JOB NOTICE

DATE POSTED: January 19, 2023 POSITION: Admissions Specialist

SALARY: $21.30/Hourly JOB #: 06-23

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled

Position Summary:

The Admissions Specialist is responsible for working the various steps of the eligibility process for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), the Project-Based Rental Assistance Program (PBRA) and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program (LIHTC). This requires the Specialist to have expert knowledge of each program's requirements and the ability to effectively communicate the requirements to HACA clients.

Essential Functions:

• Proficient in YARDI Rent Café and Emphasys Elite housing software programs, Laserfiche Document Imaging software, DocuSign, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat and Google Spreadsheets.
• Prepares for all eligibility interviews in advance by preparing interview packets with required HCV, PBRA and/or LIHTC documents
• Conducts remote and in person eligibility interviews for the HCV, PBRA and LIHTC Programs. This includes, but it not limited to, the review of identification documents, income documents, application packets, criminal history reports, waiting list preference eligibility and ensuring all required forms and signatures are collected.
• Uses the relevant program regulations to calculate income, assets and expenses
• Processes applicant files for final eligibility determinations following the compliance regulations for each program.
• Completes data entry of all information about the applicant family into the Emphasys Elite or YARDI housing software (depending on program).
• Using an electronic data management system, creates and organizes each applicant file in a consistent manner as identified by the Department Director and communicated through file checklists.
• Exhibits a clear understanding of HUD, HCV, PBRA and LIHTC rules and regulations with the ability to differentiate and maintain compliance between programs
• Consistently meets deadlines with file-error rate of 10% or less.
• Regularly reports to the Department Director the file status and pending documents through approved spreadsheets and Google documents
• Stays well informed with program and agency changes as they pertain to HACA applicants, eligibility requirements and waiting list management.
• Communicates with the applicants throughout the process until the family receives a housing offer or Housing Choice Voucher.
• Communicates with the public, social service agencies and prospective residents on eligibility requirements for admission to the HCV, PBRA and LIHTC Programs.
• Provides referrals to social service agencies or other government agencies as appropriate to assist the family in navigating the admissions process and beginning the journey toward self-sufficiency.
• Assists the Admissions File Clerk as necessary with the processing of all files, mailings and necessary paperwork.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two year-college or technical school, or two years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly well-organized
• Proven ability working with various software systems

Preferred

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two year-college or technical school and one year of experience, or three years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in providing social services
• Experience working with affordable housing programs and working in a paperless working environment to include the use of a document imaging software, preferably Laserfiche.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic is preferred)

• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner, following HACA record keeping procedures at all times. Exhibits a clear understanding of HUD, HCV, PBRA and LIHTC rules and regulations with the ability to differentiate and maintain compliance between programs.
• Knowledge of general office practices, office machinery and computers. Some knowledge of standard bookkeeping principles, practices and techniques.
• Excellent computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) Google Spreadsheets and housing software systems.
• Ability to provide exemplary professional customer service at every stage in the eligibility process. Demonstrates professional conduct at all times, including arriving on time to work, and appropriate dress, speech and conduct that demonstrates respect for co-workers, applicants and everyone with whom they interact.
• Ability to manage challenging situations and difficult people while maintaining a professional and compassionate demeanor. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, applicants, program participants and persons outside the Housing Authority. Ability to perform job assignments accurately, consistently and in a timely manner. Ability to write reports, complete forms, compose letters and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Certification and Licensure:

• Bondable.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Eligibility for coverage under Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.
• Tax Credit Specialist certification earned within 1 year of employment
• Continued Occupancy Specialist certification earned within 1 year of employment
• Regularly attend and pass Fair Housing training and certification
• Complete annual security training as required by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Office of Attorney General and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin

APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT: Application for open posted position must be submitted via online at the following website: https://hacanet.applicantpro.com/ However, we will accept applications at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78704. No applications will be accepted after the noted closing dates on the job announcement. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin or sign up for job alerts at our career site. The HACA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER