Account Specialist-HCVP

AKRON METROPOLITAN HOUSING AUTHORITY

The primary purpose of this position is to administer the owner/manager and voucher client accounts of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority ("AMHA" or "Agency"), including initiation and tracking of fraud investigations to optimize account integrity. This position is responsible for the accurate disbursement and control of the HCVP Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) funds in accordance with applicable regulations. All activities must support AMHA's mission, strategic goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Accurately processes all monthly and mid-month Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Utility Reimbursement Payment (URP) checks, including automated check runs, voided and manually-generated checks, and URP debit cards. Inputs and reviews adjustments and deductions.
• Provides timely responses and assistance related to Housing Assistance Payments and Utility Allowance Payments to clients and owners/landlords.
• Maintains landlord files, completes changes of ownership, updates information of new landlords, reconciles IRS letters, and distributes 1099s. Updates information for change of agents, bank account information, and change of address.
• Assumes lead for intake, review and referral of cases for fraud investigations and collections; processes proposed cancellations; works closely with fraud investigators; completes hearing process if needed; processes payments on fraud accounts.
• Processes approved debts owed to AMHA including, but not limited to: generating letters, collecting money, meeting with participants for Repayment Agreement signatures, maintaining records of amounts owed and amount collected monthly
• Completes and assists in the preparation of monthly reports related to HCVP financial transactions including utilization; drafts recommendations for procedures related to the management of accounts of the HCVP.

Miscellaneous

• Maintains a record of acceptable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Behavioral Competencies: This position requires incumbents to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

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; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

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. Recognizes work colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing. Demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.

Job Competencies:

Knowledge of all rules and regulations related to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Housing Choice Voucher Program; understanding of AMHA's strategic goals and structure; knowledge of AMHA's legal department's policies and procedures regarding cancellations, file review, appeals and court administrative appeals; knowledge of landlord-tenant laws; knowledge of Summit County housing market; knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping; high level of mathematical ability and attention to detail; ability to handle time sensitive documents; skills in multi-tasking, prioritization and problem resolution.

Education, Experience and Certifications:

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three (3) years experience in bookkeeping or accounting or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification in HCVP Rent Calculations is preferred and is required within one (1) year of employment.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be competent in Microsoft Office. Must be able to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

Physical Requirements: 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:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 10 pounds.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

Office environment. Moderate noise level.

AMHA offers a safe workplace culture; comprehensive compensation and benefits program including but not limited to: Competitive salary; Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System; Excellent medical, free dental and vision plans with minimal out of pocket cost; Basic Life insurance; Fourteen paid holidays; Paid vacation, personal and sick plans.