Housing Programs Specialist

City of Bellingham • City of Bellingham, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Join our Planning and Community Development team as a Housing Program Specialist and help strengthen community housing stability through fair, accessible, and well-managed programs. This role is ideal for detail-oriented problem-solvers who enjoy navigating housing regulations, grant processes, and creative financing to support residents and local partners. If you’re looking to make a meaningful public-service impact, we’d love to hear from you! JOB SUMMARY : Plans and organizes the work processes and day-to-day operations of the Home and Rental Rehabilitation Programs and the Homebuyer Assistance Program. Implements the City’s one-to-four family housing loan programs, including the Home and Rental Rehabilitation Loan Programs and the Homebuyer Assistance Program, to provide housing benefits to low and moderate income and special needs households. Conducts monitoring of sub-recipients of federal and locally funded grant programs for low income and disabled households. Ensures the City meets the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing requirements. Works directly with state and federal agencies and local private lending institutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or social science
• A minimum of one year of experience, preferably in governmental programs, in any of the following areas: housing rehabilitation, real estate loans, bank financing, title and escrow services.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal conviction and local background check
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record.
• A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at time of hire.
• Must attain a notary public commission within three months of hire and maintain throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

• Additional experience in the program area is desired.

Responsibilities

• Plans and organizes the work processes and day-to-day operations of the Home and Rental Rehabilitation Programs and the Homebuyer Assistance Program.
• Implements the City’s one-to-four family housing loan programs, including the Home and Rental Rehabilitation Loan Programs and the Homebuyer Assistance Program, to provide housing benefits to low and moderate income and special needs households.
• Conducts monitoring of sub-recipients of federal and locally funded grant programs for low income and disabled households.
• Ensures the City meets the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing requirements.
• Works directly with state and federal agencies and local private lending institutions.

Benefits

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level