HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Program AssistantUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Housing Program Assistant
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Neighborhood Services
Supervisor: Housing Choice Voucher Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 9
Job Number: 0916
Job Summary
Under general direc�on, determines applicant eligibility and manages a caseload of families
par�cipa�ng in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Rental Assistance programs.
Coordinates, prepares and reviews necessary documenta�on for program applicants and ac�ve
par�cipants. Provides informa�on and assistance to the public and other departments in
accordance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development regula�ons and Iowa City
Housing Authority policies and procedures.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Processes wai�ng list applica�ons and determines ini�al eligibility for new program
par�cipants by reviewing, evalua�ng, and inves�ga�ng applicant informa�on.
• Contacts employers, financial ins�tu�ons, medical providers, schools, law enforcement
and other public and private agencies to verify informa�on.
• Oversees case management for the Housing Choice Voucher Program by gathering and
analyzing data and calcula�ng monthly subsidy for program par�cipants.
• Keeps case files current and in compliance with program policies and Housing and Urban
Development regula�ons.
• Calculates rental subsidies to complete ini�al, annual and interim reviews, prepares
leases, executes contracts and amendments; reconciles and verifies monthly subsidy
paid to landlords.
• Calculates funds owed by par�cipant families as a result of fraudulent repor�ng;
nego�ates and executes a signed contract for repayment within federal and local
guidelines.
• Inves�gates complaints of program viola�ons and fraud; and refers cases to supervisor
the appropriate course of ac�on.
• Coordinate with community partners to process and maintain specialty vouchers for
veterans and homeless popula�ons.
• Ini�ates, obtains and analyzes criminal reports and all other background checks.
• Par�cipates with management in conduc�ng informal hearings to determine course of
ac�on if viola�on occurs.
Updated: March 2024
• Conducts training sessions to orient applicants and incoming par�cipant families to
program policies and guidelines.
• Ini�ates and coordinates housing quality standards inspec�ons for individuals.
• Provide public educa�on and answers ques�ons and/or complaints regarding
administered programs from assigned clients and general public.
• Comprehends and maintains working knowledge of federal and local program policy as it
relates to individual file assessment.
• Assists with new Housing Authority employee orienta�ons and on-the-job training
ac�vi�es.
• Receives clients/customers and other visitors and ensures Housing Authority customer
sa�sfac�on goals are met.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience in general office work.
• Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience
working with persons with low incomes and/or other special needs. The ability to
communicate in Spanish, French, Swahili and/or Arabic.
• Housing Choice Voucher Specialist HUD cer�fica�on.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to accurately interpret federal and local policy and apply technical methods for
determining rental subsidy amounts.
• Ability to analyze externally provided documents and produce concise writen material
related to program guidelines.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to effec�vely conduct both writen and verbal communica�on with persons from
special needs groups and external and internal government staff, local agency staff, and
the business community.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regula�ons.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Updated: March 2024
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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