Administrative Hearing Officer

Description

SUMMARY

Conducts administrative appeal hearings for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and provides administrative support for program and compliance oversight by performing the following duties. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Responsible for the Section 8 administrative appeal hearing process which includes timely scheduling of the various hearings in accordance with the Section 8 Administrative Plan, reviewing records, conducting informal hearings, obtaining statements from the tenant(s) and/or witnesses, analyzing facts, researching laws, regulations, case precedents and rendering final decisions on program eligibility issues in compliance with federal and state laws, program rules and regulations and the Administrative Plan. 
• Notify tenants and OHFA staff of the hearing decisions and document the files of the actions taken and the hearing results.
• Responsible for completing all open records requests received for the Rental Assistance Team.
• Responsible for leading the Richard S. Lillard Emergency Housing Assistance Fund, which assists Oklahoma families whose homes have been declared uninhabitable as a result of a federally declared disaster or state of emergency as declared by the Governor of Oklahoma. 
• Responsible for maintaining Richard S. Lillard Emergency Housing Assistance Fund program-related documentation, ensuring adherence to processes and procedures.
• Attend and trains staff to represent agency at Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC), as well as attend all Oklahoma Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster (OK VOAD) meetings to stay current on Oklahoma Emergency Planning Processes.
• Responsible for assisting with conducting an annual utility allowance analysis and adjusting the rates.
• Responsible for assisting with revising the Administrative Plan, Briefing Book, and the HCV Procedure Manual. 
• Responsible to process rent reasonableness certifications for all contracts with PHAs requiring 3rd party certifications.
• Responsible for assisting with the reviewing and analyzing of OHFA’s payment standards when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) releases revised Fair Market Rents (FMRs). Prepare and submit a spreadsheet analysis of current and proposed payment standards based upon the latest FMR changes. Enter the final approved payment standards into the database. 
• Responsible for doing whatever needs to be done to enhance the overall operations of the Agency on a day-to-day basis. 
• Responsible for delivering exceptional customer service to all external and internal customers by being polite and helpful at all times. 

Requirements

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; and two to three years of experience in a professional position involving adjudicative or legal work as a primary duty; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid driver's license
• Must be bondable 
• Certification as a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialist required Within 6 months.
• Certification as a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Hearing Officer required within 1 year.
• Certification in Fair Housing regulations within 1 year.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with federal housing programs and knowledge of federal regulations.
• Knowledge of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan and related rules.
• Knowledge of administrative law, due process principles, and hearing procedures
• Strong analytical, investigative, and decision-making skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. 
• Ability to evaluate evidence objectively and remain impartial. 
• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and statutes. 
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills. 
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills