Housing Assistance Representative

Housing Assistance Representative

Join a diverse and hard working team providing crucial services to our local community!

• $45,817/yr
• 37.5-hour work week
• M-F, 8:30 - 4:30
• Robust PTO, including sick, personal, and vacation, bereavement...
• Closed for all major federal holidays, 15 total!
• Excellent Health/dental/vision
• Enrollment in the NY State Retirement System
• Additional benefits such as deferred comp, optional insurances (cancer, hospitalization...) & banking discounts.
• Opportunities to connect with our residents and community through charitable events
• Employee appreciation events (employee picnic, employee of the quarter...)

*This is a civil service position and preference will be given to candidates who reside in the City of Utica.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position exists in the Municipal Housing Authority and the Department of Urban and Economic Development, Bureau of Section 8 Housing and involves responsibility for assisting tenants in applying and establishing eligibility for participation in rental assistance programs. The Housing Assistance Representative is also expected to publicize the programs and encourage participation of both owners and tenants. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Housing Project Manager or Housing Assistance Administrator with some latitude permitted for the exercise of independent judgement in carrying out work assignments. The incumbent does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for rental assistance.
• Assists clients in completing applications and in obtaining proof of income and age, if needed.
• Processes applications for rental assistance in accordance with established policies and guidelines.
• Determines the amount of rental assistance eligible families are entitled to.
• Provides information to property owners and tenants as to their rights and responsibilities under the rental assistance program.
• Processes paperwork and obtains necessary documentation to report changes in family size or Income, rent increases, or family relocations.
• Provides information and referral services to clients regarding resources to solve financial or social problems.
• Maintains records and prepares required reports.
• Assembles verified information and prepares public housing eligibility determinations and Section 8 applications and certification.
• Conducts briefings for certified program participants.
• Prepares leasing documents and submits completed files for review.
• Conducts interviews for prospective and current program participants.
• Determines verifications needed to accurately evaluate applicant eligibility.
• Develops and maintains rapport with owners as needed.
• Establishes and maintains contact with other human service delivery agencies and informs and refers clients as appropriate.
• Identifies and confers with other staff regarding department functions, procedures and client status, requesting assistance from other involved areas as necessary.
• Assists in researching, developing, maintaining, and revising department forms, procedures, and control systems as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• (A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two-year college with an associate degree in social science, human services, social services or related field.

OR

• (B) One (l) year of experience in community relations, human services', community organizations, social services, real estate management, housing assistance or relocation or rental property management work involving direct contact and provision of services to the public.

OR

• (C) An equivalent combination of experience and training as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

At People First, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that recognizes and values the unique contributions of each team member. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.