ADU PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has a unique opportunity to address quality of life issues for Loudoun County residents. Come be a part of our work to meet the unmet housing needs of our neighbors. This position is office-centered--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibility may be authorized.

DHCD seeks a dedicated public servant to administer programs aimed at providing housing stability for Loudoun County residents. The ideal candidate must be customer service-focused to serve on the Rental and Homeownership Programs Team as an ADU Program Specialist. DHCD supports the community in obtaining safe and affordable housing. We work to facilitate, inform, and advise the community on the development and implementation of strategies to address the unmet housing needs of all Loudoun County residents. We create and manage programs to increase affordable housing opportunities for Loudoun's low- to moderate-income households, including homebuyers and renters, and work with non-profits and affordable housing developers.

Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, the Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program Specialist performs activities as assigned for the locally-mandated ADU and Unmet Housing Needs Unit (UHNU) Programs; determines eligibility; conducts interviews and meetings; recommends approval or closes requests and renewals; manages an intensive, client-centric caseload including both served and waitlist households; maintains partnerships with community stakeholders and lenders/realtors/settlement agents or apartment communities; oversees critical program activities; performs community outreach efforts; and submits reports as needed.

The ADU Program Specialist will have knowledge of housing and human services systems, prioritize problem solving and collaboration, and thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. Must have a team-oriented approach, a proven record of excellent customer service, and a desire to innovate. The ADU Program Specialist interacts with, responds to questions and information requests from, and provides expert advice to members of the public in person, via phone, and/or in virtual meetings. Requires experience working with a culturally diverse workforce and communities.

Primary responsibilities for this position include:

• Manages case records of program clients. Documents clients' service history. Meets all state, local and federal mandates and requirements for case record organization, documentation, and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with program guidelines. Administers locally mandated programs, ensures compliance with regulations, ordinances, and policies for programs. Ensures cases and/or policies are prepared and in compliance for audits or reviews. Maintains positive working relationships.
• Determines eligibility of applicants for affordable rental and for-purchase housing; issues certificate of qualification; determines initial and ongoing eligibility for program participants. Conducts intake meetings to explain program procedures and policy; conducts annual certification renewal process; calculates and updates baseline rent and unit price sheet presented to the Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board for review and approval; and approves/denies rent increase requests from apartment complexes.
• Liaises with builders, developers, representatives of financial institutions, settlement companies, appraisers, and others involved in the homeownership program.
• Provides information and assistance in person, via phone, and/or in virtual meetings to program applicants, private sector home builders, realtors, lending institutions, property managers, program staff and other County staff in support and implementation of the ADU and UHNU Programs.

The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, and be able to:

• Exercise sound judgment, decision making, and casework management skills.
• Independently process cases.
• Effectively use housing program software.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with clients, participants, co-workers, staff, vendors, and contractors.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate program and client records and prepare letters and reports.
• Follow program guidelines and comply with Fair Housing requirements to ensure every applicant receives equitable treatment.

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Loudoun County Regular Full-time Employees are eligible for full benefits including but not limited to the following as a part of a total rewards package:

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Annual Paid Holidays
• Group Health Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Exceptional Performance Recognition
• Credit Union Membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education and Career Development

• Bachelor's degree in housing, marketing, real estate, public administration, planning or related field; two (2) years of direct experience in housing assistance and community development programs; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Housing Counselor certification preferred; bilingual skills preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of government-sponsored housing programs and affordable dwelling unit rules and regulations to provide counseling and referrals to include family and income eligibility determinations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local administrative requirements for assigned service areas to include record management and procedures.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background and credit check. A valid automobile driver's license and driving record check are required.