Hra - Rental Assistance Specialist

Salary: $20.00 - $24.00 Hourly
Location : Brainerd, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20231218
Department: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Opening Date: 12/19/2023
General Definition of Work
Under the supervision of the Housing Manager, the Rental Assistance Specialist will assist in the operation of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program as well as other agency housing initiatives. This position is expected to follow local, HRA, state, and federal policies, regulations and laws.
This posting is open until filled.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Perform all activities relating to in-unit housing inspections.
• Perform all activities relating to intake, eligibility determinations, leasing, move-ins, interim rent changes, annual recertifications, rent calculation, rent reasonableness, repayment agreements, utility schedule, preparing and executing HAP Contracts, and processing Rental Assistance checks.
• Process applications for placement on housing program waiting lists, prepare denial letters, send notification letters, conduct briefings, maintain waiting lists.
• Create and maintain tenant files, develop and maintain a filing system for multiple files, identify files to be purged and files to be retained.
• Process voucher terminations and/or ports.
• Assist with preparation for annual audit. Verify by examination that file documentation is complete and files are audit-ready.
• Assist with data-collection and narrative preparation of annual plan, five-year plan, and future program development opportunities.
• Prepare and maintain Excel spreadsheets, schedules, and reports.
• Complete periodic training related to updated program guidelines, new agency initiatives, or other staff development topics.
• Monthly reporting including Multifamily Tenant Characteristics System (MTCS), Voucher Management System reconciliation (VMS), repayment agreement updates, board updates, Section 3 activity tracking, and Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) monitoring.
• Participate in community resource meetings.
• Other activities as directed.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Associate's degree in related field plus two years' experience in position with similar job duties or four years' combination of relevant education, training and experience that meets the requirement to successfully accomplish the assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the Executive Director.
• Must have housing inspection certification (i.e. UPS, HQS, NSPIRE) and program specialist certification (i.e Housing Choice Voucher Specialist, Public Housing Occupancy, Certified Occupancy Specialist, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Specialist, Affordable Housing Professional) certification from a nationally recognized training program, or the ability to be certified within one year of employment.
• Extensive experience with windows-based personal computer software application is required. Possession of a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of housing safety and quality standards.
• Ability to meet with applicants and tenants at their residences, and to physically inspect the residence.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to serve customers in a professional manner.
• Ability to prepare and submit reports and required information.
• Knowledge of administrative practices, policies and procedures, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing Laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of MN Landlord/Tenant Statues and Data Privacy Laws.
• Ability to organize, establish priorities, meet program guidelines and timelines and work independently.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations.
• Knowledge of all facets of the current housing programs.
• Ability to work well with government officials, Board members, Department Managers, property owners and managers, staff and program participants.

Other Requirements and Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing this job, the employee is required to talk, hear, have eyesight and have mobility enough to operate a variety of office machines, operate a vehicle and work in buildings with stairs and elevators. The employee frequently is required to bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, push and pull. The employee is occasionally required to squat, crawl, climb, kneel and carry/lift up to 24 lbs.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or binding contract and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
At Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), we offer a competitive wage and excellent benefit package*.
*Disclaimer: The Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority is a separate employer and its employees are not City employees; however, the HRA is included in the majority of City of Brainerd's benefits (same health, life, dental and ancillary plans).
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Work Hours
Normal work hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 4:30pm (10 hour shifts).
Probationary Period
Probationary period is 6 months upon assuming the position. Completing the probationary period does not guarantee future employment with the HRA. All employment with the HRA is "at will."
Holidays
The 10 calendar holidays that are observed are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following, and Christmas Day.
Vacation
Vacation is earned at the rate of 6.67 hours per month (2 weeks per year) for the first 5 years of employment. After the first five years, monthly accrual rate is increased annually per the Employee Policy Manual. Maximum vacation balance is 240 hours.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 8 hours per month with a maximum sick balance of 960 hours. Sick leave is not paid out upon termination.
Health Insurance
Health Partners is our current health insurance provider. Coverage takes effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire. The HRA currently offers one insurance plan or $315 per month for an Opt-out election with appropriate group coverage documentation. The following is a summary of the insurance plan option for 2022:

• High Deductible Health Insurance Plan - $2,800 single/$5,600 family deductible. The employee pays 0% of the single premium. The employee pays 20% of the family premium or $406.47 per month. The employee also receives an additional annual employer Health Savings Account contribution of $2,000 for a single policy and $2,500 for a family policy (amount will be prorated and deposited in quarterly increments) into the employee's Health Savings Account.

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
An employer paid $25,000 life insurance and long-term disability insurance policy is provided by the HRA the 1st of the month following the initial-six months waiting period of eligibility.
Retirement Plan
HRA employees are eligible for Brainerd Housing & Redevelopment Authority Retirement Plan (defined contribution plan) on the 1st of the month following six months of employment. The employee contribution rate is 5.5% and the employer contribution rate is 7.5%. HRA employees are also immediately eligible to participate in the MN Deferred Compensation Plan. Employee contributions are made into this state run 457 plan on either a pretax or post tax basis.
01
Do you have an Associate's degree in related field plus two years' experience in a position with similar job duties, or four years' combination of relevant education, training and experience that meets the requirement to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this position as listed in the Job Posting?

• Yes
• No

02
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please select the option below that best describes your level of education and/or experience in closely related field.

• None
• Associate's Degree with 2 years of experience
• At least four years of relevant education, training and experience

03
Do you have experience in determining income eligibility for clients?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please list the program(s) in which you have experience in determining income eligibility for clients. If none, type "N/A".
05
Do you have experience performing HQS or similar inspections?

• Yes
• No

06
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please list the program(s) in which you have experience performing HQS or similar inspections. If none, type "N/A".
07
Do you have a housing inspection certification or certification from a nationally recognized training program, or the ability to be certified within one year of employment?

• Yes
• No

08
If you answered Yes to the previous question, please list your certifications along with where you acquired them from below. If none, type "N/A".
09
The Rental Assistance Specialist must be organized and detail-oriented. Please provide an example of something you have done that has used those skills. If none, type "N/A".
10
Briefly describe your experience serving the public. If none, type "N/A."
11
From your experience serving the public, please give an example of when you had to deal with an unhappy client/landlord/person and what you did to resolve the situation. If none, type "N/A".
12
Please explain why you are interested in this position and what makes you a strong candidate. If none, type "N/A".
13
I hereby certify that my responses on my application and my answers to the supplemental questions are complete and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if my responses to the supplemental questions or on my application cannot be supported, that I may no longer be considered for the position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question