Housing Specialist

This is a professional administrative and technical position providing operational support in all phases of programs within the Housing Department. Applicant will be responsible for performing specialized duties in support of housing programs and related client services including intake, eligibility determination, reporting, data management, and coordination of services. This position will interact with program participants, Non-Profit Organizations, Lenders, Title Companies, Real Estate Brokers and Agents, Insurance Companies, Construction Contractors, developers, and other stakeholders. 

• Assists in carrying out affordable housing programs such as the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other community development programs. 
• Manage and maintain a high volume of client files, records, and data ensuring internal and external errors are identified and addressed immediately and financial awards complies with program rules, policies, and guidelines and are readily available for monitoring reviews and audits. 
• Record, retain, organize, and track all security instruments (mortgages and notes) to ensure compliance with the terms of agreement. Prepare official loan payoff letters as well as release of lien and subordination of lien packages as requested by clients or lenders pursuant to program rules, policies, and procedures. 
• Provide program information about Hernando County Housing Programs, program funding and participation by telephone, mail, email, or outreach presentations. 
• Determine the amount of assistance needed and resources available through subsidies; documents and verifies income and program eligibility and prepares application and supporting documentation for financial assistance. 
• Screen and assess candidates’ eligibility to participate in available housing programs; homebuyer education and credit counseling; state and federal grant initiatives; and local housing programs.
•  Perform employment, asset, benefit and support income verifications and qualification in accordance with 24 CFR Part 5 and Florida Statute 420.907. 
• Assists in the coordination of appropriate advertising of housing program and activities, facilitating education and training classes, and marketing with contracted services providers, lender, realtors, and other housing professionals. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of SHIP Local Housing Assistance Plan, CDBG Housing Assistance Plan, Disaster Housing Plan, grant agreements, and other housing policies and procedures. 
• Serves as staff liaison to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Citizen Advisory Task Force, and other related committee meeting coordinating meetings, agenda; public notice, needed material meeting minutes, etc. 
• Researches and prepares reports, memoranda, County board agendas, etc., related to assigned housing program. 
• Maintain expertise in housing programming including, homeless prevention, housing navigation, landlord mediation, fair housing, housing counseling, etc. and provide support to Case management team. 
• Assist with performing monitoring of affordable rental properties for compliance with land use Restrictions Agreements, Developers agreements and loan agreements.
•  Manages the waiting list for SHIP owner occupied home rehabilitation and downpayment assistance programs. 
• Provide excellent customer service through citizen engagement and assistance; presents a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor to the public.

Emergency Response 
County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. 
 Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited community or junior college with an AA degree.
• Minimum four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the development, delivery and monitoring or evaluation of community programs, grants, housing, human services, or related experience.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by current insurance carrier. 
• Must possess and maintain a Florida Notary within three (3) months of hire. 
• Must be able to pass and maintain all certifications and trainings for all programs of the department to include NIMS 100, 200, 300 and 700.

Special Requirements

• This position is subject to the Hepatitis B Vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.

Required Competencies

• High level of computer, spreadsheet, and word processing skills. 
• An understanding and working knowledge of CDBG, HUD CoC, FHA, USDA Rural Development, HOME, and SHIP assistance programs.
• Knowledge of unincorporated area of the County.
•  Ability to provide internal and external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication. Maintain a thorough knowledge of confidentiality and HIPAA, Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act. 
• Ability to interpret and implement policies and procedures established by the Federal, State, County and other funding sources.
• Ability to assess and utilize community resources in advocating for client ‘s needs.
• Ability to deal effectively in a politically complex environment with superior interpersonal skills and a sensitivity and enthusiasm for working with diverse populations, environments, and community involvement.
• High level of verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Light to moderate lifting and carrying (15lbs. To 25 lbs.), walking, sitting, standing, kneeling, pulling lifting, grasping, seeing up close, talking, reading, writing, finger movement, bending and stooping are performed frequently. Tasks may involve an extended amount of time at workstation or desk. 

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed mainly in an indoor climate-controlled environment when possible. Worker may experience irate customers, extreme noise, heat, and unpleasant odors. Some travel is required to attend local and non-local events, trainings, committee meetings, workshops.

Pay Grade: 7

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Salary : $47,195 - $66,099