HRA Specialist

Salary: See Position Description Location : 390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00060 Division: Community Development Department: Housing Voucher Opening Date: 03/11/2026 Closing Date: 3/25/2026 11:59 PM Central WHO WE ARE 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. The Community Development Division is responsible for the Council's regional growth strategy, planning and technical assistance to local communities, and planning for regional parks and open space. The Division also includes the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) and the Livable Communities grant program. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. The Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) operates the state's largest Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program serving nearly 7,200 individuals and families with rent assistance through ten different programs and an annual budget of approximately $75 million. How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region: The HRA Specialist audits the Housing Choice Voucher and special program files necessary to authorize correct payments to HRA owners and ensure the integrity of the database information; verifies information; and explains Metro HRA procedures and guidelines to other Housing Authorities, HRA staff, and contract employees to ensure compliance. This position is also responsible for authorizing weekly and monthly check registers. Anticipated Starting Salary Range (DOQ): $70,117 - $83,595 Full Salary Range: $70,117 - $113,797 The starting salary will depend on the selected candidate's experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity. The position is eligible for hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. What you would do in this jobAudit new admission and ongoing files to confirm accurate data has been entered to produce correct eligibility results. Ensure appropriate payments are issued to the verified vendor according to HUD regulations and the Metro HRA's Administrative Plan. Ensure prompt release of payments to Metro HRA vendors, including supplemental payments and check requisition payments to vendors, when requested. Manage new vendor paperwork, which requires that payments are held and then released to vendors in accordance with Metro HRA policy. Reconcile accounts with other Housing Authorities by utilizing an internal report and sending out quarterly statements. Audit participant accounts against payments received for families who have ported into Metro HRA's jurisdiction. Accurately enter data into Metro HRA's housing software to ensure balances match the Metropolitan Council's finance system. Generate 50058 reports for each Housing Choice Voucher participant to be submitted electronically to HUD. Research, analyze, and correct the failed 50058 submissions to HUD. Recoup overpayments and prepare repayment agreements for participant families who owe money to the housing authority. Assist participants and owners with signing up and accessing Assistance Connect, Metro HRA's online portal. Perform other duties as assigned. What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications) Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in business administration, accounting, or a related field) and experience (in accounting or administrative tasks): High school diploma/GED with five or more years of experience. Associate degree with three or more years of experience. Bachelor's degree with one or more years of experience. What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications): Experience in housing assistance. Experience in accounting, balancing credits and debits. Experience in principles and techniques of auditing. Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Certification from NAHRO and/or Nan McKay. Experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment. What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job: Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and other similar programs. Skilled at managing multiple tasks concurrently, prioritizing without direct supervision, handling critical deadlines, and maintaining a high degree of accuracy. Ability to apply concepts of accounting and basic algebra. Strong and accurate data entry skills. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, rates, ratios, and percentages. Ability to develop and maintain a strong knowledge of the HRA's payment and monitoring systems, including interfaces between multiple reporting and financial systems. Ability to organize and maintain detailed records for payments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable by HRA. Ability to read and interpret documents, administrative policies, department guidelines, and operational procedures. Ability to identify problems, communicate and analyze issues, and implement resolutions within regulations and agency policy. Knowledge of regulations and procedures governing the HRA's programs and ability to develop and maintain this knowledge. Good communication skills and ability to maintain flexibility when working with colleagues to resolve file errors. Knowledge of the confidential nature of organizational information and ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and populations; ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and coworkers; effective communication skills with small or large audiences; and skills in fostering a welcoming culture that engages the broad diversity of the community. Racial and social equity knowledge and skills; an ability, or growth capacity, to participate in conversations about race and equity as well as identify opportunities to integrate equity initiatives into the work. 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 and tuition reimbursement. We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance. Additional information Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade E FLSA Status: Non-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: We review your minimum qualifications. We rate your education and experience. We conduct a structured panel interview. 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 checks 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 . We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below: Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80% Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free: Well@Work clinic bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year parking at many job locations fitness centers at many job locations Employee Assistance Program extensive health and wellness programs and resources 01 Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions. Yes No 02 How did you first hear about this job opening? CareerForce Center Community Event/Organization Employee Referral Facebook Glassdoor Indeed Job Fair LinkedIn Metro Transit Bus Advertisement Twitter Website: governmentjobs.com Website: metrocouncil.org Website: metrotransit.org Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com Other 03 If you selected "other," please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected "employee referral," please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. 04 Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level. High school diploma/GED AND five or more years of experience in accounting or administrative tasks Associate degree in business administration, accounting, or a related field AND three or more years of experience in accounting or administrative tasks Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, or a related field AND one or more years of experience in accounting or administrative tasks Some education in business administration, accounting, or a related field AND/OR some experience in accounting or administrative tasks, but less than the education/experience combinations above None of the above 05 How many years of accounts payable, accounts receivable, or general ledger experience do you have? None Some, but less than three years At least three years, but less than five years Five or more years 06 If you answered in question #5 that you have recent accounts payable, accounts receivable, or general ledger experience, please describe that experience including your job title(s), where the experience took place, your duties, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A." 07 How many years of recent housing authority experience do you have? None Some, but less than three years At least three years, but less than five years Five or more years 08 If you answered in question #7 that you have recent housing authority experience, please describe that experience including your job title(s), where the experience took place, your duties, and the duration. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A." 09 Which of the following do you have experience or certification in? Select all that apply. Managing payment and monitoring systems, including interfaces between multiple reporting and financial systems Administering Housing Assistance Program files using applicable regulations Communicating effectively with multiple stakeholders to resolve complex issues Speaking two or more languages fluently 10 If you answered in question #9 that you have experience managing payment and monitoring systems, including interfaces between multiple reporting and financial systems, please describe that experience, including job title(s), where the experience took place, your duties, and the duration. If this does not apply, please type "N/A." 11 If you answered in question #9 that you have experience administering Housing Assistance Program files using applicable regulations, please describe that experience, including job title(s), where the experience took place, your duties, and the duration. If this does not apply, please type "N/A." 12 If you answered in question #9 that you have experience communicating effectively with multiple stakeholders to resolve complex issues, please describe that experience, including job title(s), where the experience took place, your duties, and the duration. If this does not apply, please type "N/A." 13 If you answered in question #9 that you speak two or more languages fluently, please indicate which language(s) in addition to English that you speak. If this does not apply, please type "N/A." 14 At the Metropolitan Council, the employees in the Community Development Division actively work to advance equity as part of the Division's commitment to public service and as co-workers within the Division. We value integration of equity in our work and equitable outcomes throughout the region. Describe how you have advanced equity within your work and/or within your personal experiences. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A." 15 The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify to the following: I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation. Required Question

Created: 2026-03-13