The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) has the responsibility to safeguard the health of all employees and their families, our customers and visitors, our residents, and the community at large. With this, all new employees are required to receive at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot in a two-shot series or be fully vaccinated prior to the date of hire. Further, proof of vaccination is required prior to the date of hire. All new employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of the date of hire.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, provides leadership and oversight to Program Specialists of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). Monitors certifications for accuracy and work flow for efficiencies. Provides detailed training to Program Specialists and others, as necessary. Recommends methods to improve efficiency and accuracy and assists Team Manager with disciplinary actions. Provides excellent customer service assistance orally and in writing to employees, clients, tenants, landlords, and other agencies. Investigates validity of payments, terminations and reimbursements. Monitors client eligibility and rent calculations that are within HUD and agency guidelines. Works with property owners and tenants to disseminate regulations and contract terms, conducts briefings and orientations, responds to complaints and mediates solutions. Maintains unit vacancy information. Prepares for and attends Court Hearings. Performance of the duties requires excellent supervisory skills, customer service skills, good problem solving abilities, and attention to detail.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides general oversight and leadership to Program Specialists. Monitors daily production of Program Specialists to ensure accuracy. Recommends improvements in workflow efficiencies. Recommends and assures that necessary corrective actions are taken regarding errors. Assists with Universal Leave Approval and of disciplinary actions and terminations.
• Monitors rent certifications for completeness and accuracy; investigates to determine the validity of payments, terminations, or reimbursement of payments. Reports to Team Manager on deficiencies and successes. Mentors employees toward improvement and recommends discipline when needed improvements are not made.
• Supervises Home Visit Schedules.
• Trains HCVP staff, new employees, and other agency employees concerning the HCVP Section 8 Program in general and the specific and technical HCVP Program requirements. Trains staff on HUD and HCVP Occupancy policies and procedures. Trains on the procedures for Rent Calculation Recertification and interim adjustments.
• Evaluates hearing referrals. Examines tenant folders, verifying that the correct documentation is in the tenant files. Gathers evidence and prepares cases to present at hearings concerning terminations and repayment of funds. Conducts field inspections. Attends court hearings.
• Explains HUD regulations and contract terms to owners and tenants. Interprets HABC policies and procedures and HUD regulations to staff and customers.
• Processes End of Participation (EOP) Accounts. Processes change of ownership by gathering documents and forwarding them to the Program Integrity Unit.
• Provides Customer Service to tenants, property owners, other agencies and employees. Assists customers by responding to inquiries via mail, e-mail and telephone. Accurately disseminates HCVP information to participants, applicants, owners and all other interested parties in the community.
• Retrieves information from program software to answer inquiries and assist customers in resolving problems, concerns, and complaints. Meets with applicants to explain housing assistance programs and to determine eligibility and suitability. Provides applicants and participants with community based information, i.e. social services and housing agencies such as shelters, fair housing agencies, Legal Aid Society, and government sponsored social services agencies. Makes referrals to other service agencies and organizations as warranted
• Reviews clients’ continued eligibility determination, re-examinations, relocations, referrals and interim changes. Monitors HUD procedures for specific actions, reviews household composition and income, explains regulations and informs client of results.
• Authorizes and approves, or disapproves rents, reviews negotiations, conducts rent reasonableness studies, facilitates unit inspections, and prepares all necessary paperwork for establishing assistance payments.
• Reviews rent calculations on all approved units to determine contract rent, tenant portion, and housing assistance.
• Works with property owners and tenants to explain HUD regulations and contract terms, conducts briefings and orientations.
• Performs case management functions. Maintains accurate records for assigned accounts, initiates payments, calculates rents, suspends, terminates or reinstates payments and recovers monies. Compiles and updates data and prepares reports.
• Responds to complaints from private/public sectors. Mediates and arbitrates landlord/tenant disputes, negotiates fair and equitable solutions to problems involving repairs, rents, and maintenance. Investigates accounts to determine terminations or payment reimbursements.
• Drafts and types a variety of written correspondence to clients, applicants, tenants, landlords, employees, and other agencies.
• Attends meetings with staff, property owners or managers, and government officials.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year university or college with a business or social service related degree.
• Three (3) years of responsible experience in HCVP or Section 8.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Special Requirements

• Section 8 Rent Calculation and Section 8 Occupancy certification within 12 months of employment.