Housing Development Specialist

City of Las Cruces•Las Cruces, NM

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Coordinates housing and neighborhood services programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the HOME Program, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and the Economic Development Initiative (EDI). Performs technical and administrative duties to provide eligible recipients and sub-recipients with grant funds that support home and neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and economic opportunities. The position is full-time, regular, and exempt, and is graded RX17. The Housing Development Specialist develops, coordinates, implements, monitors, and administers housing programs and grants; supports applicants and service providers; works with multifamily developers; oversees grant-funded services and project compliance; and maintains program records, budgets, and reports. The role also evaluates homes for the Home Rehabilitation Program, identifies deficiencies, and develops construction scopes of work. The position involves competing demands, multiple tasks, deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is essential. Work is performed in an office setting and has light physical demands, consisting mostly of desk work. The position is subject to drug testing under applicable regulations and City policies. A valid Class D driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required. First consideration may be given to qualified current City of Las Cruces employees; meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the hiring process.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Finance, Planning, or a related field, and three years of experience in housing programs, real estate, urban planning, or mortgage lending; a combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City policy.
Valid Class D driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.
Knowledge of HUD housing program regulations and eligibility requirements; real estate transactions; applicable Code of Federal Regulations and HUD standards and procedures; and community service agencies and local assistance programs.
Knowledge of grant-funded project management systems and documentation, including budgets, plans, schedules, contracts, and requisitions; record keeping and records management; research methods and data analysis; customer service and problem resolution; safety hazards and practices; business correspondence; English usage; computer applications; and City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to prioritize multiple duties, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; interpret real estate laws, HUD documents, and housing codes; deliver appropriate customer service; and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations.
Ability to collect information and maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records; communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and present reliable reports; and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agencies, and the public.
Ability to operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles safely; navigate even and uneven surfaces; enter data and update records accurately and promptly; and exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Skills in applying grant-program standards and regulations; analyzing and compiling technical and statistical information; preparing grants, reports, proposals, correspondence, and program documentation; and managing assignments effectively.
Skills in responding to inquiries within delegated authority; exercising objectivity and sound judgment; working independently or as a team member amid changing priorities; researching and analyzing information; maintaining records; and operating a personal computer with generic and specialized software.
Effective interpersonal communication and conflict-resolution skills, and the ability to present information clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and implement HUD- and EDI-sponsored housing development and affordable housing programs in support of City-wide initiatives.
Process payments, track balances, and ensure accounting is complete.
Assist eligible persons applying for program benefits and inform outside agencies and service providers about available funding.
Keep informed about community, social, and economic resources that can assist low- and moderate-income families.
Work with multifamily project developers during the design process for large future developments and advise them regarding subdivision and planning codes.
Monitor, evaluate, and administer programs and grants to ensure compliance with federal regulations, contracts, and agreements.
Schedule and conduct regular meetings and provide technical assistance and training to program participants and service providers as needed and in accordance with HUD/EDI regulations.
Track client participation and related statistics for internal and external reporting.
Maintain client records to HUD and City standards; develop and coordinate budgets and administrative controls; maintain activity records; and submit required reports.
Verify that program participants meet eligibility standards under applicable federal regulations and agreements.
Handle tenant and landlord issues.
Serve on housing-related committees to evaluate and implement best practices for delivering affordable and attainable safe and decent housing, healthcare, food, and social services to Las Cruces residents.
Evaluate housing and determine the needs of Home Rehabilitation Program applicants; identify building-code deficiencies and nonfunctional equipment; develop construction scopes of work; and order inspections and reports.
Oversee grant-funded services provided by outside agencies and service providers.
Coordinate and monitor procurement and requisition processes, specifications, construction phases, and compliance with standards, codes, and regulations.
Monitor grant-funded program activities to ensure participating entities meet technical requirements.
Assist other staff with routine tasks and functions.
Prepare and present special and recurring reports and presentations about housing development programs.