PROGRAM DIRECTOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Code: 04638 Unknown Unknown

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, plans, organizes, directs, administers, monitors, and evaluates a housing assistance program; does other related duties.

Examples of work

Plans and organizes programs which provide rent subsidies to enable families with limited resources to live in adequate housing. Monitors and evaluates housing assistance programs to ensure goals and priorities are met. Supervises staff assigned to assist in the implementation of a housing assistance program. Prepares proposals and applications for continuation of funding of the housing assistance program. Serves as liaison between federal and local government agencies pertaining to the housing assistance program. Answers complaints and inquiries about the program. Creates and maintains effective public relations with the general public, landlords, real estate associations, and other agencies and groups. Prepares informational releases and promotional materials pertaining to the program. Supervises the review of rent leases to determine their compliance with federally established fair market standards. Supervises the processing and review of applications to determine eligibility. Prepares correspondence. Prepares reports. Serves as liaison with all organizations and individuals who are participants in a leased housing program. Supervises and reviews renewal of leases as well as preparation of new leases. Makes suggestions and recommendations if changes are to be made in leases. Directs the review of applications to ascertain eligibility for the leased housing program (rent subsidy program). Serves as liaison with governing bodies of municipalities concerning the housing assistance program. Conducts field visits with staff members to inspect dwelling units leased by the authority. Develops occupancy policy of local agency and/or housing sponsor subject to approval of higher levels of management, and recommends action for improvement or correction of deficiencies. Reviews rent schedule for compliance with agency requirements. Participates with management in review of housing assistance plans and programs, and makes recommendations as to feasibility and/or improvement of such plans and programs. Directs work of employees who interview applicants regarding information given on their applications, and suggests ways to secure evidence that is missing on the applicant to verify eligibility information. Directs work of employees who converse with applicants about social service needs using knowledge of available community resources for financial and social welfare assistance to provide applicant with referral information. Provides information and guidance to supervisory or senior staff, and makes determinations concerning program eligibility requirements, application processing, and financial assistance regulations. Manages work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees. Supervises the development and conducting of training programs for staff. Supervises staff engaged in explaining to applicants or program participants (landlord, tenant, and so forth) the program purpose and agency requirements for eligibility, procedures for application or recertification, and clarifying any questions applicant may have regarding the program (for example, probable rent payments and site preference) to inform applicant about eligibility and financial program assistance. Plans and directs activities of staff who advise applicants on meeting their obligations under terms of the program (nonpayment) by listening and suggesting changes in problem behavior patterns, describing alternate sources of action, and the advantage of one course of action over another to help individuals achieve problem resolution. Plans and directs activities of staff who review contract agreement between parties taking into account program requirements, tenant need, or government regulations to explain/discuss the individuals' responsibilities in leasing, rental, or other legal agreement. Plans and directs activities of staff who discuss terms of contract (lease agreement)to explain conditions relative to lessor-lessee obligations (for example, amount of rent, repair and maintenance of premises, and deposit). Plans and directs activities of staff who authorize payment to client or program participant based on information contained in case file. Plans and directs activities of staff who perform clerical work such as compiling listing of available rental properties, space, applicants, assistance program participants, and so forth. Plans and directs activities of staff who provide tenants/landlords with information pertaining to landlord/tenant laws, rent regulation ordinances, and other regulations affecting their rights and obligations. Plans and directs activities of staff who contact various sources to obtain verification of information provided by applicant/program participant. Plans and directs activities of staff who determine applicant's/participant's eligibility for housing assistance, participation in program, and/or entitlement for financial aid. Directs the review and analysis of data concerning area rental rates, turnover and vacancy rates, and so forth to provide superiors with recommendations for changes in operating procedures or program services. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of principals and methods of organization, planning, management control, and supervision. Knowledge of the purpose, procedures, and problems encountered in assisting low income families in acquiring suitable housing. Knowledge of the geography, housing facilities, and local and state laws concerning housing and the jurisdiction to be served after a period of training. Knowledge of requirements/guidelines for eligibility and procedures for applying for housing assistance. Knowledge of eligibility factors and sources of information that are used to establish eligibility under program regulations and procedures. Knowledge of program services and procedures for applying for rental assistance (for example, subsidized housing, public housing, leased housing). Knowledge of social service assistance programs available in the community after a period of training. Knowledge of procedures and practices pertaining to the selection process, eligibility criteria, and rental and income limitations contained in programs. Knowledge of problems commonly encountered by tenants, and their solutions. Knowledge of rent adjustment procedures, tenant relocating process and procedures, leasing agreement procedures, habitability standards and inspections, minimum housing standards and inspection, special status residence programs and funding (elderly, handicapped, low income rental assistance programs), both state and federal. Ability to apply eligibility requirements to specific situations and clients. Ability to evaluate financial and social data in relation to eligibility criteria. Ability to evaluate information and to prepare summaries. Ability to understand and interpret questions pertaining to the application form. Ability to supervise and provide guidance, instructions, and training to staff, and to evaluate their performance. Ability to be tactful and courteous in interviewing people. Ability to analyze various facts and summarize and interpret such information in oral or written form. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to promote cooperation with the aims of the unit concerned. Ability to evaluate services offered, identify problems, and provide alternatives. Ability to analyze and evaluate pertinent data and prepare clear, accurate, and informative reports with sound conclusions and recommendations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, coworkers, groups, and organizations. Ability to interpret rules and regulations of a complex nature and explain procedures to be followed. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional administrative experience involving the planning, organization, coordination, and control of a public housing assistance, urban renewal, or real estate management program. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.