Program Specialist

ORGANIZATION

Metro Housing Boston is a leading nonprofit dedicated to connecting the residents of Greater Boston with safe, decent homes they can afford. Metro Housing empowers families and individuals to move along the continuum from homelessness to housing stability. Serving more than 25,000 households annually, we work seamlessly to bridge the gaps among government, nonprofits, and corporations to continually increase our impact. With more than 30 years’ experience piloting and implementing housing programs, we have solidified our position as an industry-leading expert on navigating the affordable housing field.

MISSION

“We mobilize wide-ranging resources to provide innovative and personalized services that lead families and individuals to housing stability, economic security and an improved quality of life.”

OVERVIEW

The duties of the position include a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting participant eligibility, income, rent and completing other required transactions in support of the administration of Metro Housing’s Leased Housing programs. Specialists may perform admissions, recertifications, interim adjustments, rent increases, continued occupancy transactions, rent determinations, owner certifications and terminations, as well as deal with applicant, participant and landlord issues. Specialists may perform transactions related to MTW, Non-MTW, Special and State Programs. Most work is performed according to existing procedures or written guidelines, such as Metro Housing policies and procedures, DHCD’s MTW Agreement and Plan, HUD regulations, handbooks, desk references, or existing records. Specialists will be required to use independent judgment in making recommendations and decisions.

REPORTS TO

Lead Specialist or Manager within Leased Housing

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

General Duties

The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Understands and applies HUD regulations, MTW policies and Metro Boston policies and procedures;
• Answers telephone calls and communicates with applicants, participants, landlords/owners and co-workers in a manner that is courteous and professional;
• Prepares and transmits applicable correspondence to clients;
• Responds timely to requests and inquiries from clients and staff, by phone, in person and by written communications;
• Determines client needs and provides the information or assistance required to satisfy these needs;
• Enters correct information and completes accurate and timely 50058s for submission to HUD;
• Completes data entry for all transactions into housing software;
• Prepares and submits required reports;
• Maintains letters, documents and transaction materials in client files per the file organization protocol;
• Notifies program applicants, participants and owners in a timely manner of the results of program transactions;
• Keeps supervisor informed of issues as needed;
• Communicates with other leased housing staff on the progress and status of program transactions; and,
• Attends meetings and trainings.
• Performs other duties as needed.

MRVP

• Schedules and conducts recertifications in a manner that ensures that the entire process is completed by the anniversary date;
• Documents required information in accordance with DHCD and Metro Housing requirements;
• Processes changes in family composition and conducts applicable screening;
• Obtains required level of verification of income;
• Determines Income and tenant rent share in accordance with DHCD and Metro Housing rules;
• Maintains complete and accurate files;
• Prepares correspondence to tenants;
• Reviews and takes appropriate action for program non-compliance, including recommending and processing termination of assistance;
• Completes data entry for all transactions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree or equivalent experience required;
• Knowledge of HUD policies, and other Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to low income housing and policies;
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures and basic mathematics;
• Ability to understand and implement HUD regulations and DHCD and Metro Boston policies and procedures;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate with and relate to persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, landlords and other employees;
• Ability to complete complex and detailed tasks in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan and prioritize duties;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Accuracy in making mathematical calculations;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Positive approach to work with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Ability to work independently within a busy and diverse team setting;
• Strong computer literacy skills; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel;
• Experience using computer software to organize, store, and analyze data.
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle large caseloads and high volume of work in a busy, fast paced environment.
• Ability to multi-task handling several tasks at once, anticipating and identifying problems and putting forward solutions;
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions without a loss of efficiency/productivity or accuracy.
• Attention to detail in all aspect of work

SALARY/BENEFITS: (This is a non-exempt position)

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $48,450.00 /year