Housing and Community Development Specialist

Department/Location: Planning and Community Development-Housing and Community Development

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Supervision Exercised: None

Supervision Received: Housing and Community Development Manager

General Purpose of the Position: The purpose of this position is to assist in the operation of the Housing and Community Development Division. This entails considerable public contact and case management, so excellent customer service skills and knowledge of laws covering confidentiality, particularly as it relates to personally identifiable information are important. The ideal candidate for this position must be comfortable working with the public. They must also be familiar with state and federal standards for determining program eligibility based on family income, and able to communicate these regulations to the customer. Since housing activities undertaken by the division can result in a financial obligation for the customer, the ability to analyze financial documents and communicate the information to the customer is very important. Candidates must also be knowledgeable about confidentiality requirements since they will be working with customers’ personally identifiable information.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate required grant applications and reports for CDBG, and other housing/community development projects and programs.
• Perform statistical research and analysis for the development of goals, activities, and program reports.
• Coordinate, develop and monitor contracts with other agencies and individuals with the assistance of the Housing and Community Development Manager.
• Coordinate programs, projects, and special affordable housing initiatives to comply with HUD and state program regulations.
• Maintain detailed project records and prepare correspondence regarding projects and programs.
• Research and compose correspondence and reports related to special requests from the public and elected officials.
• Compile and assemble application packages for supervisor review and approval.
• Analyze customer information in order to determine program eligibility.
• Maintain client files to ensure that personal identifiable information is secured.
• Perform initial inspections of units considered for financial assistance under the housing assistance programs to determine housing condition.
• Develop work plans for repairing property in order to make it decent, safe, and sanitary.
• Monitor contractors to ensure compliance with work plan.

Skills and Physical Abilities Required:

· Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal organization related principles and practices.

· Knowledge of federal and state program regulations and the ability to relate this information to those seeking services.

· Knowledge, and coordination of providing written and/oral presentations required to a variety of City boards, and organizations.

· Ability to provide a positive customer service experience to people from a variety of backgrounds.

· Ability to meet with clients seeking services and gather information needed to determine program eligibility. This includes meeting clients at places other than the Division's offices.

· Ability to maintain waiting list for services and inquiries regarding the waiting list.

· Familiarity with Community Development Manager or similar community development database software.

· Proficient in the use of a computer, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent software.

· Ability to research property ownership for program purposes, including continued program compliance after properties are assisted.

· Ability to monitor activities of agencies, subgrantees, and other funding recipients to ensure compliance with contract agreements and program regulations.

· Ability to analyze payment requests to ensure adequate documentation is provided and that the payment request complies with contract obligation.

Computer Equipment and Software Requirements: Personal computer, laptop, fax machine, printer/copier/scanner, telephone, camera, other office equipment. City vehicle.

Education and Experience Required: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field of study. At least two years of experience working with state or federal grant programs related to community development, community service, housing, finance, or related field. Must have a valid Florida driver's license.

Preferred: Previous housing rehabilitation experience, under a licensed contractor, engineer, or architect preferred. This experience must be verifiable. Other requirements include being familiar with the regulations governing the Community Development Block Grant program as well as the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program. Candidates for this position must be familiar with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System, including the ability to produce plans and performance reports through this system.

Job Classification: 110 Salary Range: Minimum: $14.19/hour Maximum: $21.29/hour

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. Duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.83 - $26.75 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $27