Property Specialist - Bay Terrace

Salary: $32.02 Hourly
Location : Multiple Locations, WA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2024-00007
Department: Property Management
Opening Date: 02/07/2024
Closing Date: 2/28/2024 12:00 AM Pacific
Summary of Position
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY:

• The hired candidate will be placed at the starting pay rate of $32.02 an hour.
• Work location may vary. However, the position will be primarily located at Bay Terrace Apartments.
  
• To remove the possibility of unintentional or implicit bias during application screening, THA has adopted an anonymous application process that prevents hiring managers from seeing personal identifiers, such as names, addresses, and other similar information. For that reason, you may not attach a cover letters or resume. Please include ALL work experience and submit a complete, detailed, and updated application.
• Position is open until filled. First consideration is given to applications received by February 18, 2024.

Mission
THA provides high quality, stable and sustainable housing, and supportive services to people in need. It does this in ways that help them prosper and help our communities become safe, vibrant, prosperous, attractive, and just.
THA's Values
We value the diversity of our staff. It makes us stronger and more effective. Service, Integrity, Stewardship, Communication, Collegial Support and Respect, Excellence and Leadership are all values of THA.
Purpose of Position
The Property Specialist supports Tacoma Housing Authority's strategic and operational objectives in the following way: efficiently performs a range of functions to ensure that THA's properties and housing programs run effectively, efficiently and in compliance with applicable rules, and that THA tenants, customers and landlord partners receive high quality service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Property management

• Perform a wide variety of responsibilities in support of agency property management. Perform those responsibilities in a manner that maintains positive and constructive relations with the communities, residents, and applicants.
  
• Manage tenant relations and foster a sense of community including responding to resident concerns, assist and/or lead regular tenant meetings and work with tenants to organize community activities.

• Verify and re-verify, as necessary, relevant information of annual income, family composition, eligibility, and allowable deductions and allowances. Assure complete and accurate information by accepted verification methods; send, receive, and confirm third party verification.
  
• Screen new residents in accordance with program policies and enter lease contracts with residents, perform background checks with police, courts, and credit references regarding entire family.
  
• Calculate and collect rent (pro-rating as needed), determine, and collect security deposit, recording individual payments in a computerized system.
  
• Perform move-in and move out inspections and orient new residents upon initial occupancy. Review lease requirements and operating procedures with all new residents and follow up as appropriate, accompany tenants to units to offer units.
  
• Maintain complete individual tenant files including all income and household eligibility information for tenants, determine continued income eligibility and preference status.

• Assist with transfers for over and under-housed residents, reasonable accommodations, and other transfers.
  
• Maintain list of available units and help tenants select the best fitted housing unit for their needs.
  
• Explain the entire housing process.
  
• Assume property maintenance responsibilities including ordering repairs, inspecting the condition of building, etc.
  
• Conduct home visits to prospective tenants to assess housekeeping and other abilities, conduct property site walks as needed.

• Work with residents to access social services as needed. work closely with Client Services staff to engage and assist families at risk for eviction and other lease violations.
  
• Coordinate with THA's Client Services Department on involving residents in advocacy efforts and assist with advocacy campaigns as needed.
  
• Participate with other service providers, staff, and volunteers in communicating and coordinating available services.
  
• Maintain a highly proficient knowledge of detailed federal leased housing regulations; specifically, Federal Section 8 and Section 8 Voucher Programs. Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program as well as working knowledge of portability procedures and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
  
• Monitor all rules and policies for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Work with moving companies and utility companies.
  
• Respond to emergencies as needed.

Employee responsibility to THA

• Fulfill all duties and responsibilities with a high level of integrity, honesty and adherence to agency policies and rules.
  
• Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers, management, partner agencies and the community.

• Present a professional image as a representative of THA.
  
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality relative to work performed.

Secondary position tasks

• Attend and participate in professional membership organizations affecting federal and state leased housing programs.
  
• Organize meetings as necessary or mandated regarding THA housing programs.
  
• Serve as a member of committees, as directed.
  
• Remain current with trends, industry knowledge, and continuing education related to the position.
  
• Perform related duties or responsibilities as assigned.

