Neighborhood Services Specialist

City of Yuma•City of Yuma, AZ

About The Position

The Neighborhood Services Specialist works under basic supervision in the City of Yuma Community Development Department’s Neighborhood & Economic Development Division. The role oversees, administers, and coordinates housing and neighborhood services programs, including Federal entitlement programs for City residents. It monitors program compliance and helps ensure eligible participants receive appropriate services. The position also provides technical and administrative support for programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including HOME and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Duties may vary according to assignment. The position works with grant recipients, sub-recipients, outside agencies, service providers, community organizations, and program participants. It monitors grant-funded activities, verifies participant eligibility, provides technical assistance, maintains records, and prepares reports to meet funding requirements. It also promotes programs through public meetings and represents the City and department on community committees focused on homelessness and fair housing. The employee is expected to support the City’s relationship with the public, follow City policies and procedures, and maintain confidentiality.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Business or Public Administration, or a related field, and two years of experience administering CDBG, HOME, or Federal grant programs and working with community organizations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local rules and regulations governing community development, affordable housing, and neighborhood redevelopment, including HUD, HOME, and CDBG performance standards and procedures.
Knowledge of HUD Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) and Consolidated Plan processes.
Knowledge of grant-funded project management accounting systems and documentation standards.
Knowledge of record-keeping and file-maintenance principles and procedures.
Knowledge of program development and administration practices, procedures, and regulations.
Knowledge of neighborhood revitalization and outreach practices and principles.
Knowledge of public relations and customer service methods and techniques.
Knowledge of program, project, budget, and contract management techniques.
Ability to understand and apply City, State, and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
Ability to interpret HUD, HOME, and CDBG documents and program regulations.
Ability to review financial and technical documents for completeness and accuracy.
Ability to prepare technical and financial reports and recommendations.
Ability to review, update, and maintain grant program files, reports, and documentation.
Ability to operate a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with State and Federal agencies, public service organizations, stakeholders, and community leaders.
Valid Arizona State Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

Administer and coordinate HUD-funded housing and neighborhood services programs, including HOME and CDBG.
Provide technical and administrative support to eligible recipients and sub-recipients using grant funds for home and neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and economic opportunities.
Oversee services delivered by outside agencies and providers; review payment requests for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with program budgets.
Monitor grant-funded programs and activities for technical compliance and compliance with Federal regulations, contracts, agreements, division standards, goals, and policies.
Maintain program activity records and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports required by funding agencies.
Work with community organizations to facilitate applications, clarify program requirements, resolve issues with state and Federal agencies, and support compliance with grant regulations.
Assist program participants and service providers with questions and concerns and help complete technical applications.
Verify participant eligibility under applicable Federal regulations and agreements; provide technical assistance and training to participants and service providers.
Coordinate and promote housing and neighborhood services programs, conduct public meetings, and represent the City and department on community committees concerning homelessness and fair housing.
Interact courteously and cooperatively with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promote City goals, priorities, vision, values, and the “Yuma Way”; comply with City policies and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; perform other assigned duties.