Housing & Community Services Specialist

City of Eden Prairie•Eden Prairie, MN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing & Community Services Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and other public funds for housing and social service programs. This role involves coordinating and managing fund programs, including annual plan preparation, fund distribution, quarterly reporting, and access to the federal treasury. The position also conducts audits of grantees, maintains local and federal databases for reporting eligible activities, and prepares and submits required reports throughout the federal fiscal year to aid in forecasting fund expenditures. The specialist will administer loan application processes, coordinate loan subordination, work with contractors, conduct Request for Proposal (RFP) processes, and prepare documentation for City Council approval. Additionally, the role involves conducting on-site audits of funded agencies, tracking spending and services, developing strong relationships with community partners, creating educational materials, monitoring community trends, promoting collaboration among service providers, and assisting with coordination of meetings and training. The specialist will also provide timely and accurate customer service and support to the division and department. While these are the primary focuses, employees are expected to perform a variety of duties as part of a team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
Minimum of three years of relevant work experience required.
Experience utilizing technology including Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with finance, grant management, loan processing, and/or mortgage applications preferred.

Responsibilities

Administers the loan application process by meeting with prospective homeowners and ensuring necessary documents are properly signed and completed.
Coordinates the necessary procedures of the loan application process by conducting title searches, arranging for a City Inspector to visit the property, and communicating with all necessary parties.
Maintains forms and files by making sure documents are in proper order and are filed in accordance with the City retention schedule.
Coordinates loan subordination process for clients who are refinancing or taking out a home equity loan.
Works with contractors to ensure timely completion of work and payment.
Administers the loan application process by meeting with applicants and mortgage brokers, real estate agents, etc.
Reviews completed applications to ensure applicants qualify for the program.
Prepares financial documents and money transfers for the closing process.
Conducts Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.
Prepares documentation for City Council action to approve spending.
Conducts on-site audits of funded agencies to ensure compliance with local and federal government requirements.
Tracks spending and services provided to ensure agencies are performing to meet city expectations.
Develops and maintains strong working relationships within the key partners in the community.
Develops educational material/presentations on issues that impact the quality of life in the community.
Monitors changing community trends related to housing and community services and conducts research to understand what programs and resources are needed to manage the changes.
Promotes collaboration among service providers and property managers by providing resolution strategies and connects residents to community service providers.
Assists with the coordination of meeting/training of property managers and other City departments or third parties.
Provides timely and accurate customer service and support to the division and department.