Voucher Specialist

The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) in seven South Carolina counties (Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, and Lexington). SC Housing provides rental assistance subsidy for approximately 2,000 very-low income families through an Annual Contributions Contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This position provides the opportunity to utilize one’s unique interpersonal, critical thinking and self/time management skills in assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford and locate decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. It also affords the opportunity to expand on the program knowledge and skills gained and to demonstrate those additional capabilities that are key and essential to the ability to take advantage of other opportunities as part of SC Housing’s progression planning initiatives.

Under limited supervision, perform a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting participant eligibility, income, rent and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). This position requires knowledge of Fair Housing requirements, HUD Section 8 Tenant Based Voucher rules/regulations and familiarity with the SC Housing Administrative Plan. Responsible for the programmatic performance of your assigned allocation of vouchers. Work assignments are received in the form of broad objectives and performance expectations with minimal direction in day-to-day operations. Conduct self in a professional manner, so as to maintain a harmonious working relationship with other employees and external customers. On-the-job training related to action processing requirements and program specific software and databases is provided.

Responsible for all aspects of the management of your assigned allocation of vouchers.  Conduct briefings and issue vouchers for all new participants. Determine initial and continued eligibility for applicants and residents for the HCVP. Duties include interviewing clients; certifying, re-certifying annual and interim requests; processing rent increase requests; complete data entry; advise participants and landlords of program rules and regulations; provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers. Monitor clients for program compliance. Perform rent calculations on all approved units to determine contract rent, tenant portion, and Housing Assistance Payment portion. Perform rent reasonableness and rent affordability reviews on all Requests for Tenancy Approval. Execute all required HAP contracts. Process cancellations, terminations and EOPs as necessary.  Also responsible for move outs/other change of units, voucher expirations, the execution of tenant repayment agreements and processing files for those porting out of your allocated portfolio to another PHA.

Agency Minimum Requirements*:
A high school diploma and relevant full-time experience in housing subsidy programs, property management, housing finance or other related housing fields.

* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted to meet the agency minimum requirements. (i.e. 1 year of education = 1 year of related experience)

Additional Requirements: 

• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and process time sensitive materials in a fast-paced environment.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to write letters and other business-related correspondence that are professional in appearance and content.
• Have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to program requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, coworkers, and external customers.
• Current, relevant Knowledge of personal computers, Windows operating system, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain organized, accurate, and updated files.

Must be able to lift and carry files, books and reports weighing up to 20 lbs. Must be able to perform filing, desk work and operate general office equipment. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged or intermittent periods of time while sharing, gathering or presenting information to other staff members or external parties. Employee must be able to perform these tasks with or without reasonable accommodations. SC Housing is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age (40+) or disability, sex (Including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity).

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field of study.
• Public Housing Agency (PHA) experience and industry level certification in the administration of HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program to include eligibility, income calculation, annual and interim recertifications, HUD’s Inspection Standards (NSPIRE) , etc.
• Experience with Yardi Voyager Software.
• Experience in the administration of other federally subsidized rental assistance programs (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Project-Based Rental Assistance).

What makes us Different?
We are a state governmental agency but one unlike you’ve encountered before. We operate much more like a private sector business. We are a completely self-sustaining operation that offers rental and homeownership products and services and we face many of the same regulatory, market, and financial hurdles of private sector financial institutions. Our clear advantage to employees is that we offer challenging, and meaningful work but with an appropriate work-life balance as well as excellent state government benefits. Now we’re looking to reinforce our team with a person who is enthusiastic, motivated and eager to work with us.
 
Our Benefits Package:
The South Carolina State Housing Finance & Development Authority offers an exceptional
benefits package that includes:

• Telecommuting options
• Accrued Paid Time Off (15 days annual/vacation leave per year and 15 days sick leave per year)
• 13 paid holidays
• PEBA Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children
• PEBA Perks
• Free TelehealthVisitsfor State Health Plan members
• Free Health Coaching for State Health Plan members
• State Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation Programs 401k and 457 plans
• MoneyPlus(tax-favored accounts program) Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Programs (PerksCard, TicketsatWork, and WeSave)
• Casual Fridays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (after 6 months of employment)

            And much, much more!

Location, Location, Location:
The Palmetto State offers something for everyone. Located in the Midlands, Columbia is both the state capital and South Carolina’s second-largest city. It is just a short commute to the state’s beautiful beaches and gorgeous mountains. Sunny summers and mild winters allow residents to experience the outdoors year-round, a plus considering that Lake Murray is just minutes away.  Great universities and colleges, minimal commute times, and friendly people make South Carolina the ideal place to build your future.