WHO WE ARE
This position is open to Metropolitan Council employees only.
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council’s regional long-range planning efforts; planning and technical assistance to local governments; planning for and funding the regional parks and open space system; delivering rent assistance through the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority; and delivering the Livable Communities Act grant programs.We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. In Community Development, we have set the following goals to guide our work:
- Our division builds competency, takes meaningful actions, and creates the necessary infrastructure to advance racial equity.
- Our division’s workplace culture is diverse, and inclusive, and empowers employees of color.
Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher program and related programs on behalf of nearly 100 suburban and rural communities throughout Anoka, Carver, and most of suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Metro HRA serves low-income seniors, families, and households, as well as individuals living with disabilities.How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:The HRA Coordinator is the primary contact for clients seeking and receiving rent assistance services through the Council's Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The HRA Coordinator provides program information, applies appropriate regulations and procedures, and determines accurate rental assistance payments specific to the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Notice: This recruitment may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple, qualified candidates. If you are determined to be a qualified candidate and not hired for the initial vacancy, you will be notified of your placement on the eligible list. Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee you a job with the Council.What you would do in this job
- Conduct annual re-certifications, and interim income changes, and determine household eligibility for housing assistance by verifying income, assets, and eligible expenses while meeting all agency deadlines.
- Process leasing documents for new and re-exam households. This includes collaboration with assigned inspector(s) to ensure compliance with inspection standards, explaining or clarifying lease and contract terms to all stakeholders, and negotiating rent.
- Explain program features and options to participants and make appropriate determinations related to subsidy standards, portability, interventions, and other options that may apply.
- Assume primary responsibility for the reasonable accommodation process including oversight of the request, required documentation, and submission to the Manager for final review.
- Provide information and referral services for housing issues that may include the location, accessibility, or affordability. Information and referrals should promote choice and resident preferences, as needed.
- Maintain an effective and professional interpersonal relationship with internal and external stakeholders.
- Identify potential fraud or program abuse by applicants, participants, and owners through an active interviewing, thorough review of verifications, or third-party resources. Take action to correct identified problems or concerns and/or make a recommendation to the Manager for termination of assistance.
- Prepare required documentation and appointments for informal hearings and/or court hearings as required. Participate in informal hearings as appropriate.
- Review regular reports in areas of responsibility and alert the Manager in a timely manner of issues that may have administrative, legal and/or political implications.
- Attend training seminars, workshops, and meetings to keep informed of new procedures and policy changes, as applicable.
- Perform other related duties, as assigned.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in Housing, Urban Studies, Social Work, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or related field) and experience in rent assistance or social services field determining program eligibility.
- Bachelor's degree with two years of experience
- Associate degree with four years of experience
- HS Diploma/GED with six years of experience
What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):
- Experience explaining governmental programs to, and determining eligibility for, participants and applicants.
- Recent (within the last three years) experience with Housing Choice Voucher program or a similar subsidized housing program.
- Bilingual or multilingual - able to communicate fluently in English AND one or more other languages.
- Experience working with diverse populations of internal and external customers.
What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:
- Knowledge of housing and redevelopment-related state and federal programs, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of racial and social equity and ability, or growth capacity, to participate in conversations about race and equity. Ability to be open to opportunities to integrate equity initiatives into the housing work.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, prioritize work to meet critical deadlines, and work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to work with participants from diverse backgrounds, possession of public speaking, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Proficiently navigate through HRA Software.
- Ability to apply concepts of arithmetic and calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, rates, ratios, and percentages.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing using a person-centered approach and maintain positive working relationships with program participants, landlords and community partners.
- Ability to identify problems, analyze issues and implement resolutions, and to handle difficult situations in a professional manner for both internal and external customers or clients.
What you can expect from us:
- We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
- We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
Additional information
Work Environment:Work is regularly performed in a normal office environment but requires local in-state travel by car. Requires flexible days and hours of work. Position is exposed to moderate noise. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.Physical Requirements:Position is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk. Position is required to speak and hear. Must have adequate close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must possess manual dexterity to operate a computer and other office equipment. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds.
The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.What steps the recruitment process involves:
- We review your minimum qualifications.
- We rate your education and experience.
- We conduct a structured panel interview.
- We conduct a selection interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
Benefits
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
- Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
- Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
- Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
- Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:
- Well@Work clinic
- bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
- parking at many job locations
- fitness centers at many job locations
- Employee Assistance Program
- extensive health and wellness programs and resources