Occupancy Specialist jobs in Salem, OR

Housing Authority of Lincoln County
Housing Occupancy Specialist
Full Time – 40 hours per week

$20.00 - $24.00 Benefits

JOB SUMMARY: Performs duties associated with affordable housing programs administered by the agency: Public
Housing, LIHTC, HOME, Rural Development, State funded affordable housing, and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Program. After training, will accurately maintain a caseload of program participants under all applicable regulations, program requirements, and Housing Authority policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervision of employees is not a responsibility of position in this position. An incumbent will assist in the job orientation of new personnel.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following represent the major essential and secondary duties of the position; however, they are not intended to be all-inclusive. The Authority reserves the right to change, reassign, or combine job duties at any time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Interviews and processes eligible households for multiple HALC housing programs. Processes the applications and information received from these families and determines their eligibility for the program.
Monitoring of wait lists for multiple programs, initiates and conducts routine update to these lists.

2. Verifies income, assets, medical or unusual expenses and assisted dwelling information. Enters data in computer generating participant rent and utility allowance calculations.

3. Prepares necessary forms and secures signatures to finalize agreements between tenants/participants, and the Housing Authority.

4. May conduct group/individual briefings that explain the rules and regulations to applicants, participants and owners regarding the various Housing Authority programs. Monitors program compliance and handles tenant/neighbor issues or participant/landlord issues. Provides applicants and participants information and assistance in finding a satisfactory unit. Provides information about other community resources.

5. Maintains tenant/participant contact by phone, mail and in person. Assures that participants are fulfilling their responsibility in providing accurate verification and timely submission of other necessary documents.

6. Performs annual reexaminations as well as computing any interim rent changes. Assists participants complete and sign all papers related to beginning housing assistance, interims, and annual recertifications, explaining in terms they understand to insure compliance with program rules. Completes all work according to established Housing Authority procedures.

7. Establishes, maintains, and updates various logs and books related to the orderly maintenance of records.

Ensures all computer records of all tenants on caseload are accurate and current. Promptly and accurately maintains all file documentation.

8. Resolves program abuse allegations. Reviews public records. Investigates as directed. Issues program warning or notice of eviction as warranted. Prepares hearing information and represents Housing Authority at informal hearings and court proceedings.

Housing Occupancy Specialist updated 8-3-2022

Occupancy Specialist
Page 2

9. Performs other related essential duties and tasks as assigned.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provides back-up coverage for receptionist/front desk as needed.

After receiving appropriate training, may be required to conduct unit inspections for the Housing Choice
Voucher Program and/or other Agency-owned units.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and ability or be able to explain and demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

1. Preferred, knowledge of rental assistance and/or affordable housing programs. Must be able to demonstrate diplomacy when dealing with housing applicants, residents, property owners, real estate agents and staff.

2. The ability to read and understand technical documentation such as federal housing regulations and associated policies and procedures.

3. The ability to perform and understand basic mathematical calculations such as fractions and percentages.

4. Proven written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of standard office letter formats and letter writing and grammar skills are essential.

5. Reasonable knowledge of the community, social and economic resources available to low income and elderly individuals, with particular emphasis on resources as they apply to housing.

6. Proven skill using computers with emphasis on Word and Excel.

7. Ability to learn and follow regulations, policies and procedures of the Housing Authority. Ability to maintain confidentiality of tenants and landlords. Ability to work harmoniously with other employees. Ability to work with diverse ethnic and low-income families in a professional manner. Knowledge of a second language helpful but not necessary.

8. Requires previous office experience working with the public in which the following skills were attained: effective telephone skills, ability to deal tactfully with a variety of people under constantly changing circumstances using tact and diplomacy, ability to prioritize tasks and work under minimal direction, ability to understand and follow complex verbal and/or written instructions, and familiarity with filing systems and standard business machines (such as copiers, calculators, computer equipment, telephone systems, etc.)

9. Must be capable of performing light lifting of up to 20 pounds while in the office; predominately paper products, small office equipment, files, etc.

10. Possession of a valid Oregon driver license and ability to be insured by Housing Authority insurance carrier at standard insurance rates.

Housing Occupancy Specialist updated 8-3-2022

Occupancy Specialist
Page 3

11. Ability to work independently and complete daily assignments, after appropriate training, with identification of necessary resources.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

1. Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent. Two years of study at a college or university with major course work in social sciences or housing, college degree preferred.

2. Three years’ actual work-experience where duties required provide the necessary skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Preferred, experience with low-income, senior, or housing related programs.

3. Any satisfactory combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Housing Occupancy Specialist updated 8-3-2022

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Property management: 1 year (Required)
• Customer service: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Newport, OR 97365: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person