HCV Specialist

Responsibilities

• Conducts annual re-certifications for HCV participants to determine continued eligibility and benefit level. This process includes scheduling re-certification appointments, collecting documentation, entering all information in computer data base, making revisions, calculating rent adjustments, and notifying residents and landlords orally and/or in writing of changes.
• Ensures that all re-certifications are completed by required due date.
• Determines eligibility for current program participants and recertifies participants, and accurately completes rent calculations for Housing Choice Voucher participants by following required federal regulations and local policies.
• Submits files for case screening each month and completes any corrections for previous month by the stated due date.
• Compiles files with all necessary documents following the verification hierarchy and other required policies outlined in the HCV Administrative Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This includes following-up on pending documents to ensure timely processing of interim and annual recertifications.
• Receives approved inspection reports, and completes final rent calculations for any annual recertification or new lease (initials) in a timely and accurate manner. This includes notifying owners and tenants in writing of rent amounts.
• Completes Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts, obtains copy of lease, and obtains owner signatures on HAP contract within 60 days of contract effective date.
• Processes interim increases and decreases accurately and timely each month, following the guidelines of the Administrative Plan and applicable SOPs.
• Initiates fraud investigations and/or abuse identified through the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system and/or other third-party source.
• Documents fraud, verifies income and follows the Fraud SOP to send fraud warning letter, recalculate rent or enter in fraud database for further review by Compliance.
• As needed, prints EIV reports and places in tenant files within 90 days of Housing Assistance Payment Contract effective date for all new admissions, and follows up on any identified fraud.
• Responds promptly to tenant and property-owner questions, returning phone calls and e-mails daily.
• Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships with HCV program participants, property owners and managers.
• Maintains client records on computer and in case folder, including processing and filing all incoming documents in a timely manner.
• Manages clients’ file integrity in accordance with privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.
• Processes clients for termination for program violations, expired vouchers or voluntary withdrawals. This includes obtaining any necessary support documentation.
• Assists with initial orientation briefings for new Housing Choice Voucher participants, Special Program allocations and moving orientation as required.
• Serves as backup to issue vouchers and generate accurate rent estimates at initial and move orientations; expedites Request for Tenancy Approvals by verifying affordability, and requests inspections of dwelling units; and follows-up on pending Request for Tenancy Approvals.
• Prepares monthly reports to advise supervisor of caseload status.
• Provides information to clients about available housing options and how to choose quality housing.
• Provides clients with resources and referral information needed to work toward self-sufficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.