Special Programs Housing Specialist II

Make a difference and join the DCA Team!  DCA gives employees more to do than merely make a living.  We are serious about helping Georgia's families live more abundantly with a greater sense of hope and achievement.  If public service, a great environment, and the desire to enrich the lives of others motivate you to do your best work, you should consider joining the DCA Team.  

OUR MISSION

To help build strong, vibrant communities.

OUR VISION

For Georgians of today and tomorrow to have the opportunity to live and work in thriving communities.

OUR CULTURE

We are a diverse team of highly competent and committed professionals who strive to help people and communities thrive through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a passion for making a difference.  Team members are at their best when collaborating and supporting each other as they perform challenging and dynamic work

General Description

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a state organization dedicated to partnering with communities to help create a climate of success for Georgia's families and businesses. DCA offers a fast-paced, challenging, and dynamic environment that requires attention to detail, pride in quality of work, and the ability to work as a versatile team player. 

Overview of Job:

The Special Programs Housing Specialist II is pivotal in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. This position oversees a diverse portfolio of housing initiatives, including the Project Based Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency, and other specialized programs. Key duties include determining eligibility, issuing vouchers, conducting housing briefings, and handling recertifications and landlord rental adjustments. In collaboration with the Special Programs Coordinator, the Specialist ensures effective partnerships with external agencies and provides thorough case management from client intake through ongoing program compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide excellent direct customer service to all participants and landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program; respond to inquiries and requests from participants, landlords, and the general public.
• Collects, reviews, and processes data specific to assigned functions within required timelines; calculates tenant rents and housing assistance payments in accordance with established operational procedures.
• Interfaces directly with program applicants and/or property owners to conduct interviews, collect paperwork, conduct informal reviews, and resolve issues, complaints, or problems.
• Documents all tasks completed in the appropriate applicant file in the computer system; maintains hard documentation for all transactions neat and organized per established file requirements.
• Responsible for timely and accurate follow-ups to complete tasks; opens, reviews, and acts upon all mail received within established timelines; utilizes only agency-approved forms, letters, and correspondence; assures that all correspondence issued is the correct and most recent version.
• Calculates HUD-required rental contributions from eligible tenant families and the amount of monthly housing assistance for the owner by HUD requirements for a tenancy under the voucher program.
• Prepares HAP contract and ensures execution and processing promptly to ensure timely monthly owner/manager payments. Ensures timely processing of utility allowance payments.
• Reviews landlord/owner leases for compliance with program and statutory requirements.
• Ensures appropriate voucher forms are processed on time.
• Responsible for accurate document management process for all assigned controlled documents.
• Updates landlord information and promptly and accurately makes other appropriate system information changes.
• Contributes to the assigned team; actively participates in team meetings, process improvements, and other special projects; collaborates with and supports all team members and follows through on initiatives and assignments as directed.
• Embraces and supports all initiatives, policies, and procedures within the HCV Program Division; implements all new requirements under established guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, urban studies, social service, or a related field is a plus.
• Knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, HUD Regulations, and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Administrative Plan. 
• Applicants must be certified in HCV rent calculation or as an HCV Specialist, with certification obtained within the last 3-5 years. Candidates without current certification must pass the certification test within six months to one year of employment.
• Requires functional proficiency with technology used on the job, including Microsoft Office Suite and proprietary software, proprietary database operations, and other technology applications to support organizational objectives.

SUPERVISION GIVEN AND RECEIVED

The employee directly reports to their supervisor and may receive instructions from various members of the HCV Management Team. Methods of accomplishing routine tasks are generally at the employee's discretion, and the employee may determine priorities within established deadlines. Courses of action, deadlines, and priorities are established by procedure, the manager, or the employee, depending on the assignment. 

The employee initiates routine duties without supervisory direction. Instructions to the employee may be general or specific. Problems or situations not covered by instructions are usually referred to the supervisor for resolution. 

The employee keeps the supervisor informed of work progress, and finished work is closely reviewed for accuracy, completion, and compliance with policies and procedures

The employee has no supervisory duties.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines followed by the employee include published laws, regulations, handbooks, established policies, and procedures. Independent research may be necessary depending on the activity and/or task requirements. If guidelines do not cover a situation, the employee consults the supervisor or decides based on the circumstances and experience as appropriate and consistent with established DCA practices.

COMPLEXITY

The employee performs a moderate number of routine and many non-routine tasks. The course of action is determined by the established procedure or direction given. Tasks frequently have to be coordinated, integrated, and/or prioritized. Good judgment is required, and the employee may make decisions regarding unusual circumstances within his or her area of expertise.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The employee’s work affects DCA and its internal and external customers. Performing duties effectively, efficiently, and professionally can enhance the agency’s image in Georgia and its ability to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Most of the employee’s contacts are with DCA employees, non-profit organizations, state agencies, business firms, affiliated companies, residents, and vendors. The purpose of the contacts is to give or exchange information, provide services, make decisions, motivate, negotiate, and resolve problems. Most contacts are structured or confidential, and the employee must be courteous.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is principally sedentary but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling, crouching, or lifting to obtain files and records, and eyestrain from working with computers and other office equipment.
• Must be able to sit or stand for up to eight hours while performing work duties.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, push, and pull in the performance of office-related duties.
• Must be able to use fingers bilaterally and unilaterally to operate office equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions in an environment that sometimes includes increased stress levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS (TRAVEL, HOURS, ENVIRONMENT)

Work involves the normal risks or discomfort associated with an office environment and is usually in an adequately cooled, heated, lighted, and ventilated area.

This position is currently designated as an in office position.  This position is full time (40 hours per week) and may require occasional overtime.  Local periodic travel may be required. 

Note: An equivalent combination of education and job specific experience that provided the knowledge, experience and competencies required to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted on a year-over-year basis.

NOTE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Due to the large volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application and/or interview status cannot be provided.  Selected applicants will be contacted for next steps in the interview process.  Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.  This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

DCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need an accommodation for an interview, please contact the Human Resources Office at (404) 679-4845

Hiring is contingent upon satisfactory results of employment verification, background, criminal records investigation and motor vehicle reports.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the business and requirement of the job change.  This job posting may close at any time upon gaining a sufficient applicant pool from which to select a qualified candidate.

All duties and responsibilities listed are considered to be essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Marginal functions of the position (those that are incidental to the performance of the job duties) have not been included.   However, the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.