Housing Specialist

Position Summary
The Housing Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration, operation, compliance, and property management of the Becker County Economic Development Authority's housing programs and housing portfolio.  The position administers Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), multifamily housing, supportive housing, and other EDA owned or managed residential properties. Responsibilities include applicant and tenant administration, leasing, eligibility determinations, rent and subsidy calculations, inspections, recertifications, maintenance coordination, vendor oversight, HUD reporting, compliance monitoring, and housing records management. The position services as the primary operational administrator for housing programs and properties, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations, Minnesota Housing requirements, applicable laws, EDA policies, and funding requirements while working independently under the supervision of the Executive Director. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Administers day-to-day operations of Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) programs in compliance with HUD regulations, EDA policies, ACOP, and HCV Administrative Plan.
• Managers housing program waiting lists, processes applications, determines eligibility, conductions applicant screening, and coordinates admissions, voucher issuance, and housing placements. 
• Calculates tenant rents, utility allowances, income eligibility, assets, and Housing Assistance Payments (HAP); conducts initial, annual, and interim recertifications. 
• Administers Housing Choice Vouchers and coordinates portability, landlord participation, inspections, HAP contracts, and program utilization. 
• Administers scattered-site Public Housing units, including occupancy management, lease administration, recertifications, transfers, move-ins, move outs, and vacancy reduction efforts. 
• Services as the primary property management contract for EDA owned residential properties, including multifamily, supportive housing, scattered-site housing, and other assigned properties. 
• Coordinates routine, preventative, emergency, and capital maintenance activities' manages contractor relationships; reviews work quality; and monitors property conditions. 
• Conducts or coordinates inspections including Housing Quality Standards (HQS), NSPIRE, move-in, move-out, annual, and compliance inspections; tracks corrective actions and re-inspections.
• Maintains complete and accurate tenant, applicant, inspection, landlord, property, vendor, and program records in housing management software and HUD reporting systems. 
• Services as the primary day-to-day HUD compliance administrator, preparing reports, monitoring deadlines, implementing regulatory changes, maintaining required documentations, and coordinating audits and reviews.
• Reviews regulatory notices, regulation changes, and program guidance and recommends operational or policy updates to ensure ongoing compliance. 
• Serves as the primary contact for tenants, applicants, landlords, service providers, contractors, and partner agencies; responds to inquiries, addresses concerns, and coordinates enforcement actions when necessary. 
• Assists with housing budgets, expenditure monitoring, vendor invoices, receivables, financial reporting, procurement activities, and contract administration within delegated authority. 
• Ability to analyze financial, operational, and program data; identify compliance issues; and prepare accurate reports and reports and recommendations for the Executive Director and EAD Board to assist with housing-related initiatives. 
• Coordinates with other agency staff, other County departments, outside consultants, contractors, service agencies, and regulatory bodies to support housing operations and compliance. 
• Attends trainings and meetings. 
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent. 

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate Degree in Public Administration, Human Services, Business, or a closely related field (Bachelor's preferred). Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience administering stat or federally subsidized properties and/or programs, affordable housing portfolios, property management, social services, or a closely related combination. Experience in administering Public Housing Programs and/or Housing Choice Voucher programs strongly preferred. 
• Ability to complete recommended HUD, Public Housing Authority, and/or program specific trainings within established timeframes (funded by the agency).

Requirements:

• Possess a valid driver's license for essential field travel and on-site property evaluations.
• Knowledge of state, federal, or similar housing/assistance programs, including applicable regulations. Preferably HUD and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) experience.
• Knowledge of property management practices, housing inspections, landlord-tenant relationships, income verification, maintaining budgets, and house management software. 
• Ability to administer multiple housing programs and properties simultaneously while ensuring regulatory compliance and program effectiveness.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures to make, occupancy, rent, and subsidy determinations. 
• Ability to oversee and coordinate inspection and maintenance activities, with multiple contractors and vendors. 
• Ability to maintain confidential records and detailed program documentation. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, manage sensitive situations professionally, organize competing priorities, and work independently with minimal supervision. 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office environment with regular travel to housing units and properties within the County. 
• Regular site visits or inspections requiring walking, climbing, entering buildings, and navigating various housing conditions. 
• May encounter exposure to various environmental hazards during unit inspections commonly associated with residential and multifamily properties. 
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Equipment Utilized Office equipment and computer hardware and software. 
• County vehicle or reliable access to personal transportation for travel between sites.
• Small hand tools, measuring tools, and camera on occasion.