Housing Specialist

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to assist the Community Improvement Manager with the administration and coordination of housing programs and related activities under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. The position also ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing affordable housing rehabilitation and community development activities.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists the Community Improvement Manager with program activities and communication with contractors, applicants, members of the general public, and City staff.
• Meets with applicants to review and verify housing program applications.
• Prepares and maintains case files, financial records, and project documentation for applicant files.
• Processes program applications, verifies information, and calculates household income to produce an Income Certification.
• Prepares and issues correspondence requesting updated or missing documentation for applicant files.
• Attends training (webinars/in‑person) to stay current with housing program regulations and procedures.

• Requests Lead‑Paint Inspections for pre‑1978 properties receiving eligible improvements.
• Coordinates property inspections with homeowners and Home Inspection vendors/providers.
• Prepares and issues bid packages, reviews contractor bids, and tabulates costs.
• Prepares Contractor and Case Recommendation Memos for the Community Improvement Manager.
• Prepares construction and loan documents, including agreements, notices, mortgages, and conference reports.
• Conducts the Pre‑Construction Conference and ensures all documents are executed, notarized, and distributed.
• Records mortgages, requests expedited permit reviews, and processes change orders.
• Acts as a liaison between the homeowner and contractor.
• Reviews contractors', vendors', and title companies' pay requests, verifies inspections, collects releases, and processes payments.
• Maintains a database on contractors with current licenses, certifications, exemptions, and other required documentation.
• Reviews and processes purchase and rehabilitation documentation.
• Communicates with first‑time home buyers, realtors, lenders, home inspectors, insurers, surveyors, and title companies, explaining program guidelines and requirements.
• Reviews purchase contracts, requests inspections, and other construction‑related documents.
• Prepares Purchase Assistance Mortgage and closing documents.
• Reviews Closing Statements and ensures all required documents are received and recorded.
• Monitors cases for mortgage maturity, payoffs, subordinations, and satisfaction.
• Reviews payoff and subordination requests and provides recommendations to the Community Improvement Manager.
• Assists with the procurement process and verifies the accuracy of bids, invoices, and payment requests.
• Assists with HUD Environmental Reviews, Section 3, Davis Bacon, onsite monitoring, and audits.
• Maintains program tracking sheets and reports.
• Provides information to stakeholders related to the division’s housing programs and records.
• Performs general clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, greeting visitors, making copies, and other duties as assigned.
• Carries out all responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of progressive experience and/or training in CDBG or SHIP grants, banking, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the construction sector is desirable.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Florida driver’s license and a clean driving record.

• Experience…