Rent Collection Specialist

The Support Services functions at S:US are carried out by a team of professionals with diverse backgrounds who share deeply in the S:US mission. We are a resource that provides support to the individual program departments to assist in the pursuit of our mission. Support Services is a collegial, supportive group with a dynamic culture that continuously seeks to collaborate and improve the lives of our clients. We treat all staff with respect through each interaction. We are motivated to accomplish our individual and collective tasks through the belief that we can help transform the lives of people we serve thereby righting societal imbalances.

The selected candidate will be adaptable and organized in a fast-paced, high intensity environment with the ability to manage competing priorities. This candidate will report to the Entitlements Director and will be responsible for ensuring that clients are obtaining and maintaining benefits they are eligible for. Additionally, the Entitlements manager is responsible for maintaining city and federal government benefits by assisting them through the eligibility process. The position will be the primary point of contact for S:US tenants who are facing arrear issues, seeking informative city assistance or resources, and answering any entitlement (HRA-PA).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review tenant accounts/aging reports for a large portfolio of programs to evaluate and determine action plans pertaining to past due balances
• Coordinate with the Legal, Finance and Program staff of the collection process
• Contact residents regarding outstanding balances
• Resolve billing issues with residents and coordinate with Finance to correct rental errors
• Contact tenants daily to resolve past due accounts and to determine how to prevent future payment delays
• Conduct entitlement assessment to determine the eligibility for HRA-PA benefits
• Assist/Accompany (S:US) tenants with HRA-Public Assistance, rental assistance, and other city resources to resolve rent arrears
• Keep informed and up to date on public policy issues, new developments in public assistance, rental assistance, and other rent arrears resources. Communicate information to S:US housing program/management and tenants.
• Attend informational trainings and seminars to remain current on trends and entitlements system changes.
• Provide guidance on financial literacy, payment plan breakdown, public assistance, other entitlement applications and explore rent arrear solutions.
• Work with Programs and Finance on potential entitlements issues with tenants.
• Keep active updated records of tenant’s entitlements.
• Maintain Entitlement’s module in EHR (myEvolv) database.
• Required to travel to sites in and outside the organization within the 5 boroughs (either in office or at program sites).
• Investigate and ensure resolution of all HRA-PA cases.
• Represent tenants and agency at administrative hearings regarding HRA-PA cases.
• Proficient in usage of ACCESS HRA app, and assist tenants in creating and navigating the app.
• Process appeals and pursue legal channels to obtain funding for tenants who have been denied entitlements.
• Review and follow-up timely on tenant’s correspondence of public assistance eligibility received from various city and government agencies via phone, office visit, email, mail and/or fax.
• Prepare reports requested by internal stakeholders that speak to tenancy and related issues within the portfolio. Provide updates on tenant’s progress on rent arrears resolution.
• Maintain meticulous records and file systems held to an “audit ready” standard.
• Conduct training with individuals and staff on regulations and laws pertaining to benefits.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to write and communicate effectively
• Experience or Knowledgeable in HRA-Public Assistance benefits (i.e. Rent Arrear One-Shot Deals)
• Proficient in ACCESS HRA client & provide portals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Offices (Excel, Word, and other database systems)
• Ability to multi-task