Manager, Metro HRA

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

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.

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

The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional growth strategy, planning and technical assistance to local communities, parks, and open spaces, Livable Communities grants to local governments, and the Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA).

Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) manages the state's largest Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program serving individuals and families receiving rent assistance through several different programs. The Metro HRA operates on behalf of nearly 100 suburban and rural communities throughout Anoka, Carver, and most of suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties and serves low-income seniors, families, and households, as well as individuals with disabilities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The HRA Manager manages and provides direct support to 10-12 Metro HRA staff members. This position serves as an operating manager related to eligibility determinations, recertifications and inspections, subsidy payments and quality control, reporting, program utilization, performance management, and technology systems. This position will also assist in the development and implementation of procedures related to program administration of new and existing programs.

• Provide direct support and coaching to a team of rental assistance housing professionals, specifically in areas related to project-based vouchers, Council-owned properties (Family Affordable Housing program), Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA), Mainstream, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV), state-funded rental assistance programs, and other special purpose vouchers.
• Provide direct support and coaching to a team of housing inspections staff including an independently contracted housing inspector.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state program regulations, agency policy, and procedures.
• Monitor work performance through quality control processes to confirm program admissions, interim, and annual requirements are completed accurately and timely.
• Manage and evaluate employee performance. Provide coaching and feedback as necessary. Implement corrective or disciplinary actions in accordance with established procedures.
• Provide and maintain consistent and effective communication with colleagues, staff, program owners, participants, and other external stakeholders.
• Develop tools and monitor program utilization to ensure full expenditure of funds and full voucher utilization for existing or new housing initiatives.
• Implement practices to achieve or exceed established benchmarks and goals.
• Contribute to an inclusive work culture where all team members can thrive.

Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in Housing, Social Services, or related field) and experience (administering housing assistance programs or another public subsidy program):

• Associate degree with eight or more years of experience, including three or more years of management, supervisory, or project lead experience
• Bachelor's or higher degree with six or more years of experience, including three or more years of management, supervisory, or project lead experience

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

• Certification(s) in Housing Programs and/or Inspections Certifications (Nan McKay, NAHRO, Quadel) and experience interpreting HUD's program policies.
• Program or project management experience directly related to federal and state-funded rent assistance programs serving specialized populations, such as those with high barriers, experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, and/or living with disability.
• Direct experience conducting or managing housing quality standards inspections including reading and interpreting federal inspection regulations and/or general building standards or codes.
• Experience creating or implementing internal processes to carry out changes in regulation or policy both remotely and in-person.
• Experience applying knowledge of institutional racism and the historical different impact of public investment on communities of color to one's work in the housing sector.

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

• Knowledge of state and federal regulations, program rules, and standard business practices regarding the operation of rental assistance programs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices to directly support a team of housing professionals; ability to inspire and motivate employees to do their best and display high integrity, professionalism, and honesty.
• Knowledge of laws related to property owner-tenant relationships.
• Knowledge of federal inspections standards and general building standards, codes, and maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of racial and social equity; ability to participate in conversations about race and equity as well as identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives into the work.
• Knowledge of working with people experiencing long-term homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
• Skills to identify problems and recommend/implement solutions or changes.
• Skills to analyze, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to rental assistance programs.
• Skills to support staff in the appropriate and ethical use of crisis management, de-escalation, conflict mediation, and motivational interviewing.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; excellent communication skills.
• Ability to understand the impacts of systemic and institutional racism within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities when supporting staff and implementing processes.
• Ability to establish positive relationships and partnerships with other agencies, employees, internal and external contacts, non-profits, residents, historically underrepresented communities, and people with limited English.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training, external professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement.
• We encourage and support staff in bringing the full range of experiences and identities that define them to the workplace.
• We encourage and support staff in contributing to a dynamic work culture that improves the Council's ability to serve the region and strives to effectively support all employees.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: MANA/Grade J
FLSA Status: 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 check 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.