Admissions Specialist 07-24

JOB NOTICE
DATE POSTED: February 24, 2024 POSITION: Admissions Specialist
SALARY: $21.30/Hour JOB #: 07-24
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled
Position Summary:
The Admissions Specialist is responsible for working the various steps of the eligibility process for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), the Project-Based Rental Assistance Program (PBRA), and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC). This requires the Specialist to have expert knowledge of each program's requirements and the ability to effectively communicate the requirements to HACA clients.
Essential Functions:

• Proficient in YARDI Rent Café and Emphasys Elite housing software programs, Laserfiche Document Imaging software, DocuSign, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Spreadsheets.
• Prepare for all eligibility interviews in advance by preparing interview packets with required HCV, PBRA, and/or LIHTC documents
• Conducts remote and in-person eligibility interviews for the HCV, PBRA, and LIHTC Programs. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of identification documents, income documents, application packets, criminal history reports, waiting list preference eligibility, and ensuring all required forms and signatures are collected.
• Uses the relevant program regulations to calculate income, assets, and expenses
• Processes applicant files for final eligibility determinations following the compliance regulations for each program.
• Completes data entry of all information about the applicant's family into the Emphasys Elite or YARDI housing software (depending on the program).
• Using an electronic data management system creates and organizes each applicant file in a consistent manner as identified by the Department Director and communicated through file checklists.
• Exhibits a clear understanding of HUD, HCV, PBRA, and LIHTC rules and regulations with the ability to differentiate and maintain compliance between programs
• Consistently meets deadlines with a file error rate of 10% or less.
• Regularly reports to the Department Director the file status and pending documents through approved spreadsheets and Google documents
• Stays well informed with program and agency changes as they pertain to HACA applicants, eligibility requirements, and waiting list management.
• Communicates with the applicants throughout the process until the family receives a housing offer or Housing Choice Voucher.
• Communicates with the public, social service agencies, and prospective residents on eligibility requirements for admission to the HCV, PBRA, and LIHTC Programs.
• Provides referrals to social service agencies or other government agencies as appropriate to assist the family in navigating the admissions process and beginning the journey toward self-sufficiency.
• Assists the Admissions File Clerk as necessary with the processing of all files, mailings, and necessary paperwork.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or two years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly well-organized
• Proven ability working with various software systems

Preferred

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school and one year of experience, or three years related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in providing social services
• Experience working with affordable housing programs and working in a paperless working environment including the use of document imaging software, preferably Laserfiche.
• Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic is preferred)

• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner, following HACA record-keeping procedures at all times. Exhibits a clear understanding of HUD, HCV, PBRA, and LIHTC rules and regulations with the ability to differentiate and maintain compliance between programs.
• Knowledge of general office practices, office machinery, and computers. Some knowledge of standard bookkeeping principles, practices, and techniques.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) Google Spreadsheets, and housing software systems.
• Ability to provide exemplary professional customer service at every stage in the eligibility process. Demonstrates professional conduct at all times, including arriving on time to work, and appropriate dress, speech, and conduct that demonstrates respect for co-workers, applicants, and everyone with whom they interact.
• Ability to manage challenging situations and difficult people while maintaining a professional and compassionate demeanor. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, applicants, program participants, and persons outside the Housing Authority. Ability to perform job assignments accurately, consistently, and in a timely manner. Ability to write reports, complete forms, compose letters, and effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

Certification and Licensure:

• Bondable.
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Eligibility for coverage under Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.
• Tax Credit Specialist certification earned within 1 year of employment
• Continued Occupancy Specialist certification earned within 1 year of employment
• Regularly attend and pass Fair Housing training and certification
• Complete annual security training as required by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin.

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave, annual leave, birthday leave & federal holidays
• 100% of employee health insurance premiums paid by the agency
• Supplemental health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for employees and family
• 457b retirement plan with employer contributions, tuition reimbursement
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule:

• Hybrid Work from home eligible
• 8-hour shift, predictable schedule
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00

APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:Application for open posted position must be submitted online at the following website: However, we will accept applications at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78704. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin or sign up for job alerts at our career site. The HACA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER