Job Responsibilities

Kent County Community Action is seeking a Community Resources Specialist. The successful candidate will provide service in one or more of the following programs including: Housing Choice Voucher Program (including HUD-VASH for Veterans) and Family Self Sufficiency Program.

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government's major subsidy program for assisting families with very low-income, the elderly, and persons with a disability to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Kent County receives funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a fast-paced work environment. The employee will be expected to use independent judgment within defined administrative guidelines and should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to write clear and concise case notes and reports. The employee will also be expected to: be a self-starter; work independently; be result-oriented; have excellent time management skills that ensure meeting multiple deadlines; have an understanding of data-based operations as applicable to housing programs; and be able to provide excellent customer service to clients, landlords, and community partners.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to:

• 
  Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex federal regulations
• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for HCV rental assistance
• Calculate rent assistance for program participants
• Conduct orientation briefings
• Process annual re-exams, interim changes, and rent increases
• Coordinate with inspector for initial, biennial, and Special inspections
• Abate payments on units which have outstanding failed inspections
• Review all new leases
• Verify all income and deductions for families on caseload
• Handle large volume of phone calls and emails from participants, landlords, and community partners

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary support program for participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The FSS Program provides case management and coordination of local, community-based resources that promote economic independence for families with Housing Choice Vouchers. This position is responsible for outreach efforts and enrolling eligible Housing Choice Voucher program participants into the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program and providing case management to existing FSS program participants.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit and enroll HCV program participants for Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program
• Assist FSS participants with goal setting, through interviews and individualized action plans
• Identify/refer participants to community resources, which will help participants to meet their needs
• Recruit and enroll participants in the Homeownership program
• Accurately calculate and apply escrow account credits
• Prepare and distribute annual escrow statements to eligible FSS participants
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with community health providers, social service agencies, non-profits, and job developers as potential resources for participants
• Perform basic administrative tasks related to the job (i.e.: computerized tracking systems, statistical reports, case notes, and other related information)
• Create various marketing tools including brochures, monthly newsletters, and flyers to connect services to participants
• Participate in community meetings/activities that support the goal of self-sufficiency and homeownership
• Learn and maintain knowledge of FSS, Housing Choice Voucher, and HCV Homeownership policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Science, or a human service discipline combined with two years’ experience as a social or other case worker. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Must possess HCV Specialist and FSS Coordinator certifications or be able to successfully complete HCV Specialist and FSS Coordinator trainings and pass each exam with a minimum score of 70% within 6 months of hire.

Strongly desire candidates who possess excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail, good listening skills with a high interest in working with low to moderate-income customers, demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, experience with strength-based case management, in-depth knowledge of community resources, experience with HCV or other subsidized housing programs, and a working knowledge Microsoft Office applications.