Diversity
THA's staff, its clients, and the staff of community partners are diverse in many ways, including diversity by race, national origin, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, and disability. THA is committed to cultivating a culture of belonging. We value diverse life experiences and heritage to ensure that all voices are heard. We strive to respect and protect the dignity of all employees and members of our community. All THA employees must engage diverse people in constructive and effective ways as a supervisor, colleague, business partner, and/or service provider.
Position Requirements and Qualifications
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Educational level and experience

• Associates degree. Directly relevant experience will be considered in lieu of the required degree.
  
• Two to three years property management work experience, preferably in affordable housing, tax credit properties.
  
• Housing experience preferred.

Certifications/Registrations

• Depending upon assignment, a WA driver's license with acceptable driving record and auto insurance may be required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal conventional and leased housing regulations.
• Knowledge of procedures and practices pertaining to the selection process, eligibility criteria, rental and income limitations contained in assisted housing programs, preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of leasing agreement procedures, interim recertification process, public housing standards and housing quality standards inspection.
• Knowledge of housing options, community resources and services for low-income families, elderly persons and persons with disabilities preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local tenant laws.
• Familiarity with social services available in the community.
• Can interface with co-workers, management, clients, community partners, and others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Able to communicate effectively both verbally, and in writing using correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Second language preferred in: Cambodian, Vietnamese, Russian, Spanish, or Korean.
• Capable of managing competing demands and meeting productivity standards while handling frequent change, delays, and unexpected events.
• Possess skills to organize and work independently in an environment of frequent interruptions.
• Exhibit expertise in the design and maintenance of paper and digital systems to organize, store and retrieve records, data and documents.
• Ability to engage a wide variety of people with a high level of professionalism, courtesy and good humor, including culturally, socially and economically diverse populations, seniors, persons with disabilities, contractors, and professional colleagues.
• Show a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality in all assignments as directed.
• Possess a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook and otherwise to be effective without close clerical support.

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee must handle to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires working regularly within THA's offices. The job's activities occur primarily in indoor office settings:

• Occasional standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reaching with hands and arms; climbing stairs; balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; talking or hearing; occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; job site noise level may be louder.

Equal Opportunity Employer
THA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
We provide reasonable accommodation to all applicants and employees that can perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. If you require reasonable accommodation, please direct your inquiry to the Human Resources Department at (253) 448-2704 for assistance. We ask for at least 24 hours advance notice when possible.
COVID-19
Tacoma Housing Authority has a COVID-19 Recommended Vaccination Policy that strongly encourages all regular, part-time, and temporary employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the health and safety of its workplace and community.
Regardless of vaccination status, employees must comply with THA's safety requirements, which may include enhanced safety precautions such as face coverings, physical distancing, and other safety protocols. THA does not tolerate harassment or discrimination due to vaccine status or a request for an accommodation that protects employees from COVID-19 exposure.
THA reserves the right to modify this policy at any time in its sole discretion to adapt to changing local, state, and federal law and business needs, consistent with its commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
WORK ARRANGEMENT OPTIONS
All employees have a 120-day probationary period that starts on the 1st day of employment in the position. During this time, employees will train, onboard, and perform their work in-person/in-office. Depending on the position and as approved by the manager, employees may have an option to work a hybrid schedule (part remote, part in-person) once they successfully pass probation.
Welcome to Benefits
Tacoma Housing Authority offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees who are
scheduled to work 30 hours per week in a regular position are eligible for benefits. Benefits listed here are an example of benefits available for a regular, full-time, OPEIU represented employee.
MEDICAL & VISION
THA pays 97% for employee-only coverage and 74% for dependent (Spouse, children) coverage for the base plan-UMP Classic. Employees pay a pre-tax contribution twice a month. Our plans includes coverage for prescriptions, well-care check-ups, mental health, and substance abuse services.
DENTAL
THA pays 100% of the premium. Washington Delta Dental Premier program provides coverage up to $2,000 per benefit period, per person for the covered employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children.
EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
The Education Assistance Program has been developed to encourage and assist regular, full-time employees to further their education at approved institutions. THA will provide education assistance up to a maximum of $3,500 per employee, per calendar year. The following job-related courses and programs are examples that are potentially eligible for the Education Assistance Program:

• Associate, Bachelor's and graduate degree courses or programs
• Professional Certification Programs
• Courses credited toward a high school diploma or equivalency certificate

Tacoma Housing Authority is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DISABILI...