FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position: Application Specialist
Reports To: Special Programs Coordinator
Position Summary:
IHA Application Specialist serves Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs. Application Specialist is responsible for the intake of applications for both programs. The Application Specialist pulls applications at the top of the waitlist then processes for Eligibility and Suitability. This position requires considerable knowledge of HUD regulations and the ability to maintain tenant records and prepare accurate and concise reports. Work assignments are performed under the general supervision of the Special Programs Coordinator who will routinely review work for accuracy. Daily duties include a variety of office activities providing excellent service to families and performing other tasks as assigned.
Salary Range: $18.00 – 23.00
Key Responsibilities:
Pull applicants from waiting list and send out letters requesting full application.
- Full Application
- Process full applications for eligibility and suitability. IHA’s Admin and ACOP Plans will dictate processing and eligibility for both programs. Waitlist order is determined by score for preference points.
- Complete data entry of all information in the housing software database.
- Prepare eligibility letters when clients are approved and ineligibility letters when clients are denied along with an Informal Hearing request and VAWA forms.
- HCV Briefing
- A briefing appointment and the program rules will be conducted utilizing a PowerPoint presentation. The briefing will be done in person in IHA’s training room. Once the briefing is complete, then the participant will be issued a voucher to begin searching.
- Recordkeeping and Reporting
- Record client information in the housing software database and maintain detailed electronic notes on each application file as to the status of processing.
- Miscellaneous
- Serve as the primary point of contact for questions and issues relating to assigned caseload.
- Make recommendations for improvements to procedures, policies, and software capabilities based upon working knowledge.
- Observe all Fair Housing / Equal Opportunity Regulations and Laws by providing responses ethically to the clients.
- Ensure that all client information is handled with the strictest confidentiality.
- Maintain excellent client relations and customer service.
- Communicate in a positive, professional and organized manner in person, phone, email, fax or mail.
- Performing all work duties and activities in accordance with Independence Housing Authority (IHA) policies and procedures and federal regulations.
- Strong follow up and organizational skills are essential to the successful completion of files within specified timelines. Track all full applications to ensure that they are completed in a timely fashion.
- Provide monthly reports on application processing timelines.
- Other duties as assigned by management.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Must be detail oriented.
- Excellent customer service skills and desire to provide service that is humanizing, compassionate, and always committed.
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
- Functional knowledge using computers, email, and Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of Federal housing program regulations, HUD regulations, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
- General principles and best practices of office management and organization.
- English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.
- Problem solving skills and the ability to work creatively with others.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED equivalency, one (1) year of experience in subsidized HCV compliance; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work effectively.
- Willing to travel overnight for training, conferences or workshops.
- Possession of a valid MO photo ID is required.
- Computer and software experience in a related background.
- Precise and accurate documentation skills
- Ability to read, interpret and understand and apply regulations by Federal, State, local laws and codes.
- Possess good mathematic / quantitative skills
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.
- Candidates must read, write and speak in a manner reflecting a professional business position.
Work Environment:
The person holding this position will generally work in an office environment.
Special Requirements:
- The employee must hold a valid MO driver’s license
- The employee must pass a federal, state and local criminal background clearance
- The employee must not be under the influence of drugs and alcohol while on property performing work for IHA.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. Regular hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, this position may require evening and weekend work a few times per year.
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel for training may be required a couple of times per year. This position will require you to have your own vehicle transportation to and from your home to the office.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change by IHA Management to fit the mission of the IHA.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Competencies and Characteristics of a Successful Position Holder:
- Ethical Conduct: Adheres with the rules and standards set by the Independence Housing Authority and federal, state and local laws for housing authorities
- Client Focused: Committed to the understanding of client needs and successfully applying them to IHA programs and project development
- Results Driven: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; mission-driven, bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results
This job description has been approved on all levels and is not to be interpreted as creating a contract for employment, expressed or implied between the Independence Housing Authority and any employee. The Independence Housing Authority provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status, as well as any other protected class. In addition to federal law requirements, the Independence Housing Authority complies with applicable State and Local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The Independence Housing Authority expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics or veteran status, as well as any other protected classes.
Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Independence, MO 64055 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
