Carol Garrison
City of Dayton Housing Authority
Spring City,TN
1
Certification
24
years of professional experience
Housing Specialist with 20+ years of experience in affordable housing, eligibility processing, and tenant rights. Skilled in compliance, case management, and customer service, with a strong record of supporting housing stability and fair housing practices.
Detail-oriented Housing Specialist with a strong background in compliance, file processing, and tenant support. Managed high-volume caseloads, coordinated voucher and lease-up activities, and partnered with landlords, inspectors, and community agencies to improve housing outcomes.
Work History
Housing Specialist
23 Years 11 Months- Interviewed applicants and participants, explaining program requirements and collecting needed verification materials.
- Coordinated voucher issuance and lease-up activities, supporting smooth placement into eligible housing units.
- Managed tenant recertifications, updating case records and maintaining compliance with housing authority policies.
- Processed housing eligibility files, verifying income, household composition, and program documentation for accuracy.
- Reviewed utility allowances, rent calculations, and occupancy data to ensure correct assistance determinations.
- Resolved participant questions and landlord concerns, delivering clear guidance on program rules and next steps.
- Monitored caseload status, followed up on missing documents, and maintained timely processing of resident files.
- Collaborated with inspectors, landlords, and internal staff to support compliance and housing stability outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, ensuring confidentiality and efficient case management.
- Assisted clients in understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants, promoting healthy landlord-tenant relationships.
- Explained rental and housing regulations to clients and helped each discover best options for housing.
- Reviewed documentation and input data into computer system to complete eligibility process, re-certifications and tenant move-outs.
- Calculated tenant rent amounts to prepare leases and contracts.
- Assisted applicants in filling out housing applications and verifying assets.
- Established positive rapport with clients by providing exceptional customer service and addressing their unique needs.
- Improved tenant satisfaction by addressing and resolving housing concerns in a timely manner.
- Contributed to team success by actively participating in staff meetings and sharing best practices with colleagues.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and adherence to program requirements.
- Coordinated eviction prevention efforts by mediating disputes between landlords and tenants, ultimately preserving stable housing situations for at-risk individuals.
- Educated landlords on fair housing laws and regulations, fostering an environment of equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
- Collaborated with property managers to ensure smooth transitions for new tenants moving into their homes.
- Met with housing residents and landlords to answer questions, address concerns, and clarify policies and procedures.
- Evaluated rental applications thoroughly, verifying income eligibility and background checks for potential tenants.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of affordable housing programs to effectively assist clients in securing suitable residences.
- Maintained database of housing resources, landlords, and management companies.
- Facilitated partnerships with local agencies to broaden support services for tenants.
- Conducted thorough assessments of applicants' eligibility for housing programs to streamline allocation process.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
- Developed and implemented programs to engage and empower underserved populations.
Education
- General Studies, Fundamentals of Child Support
Skills
Affordable housing programs and expertise
Property maintenance
Policy analysis
Compliance monitoring
Housing program administration
Fair housing regulations
Tenant rights
Certification
- Certified Public Housing Manager, Housing and Urban Development, City of Dayton Housing Authority, Dayton, TN 2003 through 2025
- Certified Housing Choice Voucher Manager, Housing and Urban Development, City of Dayton Housing Authority, Dayton, TN 2003 through 2025
Timeline
Housing Specialist
City of Dayton Housing Authority
10.2001 - 09.2025Read More
Roane State Community College
from General Studies, Fundamentals of Child Support
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Chattanooga State Community College
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