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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Program AssistantUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position 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 direction, determines applicant eligibility and manages a caseload of families participating in the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Rental Assistance programs. Coordinates, prepares and reviews necessary documentation for program applicants and active participants. Provides information and assistance to the public and other departments in accordance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations and Iowa City Housing Authority policies and procedures. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 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 waiting list applications and determines initial eligibility for new program participants by reviewing, evaluating, and investigating applicant information. • Contacts employers, financial institutions, medical providers, schools, law enforcement and other public and private agencies to verify information. • Oversees case management for the Housing Choice Voucher Program by gathering and analyzing data and calculating monthly subsidy for program participants. • Keeps case files current and in compliance with program policies and Housing and Urban Development regulations. • Calculates rental subsidies to complete initial, annual and interim reviews, prepares leases, executes contracts and amendments; reconciles and verifies monthly subsidy paid to landlords. • Calculates funds owed by participant families as a result of fraudulent reporting; negotiates and executes a signed contract for repayment within federal and local guidelines. • Investigates complaints of program violations and fraud; and refers cases to supervisor the appropriate course of action. • Coordinate with community partners to process and maintain specialty vouchers for veterans and homeless populations. • Initiates, obtains and analyzes criminal reports and all other background checks. • Participates with management in conducting informal hearings to determine course of action if violation occurs. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Conducts training sessions to orient applicants and incoming participant families to program policies and guidelines. • Initiates and coordinates housing quality standards inspections for individuals. • Provide public education and answers questions 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 orientations and on-the-job training activities. • Receives clients/customers and other visitors and ensures Housing Authority customer satisfaction goals are met. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties 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 certification. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • 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 written material related to program guidelines. • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, 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 situations. • Ability to effectively conduct both written and verbal communication 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 regulations. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft 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: August 2025 (Admin Review) 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 ________________________________ __________________