Neighborhood Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Commissioner of Housing and/or the Housing Program Manager, the NDS conducts the following for housing, economic development and neighborhood revitalization projects: eligibility review, underwriting to determining financial feasibility, budgeting, closing, expenditure and completion oversight, and ensure compliance with relevant local, state, and federal statutes and regulations.  Working knowledge of federal housing and community development entitlement grant programs including HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Lead Hazard Control Grant, and Community Development Block Grant is required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Performs review of project proposals and applications to determine funding, income, and activity eligibility for Department of Housing and Community Development programs including: Home At Last, Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation/Home Rescue Program, Lead Hazard Control, Section 108 (a CDBG Program), Homebuyer Unit Development Program, Rental Housing Development, Emergency Mortgage Assistance, Rooftops and other programs developed as a result of funding awarded to the City for housing and community development needs.

• Conduct analyses and underwrites loan application packages for financial feasibility and other funding requirements.

• Make recommendations for project approvals including budget amounts, scope of work and completion timeline.

• Gather information needed for historical and environmental review and facilitate completion of environmental and historical review by appropriate staff.

• Consult and collaborate with the Department of Law, Housing Commissioner, and Director to prepare project documents including development agreements, contracts, restrictive covenants, mortgages and other required documents.

• Coordinate project closing with applicant, title company and other entities as required.

• Collaborate with appropriate staff to ensure project funding is available, budgeted and set up in the SAP system.

• Complete project set-up as required and applicable in the HUD IDIS system.

• Review and process vouchers, request for reimbursements,  and budget revision requests in order to ensure that expenditures are aligned with approved budget, program goals, funding availability; and are in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Provide project oversight and troubleshooting to ensure completion and regulatory compliance.

• Complete reports and tracking sheets as requested and required by funders, and City Council, to demonstrate project progress and impact.

• Research and gather information as requested to document program and project activities.

• Provide technical assistance to subrecipients, developers, residents, contractors, other City agencies, as needed and requested to facilitate project design, complete project applications and ensure project compliance.

• Assist in the development of guidelines for housing preservation, housing construction and neighborhood revitalization programs.

• Conduct outreach as requested and necessary to facilitate access and utilization of housing and neighborhood revitalization programs.

• In consultation with the Housing Commissioner, assigns, and reviews the work of subordinate personnel; hears employee complaints and grievances and recommends disposition of same; initiates disciplinary actions as required.

• Maintain project files.

• Provide prompt and courteous customer service to Department of Housing and Community Development clients.

• Complete other related duties as assigned and requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of theory and practice of affordable housing and community development, accounting and budget analysis, local policies and procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.

Skill in:

• Skills in interpreting contract language, performing moderately complex mathematical computations and statistical analysis.

Ability to:

• Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.

• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication with supervisors and other staff members.

• Ability to deliver presentations to a wide variety of stakeholders, including: DHCD staff, City of Toledo departments, community members, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials.

• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

• Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.

• Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

• Ability to comprehend and apply the HUD regulations and department procedures and policies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning/Development, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field.

• Two (2) years of experience in any of the following: housing development, housing finance, credit underwriting, accounting, auditing, or financial management.

• A Master's Degree in one of the aforementioned degree areas may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• Must successfully complete the National Development Council's Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) or Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) within 24 months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In this position, the employee will frequently stand, walk, and sit. The position will occasionally require the employee to drive a personal and company owned vehicle. The employee will rarely lift, carry, push, pull, drag and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasional stooping, kneeling, twisting, and crouching may occur with this position. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee will work indoors frequently. Occasionally this employee will work outdoors and to travel to multiple worksites. At times, this position will require extended work hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually low; however, occasional moderate background noise can occur.

If you need assistance or an accommodation, or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419)-245-1500.

Class Code: (4271)  Neighborhood Development Specialist