Job Id #31300: Rent Supplement/housing Allowance Clerk

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- ** Job ID #31300: Rent Supplement/Housing Allowance Clerk (2 Vacancies)**:

- **Union**: CUPE Local 5167
- **Job Description ID #: 7845**

Reports to the Supervisor, Human Services - Housing Access & Supports provides a range of administrative, clerical and financial business duties to support the operations of the Housing Services Division. The Rent Supplement/Housing Allowance Clerk provides direct service to clients to support their journey to stable, permanent housing. The Rent Supplement/Housing Allowance Clerk works with a minimum of supervision on multiple activities while ensuring deadlines are adhered to and established procedures followed.

**GENERAL DUTIES**

Oversees and prepares Housing Allowance intake packages for tenants, ensures all documents required to determine eligibility are provided (e.g., employment income, social assistance benefits, pensions, investments, income tax returns, etc.). Follows up with tenants, and agencies to clarify information and/or obtain further documents as required.

Reviews, confirms, and calculates initial entitlement and/or adjustments for the assigned portfolio, annually and throughout the year, and inputs into systems.

Communicates with tenants, landlords and other City of Hamilton divisions.

Creates, establishes, and maintains a tracking and monitoring system for reports, data, contracts, log of assignments/directions/cancellations.

Performs data entry functions using various computerized tracking and enquiry systems; generates computer printouts.

Reconciles monthly payments and monitor recoveries/reimbursements from various landlords.

Recommends administrative processes to maximize operational efficiency in the delivery of Rent Supplement and Housing Allowances.

Maintains accurate filing of client files, records, correspondence and forms.

Processes incoming and outgoing communications (verbal, written, electronic).

Engages with individuals involved with the homelessness serving system to identify clients needs and triage to the appropriate internal/external support for resolution.

Prepares and confirms data for monthly payments.

Calculates and monitors outstanding arrears owing to the City of Hamilton as required.

Assists in the training and development of new clerical staff and placement students.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Demonstrated business office management and/or strong business office administrative skills acquired through relevant experience or a combination of administrative courses and relevant work experience.
- Previous experience or knowledge of Housing Services and Housing agencies/resources would be an asset.
- Must be proficient with intermediate experience in the use of Microsoft Office products to include: Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Demonstrated ability to input data at an intermediate level with a high degree of accuracy. Working knowledge of database software (SAMS and IHS) would be an asset.
- Previous accounting/finance and reconciling payments experience would be an asset. Demonstrated ability and familiarity with the City of Hamilton financial processes and procedures an asset.
- Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal).
- Ability to excel in a fast-paced work environment with a focus on customer service excellence. Highly developed customer service and interpersonal skills and proven ability to assist people in difficult situations.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to any situation.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks with a variety of deadlines.
- Excellent people skills with an emphasis on customer service. Demonstrated ability to deal with difficult callers and display tact and professionalism when conversing with clients, supervisors and peers.

**THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.**

**NOTE 1**:
As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening,