EZ-Steps Training For More Information: Contact Brandon Mendoza

What is EZ-Steps Training^®?  It is our simplified method for accomplishing everyday tasks.  EZ-Steps provide training based on procedures proven to work in Housing Agencies throughout the nation.  Our EZ-Steps trainers are hands-on experienced in program operations.  Class participation and relevant questions are encouraged.   

EZ-Steps Training^® is offered through open enrollment sessions as well as co-sponsored and contracted sessions.  All EZ-Steps Training^® courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of sponsoring agencies or associations.

For information about co-sponsoring or contracting one or more courses, contact Brandon Mendoza at 817-922-9000, extension 138, e-mail brandon@nelrod.com, or email Vicki Brower, Director of Training, at vicki@nelrod.com.

The following EZ-Steps cources are currently being offered:

Maintenance Management Training Courses:

1)    Certified Supervisors of Maintenance (3 days) – Who should attend?  Maintenance supervisors, Working Foremen, Maintenance/Facilities Management Directors, and Property Managers. Synopsis:  This session is intended to provide a working knowledge for those who supervise the maintenance function. Topics include: the various functions of a PHA, work identification, work prioritization, scheduling, planning for the maintenance budget, procurement for maintenance, contract management basics, and communication and team building skills. In addition, instructions will be provided for developing an Annual Facilities Maintenance Plan (recommended by HUD) and a Maintenance Improvement Action Plan.  Case studies will be interspersed throughout the training to enhance learning.

2)    Role of the Maintenance Worker in Public Housing (2 days) – Who should attend?   Maintenance employees, Maintenance Supervisors and Property Managers.

Synopsis:  Attendees will obtain an understanding of the “whys” behind the decisions that trickle down to them and affect their daily activities. This course serves as an excellent tool in building a strong relationship between front-line maintenance staff and property managers. Topics include: the role of maintenance personnel in the PHA, how their performance impacts other areas of PHA operations, improving PHAS scores, Quality Performance/Safety requirements, Increasing Resident Satisfaction, Basic inventory/work order requirements, Preventative Maintenance and Basic PHAS requirements.


Public Housing and Section 8 HCVP Management Training Courses

1)    Public Housing and Section 8 HCVP Rent Calculation (2 days each) – Who should attend? Public Housing and Section 8 HCVP Occupancy staff, Quality Control staff, Intake staff and Property Managers.

Synopsis: Our Rent Calculations courses were developed in response to HUD’s initiative to reduce errors in calculation of tenant rents, to legal challenges arising from the Earned Income Disallowance, and to verification/file maintenance errors noted during RIM reviews.  While most agencies now use computers to calculate rents, accuracy cannot be obtained unless the operator has a thorough understanding of the process and requirements.  Courses have been updated to include emphasis on current industry issues and common errors. Topics include: How rent determinations impact RIM Reviews, PHAS & SEMAP scores, Policy and Procedure requirements pertaining to determination of rent, Earned Income Disallowance, HUD’s verification requirements, HUD form 50058 common errors, scheduling and file maintenance.

2)    Public Housing and Section 8 HCVP Occupancy Procedures (2 days each) – Who should attend? Public Housing property managers, staff responsible for eligibility and waiting list management, HCVP occupancy caseworkers and quality control staff.

Synopsis: Our Occupancy Courses bridge the gap between policies and daily activities in the Low Rent and Section 8 HCV Programs by focusing on procedures and internal monitoring activities. Occupancy functions for applicable programs will be addressed as well as guidance on common errors and procedural weaknesses revealed through Rental Integrity (RIM) reviews. Occupancy Procedures are routinely updated to reflect current HUD emphasis.

3)    Implementing Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) (2 days) – Who should attend?  Public Housing asset managers, Executive Directors, property managers, lead maintenance staff, and resident leaders.

Synopsis: Participants will receive a comprehensive understanding of the PHAS indicators and learn techniques for improving PHA scores.  Emphasis will be placed on both the assessment and scoring process, tracking and monitoring resources, and procedures necessary to achieve or maintain a high performer status under the new rule. This training also prepares housing authorities to achieve high performance through team building, motivation, and the systems approach to management. Topics include: Documentation needed for the new on-site management reviews; tips and techniques for improving your PHAS scores; and what information is needed by the Board of Commissioners.  Sample tracking and reporting forms will be provided.

Asset Management Training Courses

1)    Asset Management for Property Managers (2 days) – Who should attend? Property Managers and assistants to property managers.

Synopsis: Participants responsible for project management functions will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of marketing and leasing, tenant selection and assignment, maintenance management, procurement, financial management and other specific duties required for successful daily operations.   A Property Manager’s Procedures Manual will be provided along with a resource CD and numerous sample property management forms.                                            

2)    Public Housing Property Manager Certification (5 days) – Who should attend? Asset Managers, property managers and executive directors.

Synopsis: This course will provide the program knowledge needed to manage and operate a public housing project under the asset management model. A comprehensive focus (with case studies) will be placed on the following topics:  Project Based Funding, Project Based Budgeting, Project Based Accounting for Property Managers, Project Based Management and Project Based Performance Assessment.  Case studies will be interspersed throughout the training to reinforce learning objectives.   On the 5th day, an Asset Manager Certification examination will be administered.

Commissioner/Executive Training Courses (1 day) –   Who should attend?  Commissioners, Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, secretaries to the Board and Executive Directors

Synopsis: Workshop will focus on roles and responsibilities, ethics, procedures for conducting effective Board meetings and provide an overview of the transition to asset management.  Federal and State requirements will be addressed. Current State statutes applicable to public housing agencies and various forms such as the Annual Contributions contract and the Management Operations Certification will be reviewed and discussed.