Job description
DHCD is seeking a Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) Housing Specialist/HPS III for the Division of Rental Assistance!
AGENCY MISSION:
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is within Housing and Economic Development Secretariat and its work touches the lives of all Massachusetts residents.
DHCD's mission is to strengthen cities, towns and neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life of Massachusetts residents by providing leadership, professional assistance and financial resources to promote safe, decent affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management.
OVERVIEW OF ROLE:
Serves as the primary coordinator for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and specifically MRVP’s project-based portfolio. Tracks all new project-based awards and work with developers DHCD’s Division of Housing Development to approve project plans for consistency with MRVP regulations and guidelines. Coordinates between property management staff and housing agencies for successful leasing of new projects. Provides oversight of existing project-based vouchers as well. Performs financial and management oversight of the MRVP administered by local housing authorities and nine regional non-profit housing agencies state-wide. Develops, recommends, and implements policy in regard to MRVP based on program knowledge. Provides management assistance, information and technical assistance to housing agencies, tenants, landlords, developers, and the general public. Performs other related duties as required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):
1) Oversees MRVP Project Based Portfolio:
- Receives/requests award notifications from Housing Development and prepares award letters for signature and distributes (via email and/or mail) to property managers and administering agencies (AAs)
- Receives plans from Owners/Developers, ensures appropriate DHCD parties are involved, and conducts reviews in a timely fashion, ensuring adherence and consistency with Program Regulations and Guidelines, working in coordination with Housing Development and DHCD Legal
- Flags potential issues for Assistant Director (and Legal Division, as appropriate) final review before approval
- Provides guidance, feedback and technical assistance to Owners/Developers and/or their agents, legal counsel, and consultants
- Coordinates with Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), MassHousing, and Boston Fair Housing Commission on plans/developments, when necessary
- Maintains accurate electronic records/tracking of all approved plans
- Maintains detailed tracking of Project Based Vouchers (PBV) awards, lease-ups, projected costs and reports to Assistant Director regularly
- Distributes all pre-leasing documents among necessary parties (Owners/Agents and Administering Agencies) and provides technical assistance in the completion of necessary documentation
- Ensures that all parties have access to and fully understand the Tenant Selection Process and any other program components pertinent to the voucher administration
- Responds to requests and questions from Local Housing Authorities (LHAs), Regional Administering Agencies (RAAs), owners, and management agents on matters related to MRVP Project Based Vouchers in their portfolios
- Assists owners of properties with MRVP vouchers to navigate Chapter 40T requirements when exiting the MRVP program
- Creates and keeps updated a list of all existing projects in the portfolio
2) Provides technical assistance and necessary program support to 108 Administering Agencies and other program stakeholders:
- Responds in a timely manner to all inquiries from Local Housing Authority (LHAs), RAAs, including emails, phone calls, and mail; problem-solves and conducts necessary follow-up
- Responds with additional Technical Assistance to LHAs and RAAs as necessary, providing excellent customer service
3) Works with Assistant Director and other DRA staff to update MRVP Policy, as required, and implements trainings:
- Creates and disseminates program guidance and notices, as necessary
- Oversees implementation for any adjustments to rent and voucher policies for the MRVP
- Designs and develops program materials and forms for use by the LHAs/RAAs to reflect current program and legislative requirements
- Updates the MRVP Administrative Plan in coordination with MRVP moving into Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing (CHAMP)
- Conducts desk reviews and onsite monitoring visits, when necessary
- Identifies opportunities and needs for specific trainings with LHAs/RAAs and responds to requests for training, as appropriate. In coordination with Assistant Director, continues to work with contractor to build and deliver MRVP trainings
- Works with Data Analytics team to highlight areas of concern for potential auditing and, as problems arise, works with LHAs/RAAs on correction and training
4) Regularly monitors and analyzes program and budget data, including unit, allocation, and spending data:
- Coordinates with MRVP Fiscal Accountant and Assistant Director staff to provide leasing and expenditure data
- Works with Assistant Director on MRVP Budget model, including analyzing program spending and projecting into future budget years
- Responds timely to ad hoc requests for program and budgetary data, as necessary
- With data analytics team, analyzes program data, needs and trends and recommends policy options to the Assistant Director
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of rental assistance, generally, and MRVP specifically.
- Knowledge of and experience with project-based voucher administration, especially the ability to read and comment on Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing and Tenant Selection Plans.
- Experience with writing guidance and technical documents in an approachable and understandable way to a wide audience.
- At least intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Access is preferred. Knowledge of ArcGIS and/or a housing management software is preferred but not required.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to analyze and synthesize program data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
COMMENTS:
Please upload resume and cover letter.
This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.
Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in real estate management, property management, public housing program management, public housing program development or public housing program administration, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in real estate, public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.*
III. A Master's or higher degree with a major in public administration, business administration or business management may be substituted for a maximum of
three years of the required experience.*
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
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