Choice Neighborhood Relocation Manager at undefined

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Choice Neighborhoods (CN) initiative is a program led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that seeks to revitalize distressed neighborhoods with public and HUD-assisted housing into thriving, mixed-income communities. The Houston Housing Authority is implementing the 2023 Cuney Homes/Third Ward CN Transformation Plan and Implementation Grant and leading the creation of a transformation plan for the Irvinton Village/Near Northside area. The CN initiative focuses on three interconnected core goals in order to deliver this work: Housing, People, and Neighborhood.

 This position is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of relocation services for the Cuney Homes/Third Ward CN implementation.  This role ensures that all relocation activities are resident-centered, guided by the housing plan’s build-first model, and is compliant with the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, Choice Neighborhood requirements and any other relocation regulations as they may apply.  Areas of responsibility include organizing and executing case management, relocation counseling, and mobility support services before, during, and after relocation to ensure households experience minimal disruption and maintain their right to return.  This position may present to the Irvinton Village residents and Near Northside community to support its neighborhood transformation plan creation, updates, and comprehensive planning activities.

 The incumbent will work as a coordinated CN team member with HHA departments and staff, the People lead, the Property Manager, and the Master Developer to provide current and accurate relocation information in a fair, equitable, and open manner.  They will work independently in the initial stages while developing, updating, and putting into action a relocation plan.   As relocation needs increase, the candidate may supervise one or more staff to provide relocation services. This role will work creatively, independently, and analytically in a positive, problem-solving environment, fostering teamwork, innovation, and excellence.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned as needed. 

• Responsible for carrying out, enforcing and monitoring relocation activities according to  the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Properties Acquisition Policies Act (URA), HUD CN Program specific relocation requirements and other policies, rules, regulations as required.
• Develops, updates and implements a Relocation Plan in alignment with CN requirements.
• Conducts individual household assessments for each household required to relocate; identifies special needs and desires of residents; and, completes household assessment forms prior to commencement of any relocation activities.
• Develops and provides relocation counseling to individual families on relocation options and direct moving assistance prior to, during and after their relocation.
• Works with the People Lead and Family Support Specialists (FSS) to provide wrap-around services before, during, and after relocation.
• Leads extensive and ongoing communication with families throughout all relocation phases.
• Prepares presentation materials and represents the program at meetings, community events and other functions.
• Prepares and ensures timely delivery of relocation notices including General Information Notices, Notice of Eligibility for Relocation Assistance, Notice of Displacement, 90 Day Notice to Vacate, and other notices as required.  
• Stays up to date on all construction phasing to ensure coordination of relocation activities. Coordinates with Property Management on all relocation activities; executes pre-relocation resident meetings to provide updates on relocation plans and schedules.
• Serves as resident liaison on all temporary and permanent relocation matters during the active relocation period; manages contracts related to all relocation activities; responds to resident questions, inquires and concerns; arranges transportation as needed for residents to view alternate housing options, assists residents to complete rental applications; processes and resolves resident complaints in a prompt and efficient manner; and, maintains ongoing communication with all residents prior to, during and after the relocation process.   
• Coordinates with third party moving companies to provide packing materials and packing assistance as needed; schedules and coordinates all moves for residents; inspects and assures residents are prepared for moves prior to moving day; coordinates with pest control for pest treatments as needed prior to moves.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that track resident moves, outputs and monitors productivity. Utilizes HUD reporting tools, designs and implements tracking tools.
• Processes all relocation claims and payments on applicable HUD forms as required including utility reimbursement, move claims and rental assistance claims as applicable; coordinates with the finance department to assure prompt payment of claims; prepares and maintains relocation files for each tenant in occupancy at the time of commencement of the relocation.
• Develops and conducts training for department personnel, developers, or relocation consultants.
• Recommends resolutions to any findings or concerns related to URA compliance audits and prepares technical correspondence.
• Manages project application files for archiving purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of URA requirements, the relocation process and the ability to coordinate multiple schedules.
• Ability to understand, act on, and interpret policies, and to implement regulations and procedures as set forth by the Housing Authority and/or HUD.
• Ability to understand and effectively express oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of vouchers, Section 8, tenant rights, HHA programs, and/or private or public housing settings is a plus.

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK

• The employee performs a wide variety of related activities.
• Work is primarily routine and repetitive in nature.  The employee identifies what needs to be done and determines how to accomplish it.  
• The employee coordinates, integrates, and prioritizes the tasks.  
• The employee occasionally makes decisions regarding unusual circumstances or conflicting data. 

GUIDELINES

• The employee follows the Houston Housing Authority's policies and procedures, HUD regulations, legal resources, and federal and state laws and regulations, in accomplishing assignments.  

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The employee does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
• In unusual situations, the supervisor may specify how to accomplish assigned work.
• The employee acts independently in making decisions about the best course of action.  In situations where there are no guidelines, the employee may adopt existing guidelines, develop new guidelines, make decisions based on the circumstances, or seek guidance from the Choice Neighborhood Director.
• The employee’s work may be reviewed sporadically for thoroughness, accomplishment of objectives and compliance with existing policies and procedures

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• The employee has contact with Houston Housing Authority employees at all levels and with various persons including the general public, the media, residents, resident association officers, officials and representatives of various social service, educational and local, state, and federal agencies.
• The primary purposes of contacts are to gain, clarify, or give information; plan, coordinate, and advise on work efforts; motivate, influence, or direct persons or groups; and to justify, defend, negotiate, or resolve controversial matters or issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is both sedentary and active
• Work may involve confrontations with applicants and residents.
• Work involves the normal risks and discomforts associated with an office environment but are usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted and ventilated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, Business or Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field, and a minimum of four (2) years of experience in project and compliance monitoring.
• Prior work on Choice Neighborhoods, RAD, or similar federally funded redevelopment projects is highly recommended. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of HUD policies and procedures governing housing matters.
• Ability to understand, act on, and interpret policies, regulations, and procedures as set forth by the Housing Authority and/or HUD.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Please be advised that this role is subject to the availability of grant funding.