Eligibility Specialist I — Application Packet

Eligibility Specialist I

Employment Information and Employee Benefits

The Housing Authority of the County of Merced (Authority) has been providing quality housing for the citizens of Merced County since 1942. Over the years, the organization has grown and developed to meet the changing needs of its residents. The primary objective of the Authority is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to low-income families at an affordable price. The Authority’s mission is to provide this housing within an environment that fosters the advancement of low-income families from a position of dependency to one of self-sufficiency.

For a full list of job duties and requirements, you must view the attached job description.

Employee Benefits

• Flex Work Schedule: The Authority works a 9/80-work schedule, Monday–Thursday, and is closed every other Friday.
• Vacation: Ten days of paid vacation and an additional five days per year of annual leave are provided after completion of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.
• Holidays: 15 paid holidays.
• Sick Leave: 12 days of paid sick leave per year with unlimited accumulation.
• Retirement: The Authority participates in both Social Security and Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Deferred Compensation: The Authority offers a deferred compensation plan to all employees.
• Health/Life Insurance: Employees are eligible for participation in life, medical, dental, and vision insurance with a medical allowance. Dependents may participate in medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employees can also participate in the Flex 125 plan.
• Disability Leave and Workers’ Compensation: The Authority also participates in the State Disability Insurance Program and the California Housing Workers’ Compensation Authority.

Selection Process

Applications must be received by the above closing date. No postmarks will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed for completeness and satisfaction of minimum qualifications. Those applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined in the job description will be invited to participate in a competitive written exercise pertinent to the regular functions and tasks of this classification. From those who meet or exceed the qualifications, a final review considering all previous evaluatory factors will determine the finalists who will be invited to appear before an oral interview panel to explore and evaluate the extent of their knowledge, work experience, education, and personal characteristics that are incumbent within this particular job classification.

Possession of the requirements does not necessarily assure an applicant a finalist position. Selected finalists will participate in an interactive process that will evaluate a candidate’s qualifications with the skills, abilities, knowledge, and experience of other finalists, as well as the job requirements of this classification.

Final selection of a qualified candidate shall be from among those appearing before the appraisal panel. Barring undue hardship, reasonable accommodations can be made in the examination process for disabled individuals or for religious reasons. Accommodation requests should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include, but are not limited to, bending, lifting, sitting, climbing stairs and ladders, and other activities as required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Application Procedure

To apply for this position, you must obtain an application from the Housing Authority of The County of Merced during regular daily business hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays and posted Friday closures, at the Central Office, 405 ‘U’ Street, Merced, California, 95341 or online at www.merced-pha.com. Resumes must be submitted with an agency application to be considered. All applications should be returned to the above address, to the attention of Human Resources. Applications must be received by the filing deadline; no postmarks will be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For additional information, call (209) 722-3501, extension #139.

Federal law requires that, prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States.

Worksite Assignment

This position is assigned primarily to the main office at 405 ‘U’ Street, Merced, CA. This position may travel to other outlying work sites throughout the County of Merced.

This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, under an Agency shop agreement.

Job Description — Eligibility Specialist I

Definition

At the entry level, perform eligibility tasks associated with HCV participants. Finalizes eligibility work-up and prepares necessary verification, forms, and computations to allow continued participation in the program. Prepares correspondence to clients and owners/agents. Insures completeness of client and owner information, as well as client files. When skill is attained, negotiates renewal rents with owners (Certificate program only). Prepares rent reasonableness reports as required. Conducts federal housing quality inspections to qualify housing for Section 8 programs. Performs clerical duties in conjunction with designated duties.

Example of Duties

Determines financial and occupancy of current participants. Verifies eligibility through use of written third-party or affidavit documentation. Reports suspected cases of impropriety or fraud involving clients/owners/agents to designated supervisor with supporting documentation. Prepares documentation such as leases, approval requests, contracts and other associated documentation concerning leasing and lease renewals. Formats, structures and prepares letters to owners/agents/clients involving questions of leasing and eligibility. Responsible for documentation in client files. Assists in gathering and finalization of data for use at informal and formal hearings. Prepares rent reasonableness documentation when applicable. Works closely with staff to finalize tenancy. Also performs federal housing quality standards opening and closing inspections involving subsidized housing. Conducts eligibility re-examinations in the home, annually. Conducts follow-up actions on below-quality conditions. Counsels clients on sub-standard housekeeping conditions. Inputs detailed data into existing computer system, including both eligibility and leasing data. Through the probationary period, shows progression with periodic evaluations, and acquires a working knowledge of Federal Housing Quality Standards, HCV Administrative Plan, and HCV Internal Operating Procedures. Performs other related tasks within the job description.

Employment Standards & Qualifications

Employment Standards

General knowledge of methods, practices and terminology used in filing and office procedures. Performs clerical/records tasks and ability to perform related work of average difficulty without close supervision. Ability to post and make arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to operate various office equipment, including ability to accurately input information into current computer system. Ability to type 30 words per minute; knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Aptitude and propensity for dealing with people; orderliness and neat personal appearance. Must attain working knowledge of Administrative Plan as well as Internal probationary and training period. Employee must maintain an illegal drug-free posture.

Education

Equivalent to two years of college (48 units or more), and practical experience in performance of general office record keeping and general office procedures. One year of actual experience in an office, or one year of housing inspection will be accepted as equivalent to one year (24 units) of completed college education.

License

Mandatory to possess a valid California driver’s license, and must present DMV printout if required by employer for verification. Applicant must also be insurable and acceptable to the insurance company providing auto insurance to the Housing Authority.

Other Qualifications

Must be able to verify physical condition is satisfactory. Must demonstrate ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation per ADA. Initial employment conditional on pre-employment physical. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence required.

Notice to Applicants

Regarding Application Status

Applicants for positions with the Housing Authority of the County of Merced (Authority) will be notified regarding their applicant status. Such notification will be done only in writing.

The Authority will not respond to telephone requests for an application status. The information on an application is of a confidential nature and it is not feasible to request adequate verification of the caller’s identity prior to discussing any personal information.

You should receive some written communication regarding the status of your application within 4-6 weeks of the closing date of recruitment.

Regarding Required Drug Testing

Pursuant to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Authority is required to certify its compliance in providing a drug-free workplace that is free from the illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale and use of illegal drugs, and the use, possession or distribution of alcohol. All applicants who are extended a Conditional Offer of Employment, shall as part of their pre-employment physical, voluntarily submit to blood and/or urine testing for the presence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Refusal to submit to the required drug testing or any other component of the pre-employment physical examination will result in withdrawal of the employment offer.

Regarding Employment Background Inquiries

California Civil Code Section 47 as amended on January 1, 1995, extends the protection concerning privileged communications to employment references. Its primary purpose is to encourage previous employees to openly and fairly respond to questions from the Authority concerning your past employment situations.

These inquiries are intended to verify the information which you have provided on your application and to furnish the Authority other pertinent information relevant to your job qualifications and employment experience. Information received from these inquiries will remain STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Background verifications may be conducted either directly by the Authority or through a third-party investigative consumer reporting agency.