Housing Provider Liaison

Job Summary 

Under the direction of the HCV Program Director conduct information sessions to both potential housing providers, current housing providers and HCV new/current program participants.  Attend community-based meetings to provide information regarding various HCV programs.  Conduct recruitment activities for new housing providers for the HCV program.  Understand, monitor and review market trends in both the real estate and rental markets.  General knowledge of DHA participant and housing provider programs.  Knowledge of community resources and organizations which serve HP/P.  Presentation and communication skills required.  Ability to handle stress and difficult situations.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Develops a thorough understanding of policy issues and guidelines related to the HCV program.
• Develop and maintain a wide range of partnerships with public and private entities that provide services necessary to meet the changing needs of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders. Serve as liaison to other DHA departments and programs.
• Participate in efforts as appropriate with a special emphasis of promoting the HCV program. Assist with the recruitment/outreach effort to obtain new landlords for the HCV programs by creating, tracking and monitoring outreach programs.
• Work with community resource centers to obtain information and ensure that residents and service partners have current information about DHA goals and priorities that support successful implementation of community and supportive services; connect resources to HCV HP/P.
• Initial point of contact for web-based disputes, complaints, and confusion between property owners, participants and staff.
• Refers reported disputes, complaints and program issues to HCV management team for follow up and notifies Director HCV/Section 8.    
• Gather and analyze information regarding community and supportive service needs.  Conduct surveys by mail, individual interviews and/or focus groups; meet with appropriate individuals, departments, and community groups/agencies to develop goals and plans of action to meet department expectations.
• Provide results to HCV management team.
• Regularly monitors and documents the status of program participation.
• Maintains working relationships with community and neighborhood agencies to facilitate acceptance into the neighborhood and responding to general questions. 
• Speaks and provides information at community and neighborhood meetings to promote participation and the divisions programs.
• Schedule and conduct HP/P information sessions.
• Conduct regular new/special programs Participant and Move/PORT (for current) Participant orientations.
• Provide schedule of meeting and conferences to HCV Administrative Assistance for coordination.
• Review and determine rental market trends.
• Research, provide and maintain unit listing and housing resources.
• Negotiates contract rent, prepare contract documents and prepare program reports. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in human services, community and economic development or related field; may substitute four years of directly relevant experience for required degree.

Experience:

• Four years of experience working with service agencies. Preferred experience involving diverse, low-income communities and a variety of stakeholders.  Two years of increasingly responsible leadership experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Federal housing community and supportive services programs.
• Human services programs and economic development activities.
• Contract administration.
• Recordkeeping techniques.
• Applicable laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
• Strategic planning and development.
• Working knowledge of MS Word & Excel.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer service, process improvement and quality tools.

Abilities:

• Prepare and coordinate program proposals, Request for Proposals (RFP’s), budgets, and applications for federal and local funding and service contracts.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Promote community participation in DHA programs and activities.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work as required.
• Train, supervise and evaluate personnel and social services programs.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse cultures.
• Work independently under minimal supervision and guidance.
• Exercise independent judgment in complex situations.