Sr. Housing Specialist

Make a difference and join the DCA Team! DCA gives employees more to do than merely make a living. We are serious about helping Georgia's families live more abundantly with a greater sense of hope and achievement. If public service, a great environment, and the desire to enrich the lives of others motivate you to do your best work, you should consider joining the DCA Team.

OUR MISSION

To help build strong, vibrant communities.

OUR VISION

For Georgians of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to live and work in thriving communities.

OUR CULTURE

We are a diverse team of highly competent and committed professionals who strive to help people and communities thrive through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a passion for making a difference. Team members are at their best when collaborating and supporting each other as they perform challenging and dynamic work

General Description

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a state organization dedicated to partnering with communities to help create a climate of success for Georgia's families and businesses. DCA offers a fast-paced, challenging, and dynamic environment that requires attention to detail, pride in quality of work, and the ability to work as a versatile team player.

Position Summary:

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs seeks a Senior Housing Specialist for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This role oversees program moves, HAP Contracts and leasing. This role also requires experience in demonstrating strong leadership and technical proficiency in housing program operations. This position requires strong capabilities in policy interpretation, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to equitable and efficient housing service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer Refresher Training for Housing Specialists as needed.

• Attend relevant meetings and trainings.

• Collaborate on operational improvements and generate monthly reports.

• Coordinate the rental increase process aligned with recertifications.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local housing regulations.

• Mentor and guide Housing Specialists I and II, fostering collaboration and efficiency.

• Manage portability billings as part of the voucher program operations.

• Manage updates to family profiles, including income and household composition changes at move.

• Oversee the leasing and HAP Contract process for families and landlords within the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

• Perform quality checks and audits for accuracy and compliance.

Technology and Certifications:

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficient in data analysis software and capable of generating accurate and insightful program reports.

• Housing Program Software: Skilled in using specific software for housing program management, including application processing and data management tools (i.e., Tenmast, Yardi Voyager, Emphasys, etc.).

• HUD's Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) System: Must possess in-depth knowledge and operational proficiency with the EIV system, which is crucial for income verification and program compliance.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong capabilities in Microsoft Office, particularly in Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for effective documentation, data handling, and presentations.

• Rent Calculation Certification: Must have current certification in rent calculations, obtained within the last five years, to ensure up-to-date knowledge in critical aspects of housing program administration.

Related Job Requirements and Qualifications:

• Direct involvement in housing program administration and case management.

• Experience with housing laws and regulations, client interaction, case file management, and team coordination.

• Knowledge of special programs, including:

• Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)

• Family Self Sufficiency (FSS)

• Homeownership

• Mainstream

• Project-Based Voucher (PBV)

• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

• Stability Vouchers

• Skills in data management, policy interpretation, and application in the housing sector.

• Supervisory experience in process improvement.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.

• Excellent organizational and time management capabilities.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in problem-solving and critical thinking.

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in housing choice voucher public housing, low-income housing, with at least 3-5 years in supervisory or management experience.

Proven track record in managing complex administrative processes within a housing program.

Supervision Given and Received

The employee supervises the Recertification and Housing Processor Team and receives general or specific instructions from the manager. The role requires initiative in routine duties and consultation with the manager for new or complex situations.

Guidelines:

Follows regulations and guidelines issued by HUD alongside best practices and division policies. Seeks guidance from the manager for situations without established guidelines.

Physical Environment:

Primarily sedentary office work with occasional physical activities like kneeling or crouching for file retrieval. Requires corrected vision and hearing for office equipment operation and effective communication.

Working Conditions:

Office Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Standard Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 AM

Remote Work Opportunity: Following a successful 90-day performance evaluation period, this position may be eligible for remote work one day per week. However, this arrangement is subject to managerial approval and the agency's operational needs. The availability of remote work is not guaranteed and will be regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with team and department objectives. Flexibility and adaptability in the work schedule are important to accommodate changing operational requirements.

Work Environment: Work involves the normal risks or discomfort associated with an office environment and is usually in an adequately cooled, heated, lighted, and ventilated area.

Salary Information:

The salary is competitive and based on experience. A flexible salary range reflects the skills and expertise brought to the role. Details are to be discussed during the interview process.

NOTE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided. Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps in the interview process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification. This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

DCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need an accommodation for an interview, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 679-4845

Hiring is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background, criminal records investigation and motor vehicle reports.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the business and requirement of the job change. This job posting may close at any time upon gaining a sufficient applicant pool from which to select a qualified candidate.

Duties and responsibilities listed are considered to be essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Marginal functions of the position (those that are incidental to the performance of the job duties) have not been included. However, the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

High school diploma/GED and one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Prgm Consultant 1 (GSP090) or any other combination of education and professional experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the job.

Additional Information

• Agency Logo: Requisition ID: ADM0H84

• Number of Openings: 1

• Advertised Salary: $60k-$67k

• Shift: Day Job

• Internal Contact Name: Tara Montgomery

• Internal Contact Email: tara.montgomery@dca.ga.gov

• Posting End Date: Jul 21, 2024