HRA Specialist

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 growth strategy, planning and technical assistance to local communities, and planning for regional parks and open space. The division also includes the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) and the Livable Communities grant program.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) operates the state's largest Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program serving nearly 7,200 individuals and families with rent assistance through ten different programs and an annual budget of approximately $75 million.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The HRA Specialist audits the Housing Choice Voucher and special program files necessary to authorize correct payments to HRA owners and to ensure the integrity of the database information, verifies information, and explains Metro HRA procedures and guidelines to other Housing Authorities, HRA staff, and contract employees to ensure compliance. This position is also responsible for authorizing weekly and monthly check registers.

Notes: The position is eligible for hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This position will create a six-month eligible list for current and future positions.

• Audit new admission and ongoing files to confirm accurate data has been entered to produce correct eligibility results.
• Ensure appropriate payments are issued to the verified vendor according to HUD regulations and the Metro HRA's Administrative Plan.
• Prompt release of payments to Metro HRA vendors; this includes supplemental payments and check requisition payments to vendors when requested.
• Manage new vendor paperwork; this requires that payments are held and then released to vendors in accordance with Metro HRA policy.
• Reconcile accounts with other Housing Authorities by utilizing an internal report and sending out quarterly statements.
• Audit participant accounts against payments received for families who have ported into Metro HRA's jurisdiction.
• Maintain accurate data entry into Metro HRA's housing software to ensure balances match the Metropolitan Council's finance system.
• Generate 50058 reports for each Housing Choice Voucher participant to be submitted electronically to HUD.
• Research, analyze, and correct the failed 50058 submissions to HUD.
• Recoup overpayments and prepare repayment agreements for participant families who owe money to the housing authority.
• Assist participants and owners with signing up and accessing Assistance Connect, Metro HRA's online portal.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of experience (accounting or administrative experience, preferably in booking or finance) and completed education (degree field of study in business administration, accounting, or a related field.

• High school diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience.
• Associate degree with three (3) years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience in housing assistance.
• Experience in accounting; balancing credits and debits
• Experience in principles and techniques of auditing.
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Certification from NAHRO and/or Nan McKay.
• Public Housing Rent Certification from NAHRO and/or Nan McKay.
• Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and other similar programs.
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks concurrently, prioritize without direct supervision, handle critical deadlines, and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to apply concepts of accounting and basic algebra.
• Strong and accurate data entry skills.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to develop and maintain a strong knowledge of the HRA's payment and monitoring systems including interfaces between multiple reporting and financial systems.
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records for payments accounts receivable and accounts payable by HRA.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, administrative policies, department guidelines, and operational procedures.
• Ability to identify problems, communicate and analyze issues, and implement resolutions within regulations and agency policy.
• Knowledge of regulations and procedures governing the HRA's programs and ability to develop and maintain this knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills and maintains flexibility when working with colleagues to resolve file errors.
• Understands the confidential nature of organizational information and maintains confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and populations; demonstrates an ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and coworkers, effective communication with small or large audiences; skills in fostering a welcoming culture that engages the broad diversity of the community.
• Racial and social equity experience and/or training along with an ability, or growth capacity, to participate in conversations about race and equity, as well as identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives into the work.

Union/Grade: AFSCME/ Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. 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 drug test (safety-sensitive positions only), and 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 drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position) and criminal background checks 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.