Housing Eligibility Worker Description

About Marin Housing Authority / Careers

Established: March 15, 1977

Revised: February 10, 1987

Revised: April 2005

Definition

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical duties in the review and determination of initial and continuing client eligibility for public housing assistance; meets with and explains applicable laws, regulations and rules to continuing clients as well as application procedures to prospective tenants; performs related database entry and clerical support functions for the Section 8 voucher and public housing assistance programs; and performs related work as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from the Program Manager and lead direction from Program Specialist.

Class Characteristics

The Housing Eligibility Worker is the journey level class, which works independently in the evaluation and determination of client’s initial and continuing participation within the Section 8 Housing Assistance and Public Housing Programs. Incumbents are responsible for carrying out well-defined rules and regulations pertaining to the annual re-evaluation and interim evaluation of client’s eligibility and for explaining these rules and regulations to applicants and the general public. Incumbents in this class have regular contacts with clients, their relatives, and representatives of outside agencies and the public.

Example of Duties (Illustrative Only)

• Interviews, evaluates and counsels potential and current program participants on all Section 8 Housing Authority program policies and procedures including rental assistance eligibility requirements and restrictions.
• Accepts and reviews applications; performs income, local police and reference checks; determines eligibility of new housing applicants, performs rent calculations and performs home visits as needed.
• Interviews applicants for initial and continuing eligibility and advises them of applicable rules, policies, and procedures governing eligibility and occupancy; researches and verifies eligibility.
• Elicits pertinent information concerning items such as income, assets, family composition, and veteran or displaced status, medical expenses; obtains required signatures.
• Conducts special and interim eligibility reviews of tenants related to changes in household composition and income, or moves, including portabilities; determines continued eligibility as required in accordance with established rules, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews applications and declarations for completeness and consistency; obtains information relative to applicants and tenants and from previous landlords, various agencies and other sources as necessary to verify eligibility and calculate rental liability.
• Calculates rental liability and appropriate levels of tenant payments.
• Receives pre-applications for participation in Housing Authority assistance and housing programs administered by the Leasing Department; enters the appropriate information in the computer for listing on the waiting list.
• Schedules interviews for new applicants and existing tenants for determinations of eligibility; sends appointment letters, prepares associated verification forms and own correspondence as needed.
• Prepares determination of eligibility and rent or subsidy level for review and approval; processes all documents and maintains appropriate manual and computer files.
• Provides general information and assistance to the public regarding housing eligibility requirements; assists with Housing Authority administrative support functions including incoming calls and inquiries regarding housing programs, eligibility and assistance.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of

• Office administration and accounting methods, principles and procedures related to personal finances and budgeting and public assistance eligibility.
• General goals, policies and procedures of the Housing Authority in the administration of public housing and Section 8 programs.
• Principles and techniques of interviewing and providing information; modern office procedures and equipment; principles and practices of interviewing and application screening.
• Community resources and referrals.
• Principles and procedures related to record-keeping and computer database maintenance.

Skill in:

• Learning Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations relating to the provisions of subsidized housing assistance programs.
• Learning to interpret and apply pertinent federal, state, local and departmental laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures regarding assigned program.
• Learning to plan, organize and prioritize caseload.
• Comprehending written information, dealing tactfully and effectively with the general public; effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Communicating effectively with persons from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Relating to and establishing effective working relationships with applicants and tenants of the various housing programs, staff from various other agencies, and co-workers.
• Reading, understanding, explaining and applying rules and regulations, policies, and other directives.
• Understanding and operating computers and complete various calculations accurately with a calculator or computer software.
• Organizing work efficiently and establishing priorities; performing accurate detail work in compiling, organizing and maintaining data and records.
• Operating standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications, facsimile equipment and multi-line telephones.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
  

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to two years of clerical or office support experience within a social services program preferably assisting with or determining eligibility for clients. Related education and/or professional training may be substituted for the experience required on a year-for-year basis.

License:

Some positions may require possession of a valid California class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. This position requires the employee to become certified as a Rent Calculation Specialist through Nan McKay Associates during the 12 month probationary period.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time, talk and hear within standard ranges. The employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or computer controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed in a normal office setting with moderate noise levels.

Marin Housing Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and for religious reasons.