Housing Choice Specialist
Duties
- Manage the administration of housing vouchers under the Section 8 program, including eligibility verification, rent calculations, and lease approval processes.
- Conduct thorough interviews with applicants to assess needs, explain program requirements, and gather necessary documentation.
- Negotiate lease terms with landlords to ensure compliance with program policies while fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships.
- Provide crisis intervention support to clients facing housing instability or other urgent challenges, utilizing skills in crisis management and social work.
- Educate tenants about Fair Housing regulations, rights under the program, and available community resources to promote fair treatment and equal access.
- Maintain accurate records using property management software such as Yardi or OneSite; prepare reports on voucher utilization and client progress.
- Collaborate with addiction counselors or social workers when necessary to support clients with complex needs or substance use issues.
- Stay updated on LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) policies, landlord-tenant law, and other relevant regulations to ensure compliance and best practices. Header: Experience
- Proven experience in property management, social work, or housing programs—preferably with familiarity in LIHTC or Section 8 voucher administration.
- Strong negotiation skills to facilitate lease agreements that benefit both tenants and landlords while maintaining program integrity.
- Demonstrated ability in crisis intervention and crisis management to effectively support clients facing urgent housing or personal issues.
- Knowledge of landlord-tenant law, Fair Housing regulations, and Section 8 policies is essential for ensuring legal compliance.
- Experience using property management software such as Yardi or OneSite for recordkeeping and reporting purposes.
- Excellent communication skills combined with motivational interviewing techniques to engage clients positively and foster trust.· Conducting ongoing, annual certifications and recertifications; processing changes; advising and counseling tenants and potential tenants; preparing and maintaining tenant records and files.
- Completes annual interviews for certification and recertification, reviews and verifies eligibility data.
- Notifies tenants and landlords of housing assistance payments (HAP) for next term; Prepares and updates computer records for interim charges.
- Processes move-ins, terminations, and transfers.
- Holds program briefing sessions with new tenants; prepares vouchers and related forms for signature
- Meets with the tenant and/or landlord and explains policies and procedures regarding rent payment, charges, grievance procedure.
- Prepares and mails program termination notices for non-payment of rent or other causes.
- Prepares a variety of monthly and annual reports.
- Meets with tenants and/or landlords to discuss matters regarding occupancy, late payments, or occupancy problems.
- Appears in court and gives testimony regarding eviction cases
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism while maintaining a solution-focused approach in fast-paced environments.
This dynamic role offers an exciting opportunity for motivated professionals eager to make a tangible difference in their communities by supporting affordable housing initiatives!
Skills
- Fair Housing & HUD Compliance
- Low Income tax credit
- Client interviewing and assessment
- Lease negotiation
- Ability to maintain good, collaborative relationships with landlords and tenants
- Documentation and recordkeeping compliance
- Communication and customer service