Housing Specialist

Position Summary:   Manage and coordinate Tribal Government public housing programs and resources and provide outreach and assistance to persons applying to receive services from programs. Coordinate the buying, leasing/rental activities, and maintenance of properties. 

Essential Functions:

• Provide outreach services and manage enrollment and coordination of services for Tribal Government housing programs and resources including public housing repair and rehabilitation resources, loan assistance, ownership programs, emergency housing assistance, and well/septic and energy assistance programs.
• Answer applicants' questions about programs and procedures. Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' fair housing rights.
• Interview and investigate applicants for program assistance to gather information pertinent to their applications.  Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data in order to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status. 
• Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive services from programs and initiate procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate services, or refer applicants to other agencies for assistance.
• Check with employers or other references to verify answers and obtain further information.
• Confirm recipient’s eligibility for continuing program benefits as required.
• Manage various assistance program payments.
• Perform rental unit inspections; inspect grounds and facilities to determine necessity of repairs or maintenance.
• Investigate complaints and program violations and resolve problems.
• Maintain records of sales, rental or usage activity, special permits issued, program operating costs, program budgets, local property availability, liens, etc. to ensure program compliance.
• Assist citizens by providing counseling and training in mortgage financing, foreclosure procedures, attainment of self-sufficiency in home ownership, budgeting, and credit/debt management, etc. 
• Conduct housing needs surveys; provide periodic reports of housing needs and citizens being served to Director of Housing, Finance Board and Tribal Council as required.
• Work collaboratively with Department teams (both in the Housing and other Departments) to ensure services are provided and the highest levels of service are maintained.

 Non-Essential Functions:

• Attend various events and meetings to market/present information on the various programs available to citizens.
• Perform other related functions as assigned. 

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment.  
• Systems used:  MS Office Applications, Internet, Housing Department Management Software, CRM 

Position Requirements:  

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year of home lending, counseling, or related work-related experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the United States Department of Education (USDE) preferred. 
• Proficiency with MS Office Applications required.
• Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and be supportive of persons and work tactfully, collaboratively, diplomatically and with highest level of confidentiality required.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and to the public required.
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends required.
• Experience with housing/property management preferred.
• Experience working with Native American communities preferred.

 Indian Preference

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

 Physical Requirements:  

• Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment. 
• Frequently required to talk and hear. 
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and crawl when visiting homes. 
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. 

 Work environment:

• General office environment and home environment.   Office lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.  Also required to visit home sites in various stages of repair and development during all seasons and all-weather conditions.
• Local travel is necessary, so the ability to travel as needed is required. 

Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Relationship Building
• Decision Making
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Managing Conflicts