General Functions

Under the direction of the Eligibility Supervisor, the Eligibility Specialist oversees the application intake and eligibility process including processing of application intake and processing of applications for housing eligibility determination. This position interacts with applicants in person, over the phone and electronically, to gather documentation necessary for application completion and initial and ongoing eligibility, while responding to inquiries about Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA) properties and housing eligibility requirements.

Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities)

• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• The Eligibility Specialist is readily accessible to applicants and tenants for help with the application process, recertification process, and answer general questions.
• Assesses client needs and provides information and/or application for services.
• Ensures all eligible applicants meet all eligibility requirements.
• The Eligibility Specialist monitors property waitlist for each vacancy and ensure property set asides are being met.
• Directly schedules all applicant and tenant appointments.
• Verifies income and eligibility, notifies applicant of determination.
• Assist with lease up of new properties including marketing, mail outs and tracking.
• Assists in the development of necessary verification forms and application materials.
• Assists the Eligibility Supervisor and Compliance Section with compliance monitoring, report preparation, and file maintenance.
• Assists Compliance Section with file audits, including tracking of corrections to ensure deficiencies are corrected.
• Ensures all necessary paperwork in files is maintained and that all required documentation is in order.
• Promotes CIHA housing programs.  Establishes and maintains a network or referral source(s) for individual client needs.
• Maintains a good working relationship with Property Teams, Administrative Team, and Marketing Team.
• Represent CIHA at informational booths at various events as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain housing software data base with client demographic, income and eligibility information with high level of accuracy

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and produce products with minimal supervisory support.
• Ability to interact professionally with a culturally and/or economically diverse demographic.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients, staff, others.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret CIHA policies and procedures, related Federal and State regulations, and other documents as noted above under Major Activities (i.e., deeds, credit reports, etc.).
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations to determine financial eligibility.
• Ability to conduct interviews with applicants and tenants
• Ability to operate single and multi-user computers with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software systems.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures with ability to perform basic computer functions.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks concurrently.
• Ability to input client information into housing management software with a high level of detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• May require relocation to other office locations within Anchorage based on department needs and operational requirements.

Education and Experience

• Associates Degree or experience can be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Preferred; any of the following designations or receiving one within 12 months of hire date: Housing Credit Certified Professional; Certified Professional of Occupancy; National Credit Professional; Registered Apartment Manager; Accredited Apartment Manager (ARM).
• Four years of experience working with public, preferably within the housing field.
• Current AK Driver's license required for an ES II and ES III position.