants to services offered by other community-based organizations.
• Collaborates with landlords and participants to facilitate occupancy and resolve landlord tenant processes.
• Request for Tenancy Approval and changes to lease; initiates inspection requests.
• Coordinates the execution of leases and Housing Assistance Payments Contracts;
• Updates computer in order to release or stop Housing Assistance Payments;
• Computes subsidy payments and/or total tenant payments (TTP) in accordance to established HUD formulas from income data obtained in interviews and investigations.
• Calculates and/or prorates applicant’s net income, rent, and utility allowances concurrent with the applicant’s acceptance of housing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Behavioral Science or related field plus three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in affordable housing, property management or related field.
• Must obtain program certification within twelve (12) months of hire date.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Regulatory Expertise: Knowledge of affordable housing rules and regulations; knowledge of Housing and Urban Development rules and regulations; knowledge of landlord and tenant rights; knowledge of rental and home-ownership principles.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with applicants, participants, landlords, lenders, other housing providers, and other members of the public.
• Mathematical Functions: Ability to perform mathematical functions accurately.

Organization Skills

• Ability to follow and maintain instruction;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet critical deadlines;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to be tactful, discreet, and non-judgmental;

THE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AGENCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND HIRES REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AGE, RELIGION, AND DISABILITY, GENETIC INFORMATION OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.

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Upon reviewing all applications submitted for job openings, the Human Resources Office will notify those applicants who are selected for personal interviews. Applicants selected for a position must successfully pass a pre-hire physical examination and drug screen in order to be hired.