Internal Close date: Closed

Grade level: 8 (A)

Salary: $24.27 - 29.93 per hour, dependent on evaluation of candidate qualifications as compared to job requirements

Department/Location: HCV/ 1001 Washington Ave N

Summary

This position is responsible for developing and implementing best practices in aiding HCV participants in the search for and acquisition of affordable rental units in the city of Minneapolis. The Housing Coordinator is an integral member of the HCV team and works collaboratively with all aspects of HCV program, representatives from Housing Departments, Departments of Social Service, local Continuum of Care (CoC), and representatives of other nonprofit agencies and the faith community to identify appropriate rental units.

All activities must support the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s ('MPHA' or 'Authority') mission, vision and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Proactively seek out new housing opportunities and resources to assist families with housing.
• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Specialist in identifying housing opportunities through the development of relationships with property owners and property management companies, a variety of community resources, and city led initiatives.
• Maintain a Housing Directory to include documentation of all contacts with housing providers. Provide consistent updates on housing availability and maintain GoSection8 and HousingLink listings.
• Assist in the design of workshops and seminars to help prospective tenants in understanding the housing search process, including applications and application fees for credit reports, criminal record checks, security deposits, etc.
• Input pertinent information into required databases and make regular reports on progress toward successful housing placement.
• Research and identify community resources that provide assistance with furnishings, moving costs, and securing deposits and application fees, including oversight of any MPHA provided funds.
• Conduct Housing Quality Standard Inspections per grant guidelines and advise and advocate for clients with regard to quality standards.
• Negotiate lease terms, utility deposits, security deposits, and move-in fees. Work with landlords to reduce or eliminate as many barriers to entry as possible.
• Remain current with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to housing, housing programs and landlord/tenant law and develop a deep knowledge base of the Minneapolis Rental Market.
• Respond in a timely manner and coordinate with appropriate staff to all allegations received, such as drug-related activities that threaten the health or safety of residents, any gang related activity, violent criminal activity, any sexual offense, fraud allegations, income discrepancies, household composition, and any program participant responsibilities that have been violated. Attend informal hearings pertaining to any of the above allegations.
• Represent MPHA at local housing meetings and conferences.
• Assists Director, Assistant Director and supervisor with special assignments as requested.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

MPHA expects all employees to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Effective Communication: Employee is prepared, clear, concise and organized in all facets of communication in order to fully establish understanding. Actively listens and understands the audience to adapt message appropriately. Communicates information with appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Initiative: Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal/informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment requires a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with persons from diverse economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds, including new immigrants, limited English language proficiency clients, and clients with a variety of mental health issues and other disabilities.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position also works on Authority properties and in participant residences, which may cause the employee to experience a range in temperatures and other weather conditions. The noise level may be loud, and the environment may be more hazardous than a standard office environment. This position may be required to work with contractors as well as Authority residents.

Required Experience:

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in social services, public administration, or related field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience providing case management to a diverse, low-income client base. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher Program preferred.

Certification in Housing Quality Standards, or the ability to obtain such certification within six (6) months of hire.

Some positions may require possession of a valid driver’s license. Those positions may also require use of a personal vehicle and evidence of individual automobile insurance coverage, or the ability to be insurable under the Authority’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate. Must pass a criminal history background check.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook). Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; reaching and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to travel to various Authority properties as well as participant residences.
From: Minneapolis Public Housing Authority

Benefits:

The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority also offers an excellent benefits package that includes: Medical and Dental Insurance; Retirement plan; 457 deferred compensation plan; Group term life insurance (and optional term life insurance plans for family members); Long term disability insurance; paid sick leave; paid vacation leave; 12 paid holidays per year; tuition reimbursement program