The Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA) works to keep New Yorkers in their homes. HPA works with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and many other organizations and City agencies to assist families and individuals in need in obtaining and maintaining stable, affordable housing.
This new organizational area is an integral part of the mayor’s initiative in preventing and addressing homelessness and housing stability in the City of New York; the Human Resources Administration is pooling it resources to lead in the City’s effort. The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA) program that operates the Agency’s CityFHEPS program. The goal of this program is to facilitate, coordinate and expedite the rapid transition of homeless families from temporary accommodations into permanent housing, as well as prevent a return to homelessness by providing comprehensive aftercare services. In addition, the Unit manages the ongoing payment and administration of rental assistance subsidy programs.

HPA/ Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is recruiting for two (2) Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist 01 to function as a as a RAP Renewal Unit Supervisor, who will:

- Approve eligibility for tenant or landlord for Rental Assistance Unit Subsidy Programs as well as approves check requests for brokers and landlord payments for Rental Assistance Subsidy Programs.

- Troubleshoot issues made by tenants, landlord, lawyer, advocate, legal aid via a review conference to achieve resolutions. Addresses request for information and services from Rental Assistance Program landlords, tenants, and community advocates via mail, e-mail, phone call or in person.

- Ensure that Rental Assistance Unit Subsidy Program payments to landlords and brokers are executed timely and ensures the annual renewal of Rental Assistance Program subsidies. Approves modification made by the tenants for their CityFHEPS Rental Assistance Supplement Amount.
- Review and approve the data entries of tenant information for federal funds into federal databases; utilizes other databases such as Housing Assistance Payment Systems (HAPS), Rental Assistance Program (RAP), HRA One Viewer, WMS, NYCWAY, Finance.net, IQ System and SAVE.

- Recommend new subsidy certificates for tenants who wish to submit a transfer request via email for reasons such as issues with landlord, inhabitable apartments, etc.

- Address requests for information and services from Rental Assistance Program landlords, tenants, and community advocates.

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and three years of
full-time satisfactory experience working directly in social/human services or a
related setting, providing either:
a) client services;
b) employment planning/counseling services which involves job development,
skills assessment, and employment placement or other economic
opportunity programming.
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full-time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full-time satisfactory experience as described in one (1) above.
4. College credit from an accredited college may be substituted for this experience
on the basis of 60 semester credits for 9 months of the work experience described
above. However, all candidates must have at least 18 months of full-time
satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist or performing
social/human services work as described in one (1) above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.