HOUSING ASSISTANCE TECHNICIAN

Code: 04947 Local Competitive

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, reviews information, interviews and/or investigates tenants and other participants to determine eligibility for public housing or housing assistance programs (for example, partial payment for housing rental, obtaining suitable living quarters, and so forth), and/or informs them of regulations affecting their rights and obligations as tenants; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Explains to applicants or program participants (landlord, tenant, and so forth) the purpose of program and agency requirements for eligibility, procedures for application or recertification, and clarifies any questions applicant may have regarding the program (for example, probable rent payments, site preference, other factors) to inform applicant about eligibility and financial program assistance.
• May make home or office visits to discuss applicants' or program participants' specific questions relative to application/form used for gathering pertinent information, to assist applicant to comply with application procedures.
• May be required to write/enter answers on form to complete application form for client.
• May scan application form to determine if form is complete.
• Hands out information concerning program.
• Discusses applicants' eligibility information given on application and suggests ways to secure evidence that applicant does not have to verify eligibility information.
• Discusses with supervisory or senior staff, technical questions concerning eligibility requirements, application processing, and financial assistance to obtain explanation/clarification of presented problems.
• Enters notation of action on application form to make and record decision to approve, disapprove, or hold approval in abeyance.
• Computes financial assistance (for example, subsidy and so forth) to be issued or applied towards housing expenses.
• Writes letters and makes telephone calls to give eligibility decision, amount of assistance, and so forth, to notify applicant of status of case.
• Computes amount, counts money, or accepts check and records amount to secure deposit or rent from selected applicant, and so forth.
• Discusses/answers questions about program(s) and other available community resources, to provide information for individuals to take advantage of services or programs.
• Advises applicants who are having problems meeting their obligations under the terms of the program (nonpayment) by suggesting changes to help individuals qualify for assistance.
• Reviews contract agreements between parties, taking into account requirements of the programs, tenants' needs, or government regulations, to explain the responsibilities of individuals involved in leasing, rental, or other legal agreements.
• Reviews and analyzes data concerning area rental rates, turnover and vacancy rates, and so forth, to provide administrative staff with recommendations for changes in operating procedures or program services.
• Updates status information on tenants (for example, termination, changes in income and subsidy assistance amounts, and so forth).
• Issues payments to clients or program participants based on information contained in case files.
• Performs clerical work such as compiling listings of available rental properties, spaces, applicants, assistance program participants, and so forth.
• Provides tenants/landlords with information pertaining to landlord/tenant laws, rent regulation ordinances, and other regulations affecting their rights and obligations.
• Contacts various sources to obtain verification of information provided by applicants/program participants.
• Determines applicants'/participants' eligibility for housing assistance, participation in program, and/or entitlement for financial aid.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in securing and verifying information and making determinations or recommendations pertaining to such matters as the eligibility or qualifications of applicants for insurance, credit, entitlement to cash awards or financial benefits, employment, financial loans, or the adjustment and settlement of insurance claims, and/or in interviewing and eliciting information from persons and assisting them in completing application forms and verifying information obtained.

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 requirements/guidelines for eligibility and procedures for applying for housing assistance. Knowledge of procedures used in disseminating informational materials. Knowledge of types of social services available in the community. Knowledge of basic arithmetic involving decimals and percentages. Knowledge of standard operating procedures for composing notification letter. Knowledge of records management procedures to select and assemble information for administrative staff. Knowledge of the problems commonly encountered by tenants (financial, tenant-landlord) and their solutions. Knowledge of rent adjustment procedures, tenant relocating processes and procedures, leasing agreement procedures, habitability standards and inspections, minimum housing standards and inspections, special status residence programs and funding (elderly, handicapped, low income rental assistance programs - state and federal). Knowledge of the purpose, procedures, and problems encountered in assisting low-income families in acquiring suitable housing accommodations. Ability to apply eligibility requirements to specific situations and clients. Ability to evaluate financial and social data in relation to eligibility criteria. Ability to prepare summaries. Ability to understand and interpret questions pertaining to application form. Ability to apply judgment and speciality knowledge to give oral information to people. Ability to be tactful and courteous in interviewing people. Ability to learn 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, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 the 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. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The definition and 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. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. LC N/A07-Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishLC N/A07- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 3/05/1997