RIHousing – HCV Program Specialist
Salary Range - $46,221.30 - $66,884.94
 
RIHousing is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
What it’s all about:
This position is responsible for the administration and coordination of all aspects of Housing Choice Voucher (HCVP) Program in accordance with appropriate federal (HUD), state regulations and local state law.
 
What you’ll do on a daily basis:            
The incumbent will be responsible for all phases of the annual and interim tenant reexaminations to determine subsidy level for continued occupancy including but not limited to obtaining third-party verifications, calculating housing assistance payments and tenant rental amounts, approving contract rents for rent increases, making appropriate changes to family composition and household income and notifying tenant and landlord of changes in rent and/or unit eligibility.

The incumbent will process the change of units which will include setting up inspections, verifying proof of ownership, approving contract rents, conducting rent reasonableness, and rent burden and drafting Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts and rent share letters. This position will coordinate with the Portability Specialist for tenants moving outside of RIHousing’s jurisdiction by obtaining proper documentation and explaining the policy and procedures to both tenant and prospective landlord. The incumbent will issue vouchers for continued occupancy to tenants who have moved out of their unit and will be responsible for monitoring the timely expiration, extension and termination of such vouchers. The HCVP Specialist will also work closely with the Inspector and Administrative Assistant to ensure all units are within compliance for continued and initial occupancy.

Prepare and execute rent and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) adjustments, repayment agreements, compliance and termination notices for program and lease violations. Investigate complaints of program abuse, document and take appropriate action in such cases, per Housing Authority, HUD, Federal, State, and local policies and regulations with accuracy and efficiency.

The HCVP Specialist will be responsible for returning all emails and phone calls to tenants, owners, prospective landlords, applicants and the general public within 24 hours per the Leased Housing department’s policy.

The incumbent will also assist in responding to tenant and landlord inquiries, resolving landlord and/or tenant concerns through proper interpretation and investigation of program regulations, internal policies, local law and/or legal documentation as necessary.

The incumbent will be expected to build rapport with their caseload, provide additional support when needed and make appropriate referrals within RIHousing and/or other local social service agencies as necessary.

The performance of this role will be closely monitored and audited monthly by the Quality Control Specialist. The HCVP Specialist will be responsible for correcting errors within a timely manner and mitigating their error rate on an ongoing basis. In this role, the incumbent is expected to meet all performance standards and comply with changing program procedures, policies, and regulations as necessary. The incumbent must be well versed in all aspects of Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Project Based voucher programs, keeping current on changes in federal and state regulations.

The incumbent must perform accurate and timely data entry into the software system and maintain electronic files of each tenant with adherence to the RIHousing’s strict confidentiality and IT security policy.

The HCVP Specialist will be responsible for verification of income and household composition changes by cross referencing reports through the HUD Secure Systems including but not limited to the 90-day New Admission report, income verification report, immigration summary report, deceased tenant report, identity verification report and multiple subsidy report. This position will be cross trained in all aspects of the HCVP program and may be required to compile special reports or perform special projects as directed by the management team.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Conducts all annual and interim reexaminations including changes in household composition, income, rent increases etc. by obtaining all required documentation and third party verifications to ensure cost-effective program administration in accordance with appropriate federal (HUD) and state regulations
• Process moves within RIHousing’s jurisdiction by obtaining the Request for Tenancy Approval, determining reasonable rents, negotiating, approving housing assistance payment contracts, and calculating contract rents, rental subsidies and utility allowances for initial occupancy in new units.
• Mediates landlord/tenant problems in a timely, professional manner and provides appropriate technical assistance as required.

• Associate degree in real estate, business administration or related field and/or property management certification or equivalent work experience
• Three years related housing management experience.
• Working knowledge of applicable HUD regulations.
• Accountability for own work, with the ability to assess quality of their work and follow through on corrective action.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Exceptional customer service, with ability to de-escalate conflict, provide information and referral, maintain high level of professionalism at all times.
• Strong organization with ability to work in fast paced environment and adhere to time sensitive deadlines.
• Basic mathematic skills with ability to do arithmetic and calculate percentages. 
• Bilingual ability preferred (particularly Spanish) 

• Mission-Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Competitive salary
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of “Best Places to Work” 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
• PBN’s Worksite Health Award 2013-2023
• PBN’s Diversity Equity Inclusion Award 2023

• Offer fair, affordable, and innovative lending programs.
• Provide housing-related education to consumers and others.
• Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
• Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
• Team up with partners to improve everything we do.