Program Specialist (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3630

PAY GRADE: 1140

SALARY RANGE: $29,219 - $49,743

LOCATION OF WORK
Office of Community Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of a higher classification, performs specialized administrative and technical work in providing assistance with rehabilitation, down payment, housing development, public services and/or rental services programs for low-income households. Duties may include interviewing applicants regarding income and family composition in order to determine eligibility for low-income housing by means of established federal guidelines. Duties may also include reviewing documentation to issue reimbursements, evaluating reports for labor compliance, or performing other tasks to support the programs. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Interviews applicants regarding income, family composition, and other criteria in order to determine eligibility for low-income housing by means of established federal guidelines; ensures programs meet established federal guidelines. Oversees day-to-day operations of federal programs such as the Affordable Housing Development, Public Facility Development, Community Services, Housing Assistance (HAP), and Single Family Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (SFOOR). Conducts educational sessions with new participants to explain federal program regulations and lease obligations, as well as housing assistance policies, rules, and regulations. Calculates housing assistance payments, tenant rental amounts, utility reimbursements, and rent increases in order to satisfy program guidelines and landlord requests. Performs administrative activities such as drafting correspondence, maintaining records, and preparing reports; prepares tenant files, maintains lease agreements, contracts, applicant verification forms, and other related Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) required forms. Reviews and analyzes financial information, contracts, and agreements, and if necessary, criminal records, to determine and maintain eligibility; conducts home visits when necessary to obtain applicant information. Performs re-examinations, site visits, interim interviews, and verification of income to determine and maintain eligibility according to federal guidelines and regulations; completes construction inspections utilizing HUD's Housing Quality Survey Inspections Checklist. Explains programs to callers; responds to requests for information and complaints. Reviews requests for reimbursements, contract documents, labor compliance, and reports to verify validity and compliance; prepares administrative documents using existing templates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rulings, and regulations regarding low-income housing programs. Knowledge of standard interviewing techniques and practices. Knowledge of HUD regulations for the Housing Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products, such as Word and Excel. Ability to use a computer for word processing, database operation, spreadsheet applications, or other software systems and ability to use related equipment. Ability to participate in program development and process improvement ensuring that programs meet federal guidelines. Ability to adapt to a changing work environment, including new regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals. Ability to perform basic mathematical functions accurately. Ability to compose and prepare effective correspondence and statistical reports. Ability to deal with the public with tact and courtesy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other departments, agencies, vendors, and the public. Ability to work with relative independence, completing all duties and special projects assigned accurately and timely. 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.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS