Rental Assistance Senior Program Representative

RIHousing –Rental Assistance Senior Program Representative

Salary Range $45,117.05 - $63,310.56

RIHousing is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

What it’s all about:

This position is accountable for the cost-effective administration of all aspects of the RIHousing Continuum of Care Rental Assistance Program in accordance with appropriate federal (HUD) and state regulations. This position performs various administrative, research, and customer service functions and provides organizational support to the Continuum of Care Rental Assistance Program. Responsible for subrecipient and staff training, in accordance with appropriate federal (HUD) and state regulations and internal policies/procedures. The incumbent must be flexible, well-organized, and able to set priorities and work independently to complete assigned projects.

What you’ll do on a daily basis:

This position reports to the RIHousing Rental Assistance Program Coordinator. The incumbent is well versed in all aspects of the RIHousing Rental Assistance Program, ensures compliance with program rules and Continuum of Care regulations.

The incumbent will assist the RIHousing Rental Assistance Program Coordinator in establishing and maintaining performance standards and developing and implementing training programs for sub-recipients.

The incumbent will perform a variety of administrative, direct support accounting, data entry, documentation, training, and research functions daily, as follows:

• Process annual and interim tenant reexaminations including inspections, as well as tenant moves, to determine continued eligibility and subsidy level.  Incumbent performs file documentation review and follow up; processes third party verification forms; calculate and approve housing assistance payments and tenant rental amounts; prepares appropriate documentation/correspondence and enters data into system; client support including but not limited to home visits, unit inspections, housing navigation, and housing stabilization as requested. 
• Conduct briefing sessions and/or individual interviews with applicants and new clients to discuss eligibility requirements and to explain program guidelines, as required.  Incumbent also assists in resolving landlord/tenant concerns through proper interpretation of program regulations, internal policies, and/or legal documentation as necessary. 
• Incumbent also assists the Coordinator in editing and revising procedures manuals and program documentation and compiles various statistical reports or performs special projects as assigned. Finally, assists the Coordinator in completing quality control evaluations of the program.
• The incumbent is cross-trained on all aspects of the RICoC Program and may compile special reports or perform special projects as directed.          

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Perform required functions to support the effective daily operation of the RIHousing Rental Assistance program in accordance with appropriate regulations and policies

• Regular communication with subrecipients to support ongoing operations and compliance of the program. 

• Process all required documentation, including but not limited to subrecipient invoices, and perform data entry and research functions as required to support cost-effective program administration in accordance with appropriate federal (HUD) and state regulations.
• Communicate program guidelines and eligibility requirements to applicants/clients through effective briefing/interview sessions and responds to general inquiries in a timely, professional manner.
• Assist in resolving landlord/tenant concerns through proper interpretation of program regulations, internal policies and/or legal documentation in a tactful and diplomatic manner as required.
• Determine reasonable rents, and negotiate and approve contract rents and rental subsidies in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Review and approve rental leases and subsidy contracts in an accurate and timely manner to ensure compliance with federal, state and Rhode Island Housing guidelines/policies.
• Mediate landlord/tenant problems in a timely, professional manner through appropriate technical assistance as required.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Related housing management experience preferred, including but not limited to ESG, COC, and CHF Permanent Housing Programs. 
• Strong working knowledge of applicable HUD regulations, including but not limited to HEARTH Act (ESG/COC) and/or Housing Choice Voucher Program.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, negotiation, and computer skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills, along with good organizational, negotiation, and computer skills
• Bilingual ability preferred (particularly Spanish)

• Use of personal vehicle for occasional travel to meetings and trainings, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required

Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! 

Why RIHousing:

• Mission-Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Competitive salary
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off 
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of “Best Places to Work” 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024
• PBN’s Worksite Health Award 2013-2023
• PBN’s Diversity Equity Inclusion Award 2023 

RIHousing strives to ensure that all people who live or work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs.  A good home provides the foundation upon which individuals and families thrive, children learn and grow, and communities prosper.

 To achieve our mission, we:

• Offer fair, affordable, and innovative lending programs.
• Provide housing-related education to consumers and others.
• Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
• Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
• Team up with partners to improve everything we do.

RIHousing uses its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education, and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build, and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a privately funded public purpose corporation. RIHousing requires its employees to be highly motivated and knowledgeable, have a sound understanding of the changing needs of Rhode Island's housing market, be willing to work within and toward a smoothly integrated operation, demonstrate a commitment to serve the people of Rhode Island, especially those with low and moderate incomes in need of safe and affordable homes, and possess a high level of integrity and deep respect for all Rhode Islanders, including customers, partners and fellow employees.