KRISTEN ALLEN
North Branch,MN
Summary
Professional housing specialist with proven track record in managing and administering housing programs. Adept at navigating complex regulations and providing exceptional client service. Strong focus on collaborative teamwork and achieving tangible results, adapting seamlessly to changing needs. Skills include case management, regulatory compliance, and effective communication. Dependable and driven, ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency
10.2021 - Current
- Responsible verifying processed changes completed by Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialists and Lead Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialists to ensure accuracy of rental calculations prior to submission for rent payment.
- Assist with verifying balance owing calculations and letters for HCV Specialists, and Lead HCV Specialists.
- Responsible for occupancy functions related to all special purpose vouchers, including PBV, FSS, FUP, and Mainstream.
- Maintain the voucher waiting list, and vacancy records for PBV participants.
- Experience assisting with coordinating the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program
- Editing and drafting form letter templates and documents.
- Provide coverage for other staff members in the event of vacancies, and unplanned absences.
- Serve as first point of contact for program related inquiries from HCV specialists.
- Providing training to new HCV Specialists as needed.
- Responsible for receiving, and approving portability files and setting up billing accounts before assigning the file to an intake specialist.
- Identify and investigate potential discrepancies in rent payments, income calculations and household changes.
- Explain regulations and procedures to the general public, voucher participants and applicants.
- Experience with preparing and sending out contracts to property owners
- Research appropriate training materials, including Nan McKay and our agency's admin plan and policy documents, when necessary to ensure accuracy of computations.
- Offer and recommend policy and practice updates and improvements to Management team, as needed.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Maintained compliance with federal regulations, ensuring proper management of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
- Abide by all Board-approved policies, policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, executive communications, administrative procedures, and safety procedures.
- In addition to these responsibilities, as a Lead Housing Choice Voucher Specialist, I am also responsible for maintaining all HCV Specialist tasks as listed in the job responsibilities below.
Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
St. Paul Public Housing Agency
02.2019 - 10.2021
- Managed a caseload of 350+ program participants
- Conducted annual recertifications to ensure continued eligibility for program participants.
- Processed interim reexaminations in a timely manner.
- Calculated rent values
- Processed all moving requests in accordance with HUD regulations and PHA policies including taking appropriate action for families using the portability function of the program.
- Prepared and sent out contracts to property owners
- Processed voucher terminations and cancellations consistently and in compliance with HUD regulations and PHA policies.
- Responded timely and professionally via phone, e-mail, and in writing to participants, landlords, and the general public.
- Taking and responding to a large volume of calls and voicemails on a daily basis.
- Completed all individualized responsibilities accurately and within the appropriate time frame.
Custodian/Cleaning Aide
Independent Consultant
03.2017 - 06.2019
- Work independently for clients as a Custodian/Cleaning aide.
- Consult with clients on a weekly basis to submit work hours, and determine changing cleaning needs.
- Complete cleaning tasks efficiently and effectively in accordance to my clients individual preference.
Store Manager, Barista
Barista, Ginkgo Coffeehouse
08.2014 - 02.2019
- Using required computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ensuring customers experience is positive and consistent
- Training staff on customer service, food and drink preparation as well as food safety guidelines.
- Delegating tasks to keep things running efficiently in a fast paced environment.
- Maintaining product inventory and placing product orders.
- Scheduling, and delivering catering orders.
- Handling money deposits and change orders.
- Continued communication with the store owner regarding store operations.
Crew Trainer
McDonald's
05.2011 - 08.2014
- Delivering outstanding customer service
- Training new employees
- Taking orders and money on the front counter and in the drive through.
- Preparing food and drink orders
- Keeping the work floor stocked and clean.
- Employee of the month July 2013.
Child Care Leader
Wellstone Elementary School
01.2013 - 03.2013
- A co-childcare leader, and I, were responsible for watching a classroom of 4th and 5th grade students
- Helped them with homework assignments.
- Provided and led engaging activities.
Education
Bachelors of Arts - Environmental Studies, Anthropology
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN05.2016
Skills
- Proficient in mathematical calculations
- Experienced with MS Office applications
- Effective interpersonal communication
- Maintaining accurate files and records
- Clear professional writing
- Problem-solving
- Housing regulations expertise
- Proficient in multitasking
- Familiarity with laws and regulations pertaining to property management and landlord/tenant relations
- Leadership
- Customer Service techniques
Certification
- Nan McKay Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certificate
- DoD Cyber Security Awareness annual certification
- HUD Exchange FSS training
Timeline
Lead Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency
10.2021 - Current
Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
St. Paul Public Housing Agency
02.2019 - 10.2021
Custodian/Cleaning Aide
Independent Consultant
03.2017 - 06.2019
Store Manager, Barista
Barista, Ginkgo Coffeehouse
08.2014 - 02.2019
Child Care Leader
Wellstone Elementary School
01.2013 - 03.2013
Crew Trainer
McDonald's
05.2011 - 08.2014
Bachelors of Arts - Environmental Studies, Anthropology
Hamline University
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