Senior Program Specialist

JOB CODE: 2240

PAY GRADE: 1160

SALARY RANGE: $32,215 - $54,842

LOCATION OF WORK
Office of Community Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direct supervision of the Housing Services Manager, performs responsible technical work in the administration and supervision of various federal/state owner-occupied and rental housing programs. Employee of this class will plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate daily program activities, as well as educate staff to ensure compliance with HUD regulations and program guidelines. Work also includes managing work activities, program functions, and other tasks performed conjointly with other City-Parish departments or outside agencies. Exercises general supervision over a moderate size staff. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Manages staff of federal programs, including but not limited to the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Plans, directs, supervises, prioritizes workload, and evaluates day-to-day activities of staff; educates staff on federal regulations and program guidelines; encourages employee cross-training among various federal programs. Coordinates daily program activities and functions; solves problems and complaints; interprets regulations and guidelines to program participants; and corrects administrative program errors as necessary. Evaluates the work product of staff to ensure the department is continually in compliance with federal, HUD, state, and local regulations. Manages work activities, program functions, and other tasks performed conjointly with other City-Parish departments or outside agencies. Explains programs to callers; responds to requests for information and complaints. Works with inspectors in accordance with program regulations. Applies knowledge of program regulations to obtain applicants the best possible rates; may make underwriting decisions needed in federal programs, such as the Housing Assistance Program (HAP). Works with realtors and private lending institutions to underwrite and close on housing down payment assistance loans. Performs review of income determination, closing documents, and subordination requests. Reviews, redesigns, and implements program process improvements with the overall objective of increased and efficient production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations for the Housing Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Knowledge of loan underwriting practices and procedures, and basic standards and techniques of housing market valuation. Knowledge of the issues and problems commonly associated with low/moderate income households. Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and techniques of modern business administration, with the ability to apply them to the administration of HUD housing programs. Knowledge of basic computers and related equipment. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Word and Excel. Ability to work in a team setting and apply problem-solving skills to achieve program and departmental goals without involving upper management. Ability to use a computer for word processing, database operation, spreadsheet applications, or other software systems. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals. Ability to compose and prepare effective correspondence and statistical reports. Ability to ensure compliance and accurately interpret applicable HUD regulations and guidelines to program participants. Ability to supervise, prioritize, and evaluate the work of a moderate staff of technical workers in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale. Ability to establish, maintain effective working relationships, and communicate successfully with department staff, management, other departments, divisions, public officials, federal agency officials, vendors, and the public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS