Overview

The Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) is a dynamic, team-oriented, and mission driven organization that owns and operates over 650 affordable rental units, spread throughout 13 different properties in the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The PHA also operates a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program serving over 750 people, a Resident Services Coordination program that serves 1,500+ PHA residents, a 21st Century after-school program, and hosts a non-profit Childcare Center in our largest family development.

The City of Portsmouth is known as one of the best small cities in America. Portsmouth is the economic and cultural center of the North of Boston Seacoast region with a vibrant arts scene, world-class restaurants, miles of waterfront and historic downtown.

The PHA is looking for a detail oriented, self-motivated full-time Public Housing Occupancy Specialist to work with our outstanding Property Management team. The role of the Public Housing Occupancy Specialist is to support the mission of the PHA by providing assisted rent services and case management to low-income individuals and families in the seacoast area. This is done by following H.U.D. regulations, PHA policies and procedures, by working with other PHA personnel to coordinate essential agency functions and with various community agencies and partnerships.

This is an on-site, 35 hour/week full time position. We look forward to hearing from you!

Work Hours

• Mondays 8:30am-6pm (unpaid lunch 12:30-1pm)
• Tuesdays-Thursdays 8:30am-4:30pm (unpaid lunch 12:30-1pm)
• Fridays 8:30am-12pm

Duties

• Respond to inquiries, phone calls, correspondences, and e-mail in a timely and responsive manner.
• Proper maintenance of client files and computer records to ensure accuracy according to HUD regulations and PHA policies and procedures.
• Calculate and collect payments for unreported income and attend informal hearings as required.
• Respond in a timely manner to all allegations received such as drug-related criminal activity, activities that threaten the health or safety of residents, fraud allegations, income discrepancies, household composition and any program participant responsibilities that have been violated.
• Assist in program orientations to educate and inform applicants of program requirements and responsibilities.
• Facilitate and mediate communication with clients and Property Managers as needed. Maintain familiarity with current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ever changing Federal Regulations as they relate to Housing programs.
• Listens and is attentive to resident needs, questions and concerns about Quality of Life issues.

Support of the Mission Statement

The mission of the Portsmouth Housing Authority is to be the leader in making quality affordable housing available for low and moderate income members of the community and to accomplish this mission by a fiscally responsible, creative organization committed to excellence. In pursuit of this mission, it is our intention to:

• Demonstrate excellence in leadership and management by working together as a team of residents, commissioners, staff, government and community;
• Ensure the efficient and effective maintenance and management of our properties;
• Foster a high performance staff with strong leadership, quality professional development opportunities, data-driven evaluation and teamwork in an environment full of pride, enthusiasm and respect;
• Demand and exemplify a commitment to integrity, professionalism and total honesty in a judgement free environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience with low-income, senior, or housing related programs is preferred. Study at a college or university with course work in social sciences or housing or a college degree is a plus.
• Professionalism, strong communication skills, the ability to prioritize and manage a wide variety of tasks with superior organizational skills and attention to detail are required. Additional requirements include the ability to be flexible and cooperative with job demands work and communicate well with elderly, disabled and low income families and individuals, prompt and dependable and the ability to work independently. Because of the nature of this work, this position requires someone pleasant, personable and patient, having a desire to be of assistance to those in need. Bi-lingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus.
• Demonstrated computer skills including working with databases, Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel is required, as well as general office and clerical skills.
• With PHA’s commitment to the local community, candidates living in Portsmouth, NH are highly desirable.
• The successful candidate must pass a pre-employment criminal background check and comply with all policies and procedures of the PHA.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person