Join the Denver Housing Authority (DHA), a leader in providing affordable housing and creating thriving communities in Denver. As a dynamic organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents, we focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence in service delivery. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and sustainability, DHA is dedicated to a best-in-class work environment while addressing the housing needs of our city. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and want to contribute to meaningful projects that empower individuals and families, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.
This role is classified as Clerical III and is a non-exempt position. The hiring range is $58,154.52 - $72,691.96 per year.
The role is union classified.
Summary of Job
The Certification Specialist II performs annual and interim reviews, assists with fraud investigation and recovery, new applicant processing, moving and leasing processes, rent increases, reasonableness, portability, orientations, conferences and hearings. The Certification Specialist II will apply related policies, procedures and regulations to the Housing Choice Voucher (“HCV”) programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Processes all aspects of annual and interim reviews for existing participants and when necessary, new applicants.
- Identifies and follows-up on non-compliance issues, including the initial review of documents, failed Housing Quality Standards (HQS), and reviewing reports, which may lead to program termination. Schedules and conducts conferences with program participants.
- Monitors and corrects deficiencies for assigned caseload ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and DHA policies and procedures.
- Processes applicants and current participants including orientations and the leasing process. Tracks and follows-up with cancellation of participants who fail to lease up.
- Investigates cases of fraud by housing providers or participants. Prepares and approves repayment agreements.
- Recommends and terminates participants subsidy for failure to maintain repayment agreement and/or sends cases for collection.
- Processes all aspects of participant portability, which includes but is not limited to, processing adjustments, research and resolving billing issues with the Finance department and other housing authorities.
- Approves Request for Lease Approvals, rent increases, investigates apparent fraud cases and refers to supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED.
- Associates degree or college level course work in human services or related field preferred.
- Three (3) years of clerical experience.
- Knowledge of all HCV programs.
- Requires mastery of the full range of Certification Specialist I duties, including the ability to perform the specific tasks and responsibilities associated with the various specialized processes. For example: all tasks associated with the portability process
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to maintain and execute confidential information while providing exceptional customer service
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, representatives of local government, program applicants and participants, community-based organizations, and the public.
- Shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, and concern, develops and maintains relationships, may deal with people who are difficult, hostile, and/or distressed, relates well to people from varied backgrounds and situations, and is sensitive to individual differences.
- Performs computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and formulas.
- Ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, emergency situations).
- Works effectively with diverse populations.
- Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
- Manages and resolves conflicts, grievances, confrontations, or disagreements in a constructive manner to minimize negative personal impact.
- Demonstrated working knowledge and experience in Section 8 programs, DHA policies and procedures and HUD regulations.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
- Demonstrated ability to maintain the integrity of program rules and regulations, while working collaboratively with co-workers
Working Conditions and Environment
Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites and locations; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends. Required to work in the Central Office at least 3 days a week.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. to position oneself in order to operate all equipment; frequently moves items weighing up to 20 pounds across office for various needs; constantly operates a computer and other office equipment; to travel to other locations using various modes of private transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to be able to operate computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment.
At the Denver Housing Authority, we understand that not everyone may meet every qualification outlined in this job posting. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, as we value diverse experiences and perspectives. We consider comparable experiences and skills, and we believe that a workforce reflective of the communities we serve is essential to our mission. If you are passionate about making a difference and believe you can contribute to our team, we would love to hear from you!
To apply for this position, please visit careers.denverhousing.org and complete your application.