Housing Specialist

City of High Point•High Point, NC

19d•$24 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

At the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries. We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You'll join a diverse team of over 1300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world! Performs professional tasks and is responsible for facilitating the City of High Point’s Community Development and Housing programs; performs related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Assistant Director.

Requirements

Associate degree in sociology, psychology, communications, or closely related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three (3) years of experience working with CDBG and HOME Programs.
Must be a HUD Certified Housing Counselor.
Soft skills critical to the role: takes ownership of duties and responsibilities, ability to multitask and prioritize, flexible, adaptable, collaborative and willing to take on new challenges.
Must possess strong communication skills (verbal and written); should be comfortable working with any level of employee or manager, property owners, neighborhood and community groups, and the public.
A self-starter with a high degree of initiative with the ability to work independently.
A strong ability to multitask is a vital part of this role as well as being organized.
Understanding of housing laws, regulations, and policies at local, state, and federal levels.
Knowledge of various housing programs, resources, and assistance available to individuals and families.
Familiarity with fair housing practices and anti-discrimination laws.
Awareness of current housing market trends, including rental and homeownership affordability issues.
Knowledge of financial management principles, including budgeting, credit repair, and debt management.
Understanding of the social and economic factors contributing to housing instability and homelessness.
Knowledge of community resources, support services, and referral networks available to clients.
Counseling and communication skills to effectively engage with clients and provide guidance and support.
Active listening skills are needed to understand clients' needs, concerns, and preferences.
Problem-solving skills to assess clients' situations and develop appropriate action plans.
Case management skills to maintain client records, documentation, and follow-up.
Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree
Bilingual - Spanish

Responsibilities

Performs intake interviews, file preparation, client verification, income eligibility, credit report and loan underwriting from potential applicants seeking housing rehabilitation, emergency and/or homebuyer assistance from the City of High Point
Develops loan and grant recommendations based on risk assessment, credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and other program criteria for immediate supervisor, loan committee and/or CD Director
Understands legal procedures and works with legal department in developing legal documents pertaining to real estate closings, deeds, restrictions, affidavits, request for notice and note preparation, deed recording, loan subordination and necessary contracts pertaining to rehabilitation construction and homebuyer assistance
Performs homeownership counseling and homebuyer workshops to potential homebuyers, realtors and lenders assisting in overcoming obstacles in homeownership, and make appropriate referrals to other agencies for assistance
Serves as lead housing resource expert for the department; creates and maintains list of available housing options; acts as a liaison between various housing providers to include private landlords, property management companies, local housing authority, etc. Works with homeless shelters and transitional housing providers in securing permanent housing for clients
Attends neighborhood meetings, public meetings, and events as necessary
Promotes marketing of housing programs, identify potential neighborhoods for marketing the programs and prepare informational and marketing packages for mail and public display ( i.e., brochures, fliers, etc.)
Makes affordable housing presentations to various companies, boards and forums
Creates and maintains necessary computer databases and statistics on all rehabilitation, repair and homebuyer programs for departmental use, special reports, and public inquiries
Maintains files consisting of all HUD required documentation for each program participant for HUD annual reports and compliance monitoring
Manages and tracks affordability periods for loan portfolio and applicable affordable housing development programs
Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.