Housing/Community Development Specialist

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Clearwater, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2024-00042
Department: Economic Development & Housing
Division: HOUSING DIV
Opening Date: 10/09/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Position Description
ENTRY SALARY: $56,313.21
POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Under general supervision, the Housing Specialist assists in the coordination, implementation, and documentation of activities, projects, and programs funded by federal, state, and local sources administered by the city to further its community development and affordable housing initiatives. Provides professional and specialized administrative work.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the administration of community development grant programs, business façade loan programs, and residential rehabilitation, purchase assistance and new construction loan programs.
• Assists in the preparation, modification and interpretation of legal documents associated with grants or loans.
• Performs work involved in the general soliciting, originating, and processing of grants and/or loans using funds from federal, state and local sources; assists in the coordination of State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP) funded by the State of Florida, HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME) and/or Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Pinellas County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF), and other funding sources that may become available from time to time.
• Supports, monitors, and collaborates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Housing Division's Loan Policies and Procedures; maintains, manages, and assists with portfolio reports, loan file compliance, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Services, manages, and monitors Housing Division loans; performs extensive clerical work in the processing, management, data collection and maintenance, and communication of loans and grants, providing technical assistance to applicants and recipients.
• Performs administrative work in the development, management, and maintenance of online loan and grant application submission system.
• Originates, researches, and documents environmental review records.
• Solicits, collects, and records accomplishments according to executed contracts.
• Collaborates with internal divisions/departments to develop, maintain, and implement marketing strategies to promote housing programs within the City; assists in marketing the city's housing programs to prospective borrowers, community groups, non-profit organizations and other interested parties.
• Assists with desk and site monitoring as required by funding source; assists with the compilation of data and writing of annual reports related to the funding source(s).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
A valid State driver's license is required.
This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides: Telephone, copier, fax machine, calculator, personal computer, applicable departmental computer information system applications and other equipment as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance or related area AND one (1) year of experience in consumer, commercial, and/or residential loan processing, grant administration or related areas. Preparation of title and closing documents is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) language skills are preferred.
Supplemental Information
Knowledgeof -

• Ability to learn or have knowledge of Local, State, and federal grant funding sources: SHIP, HOME, CDBG, and PCHTF
• Real estate-related transactions and paperwork including preparation of title and closing documents for real estate
• Neighborly Software and federal systems such as IDIS and HEROS is preferred
• Grant writing, grant management, or grant compliance practices
• Standard business and management practices and procedures
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment
• Record keeping, report preparation, and electronic and paper filing methods
• General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment

Skill in -

• Excellent communications, verbally and in writing
• Servicing and managing loans and/or grants
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Operating a computer and related software including, but not limited to, Microsoft programs, grant management and loan servicing software
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
• General principles of accounting or bookkeeping

FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:
Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance • Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -General Employee Pension Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards
PART TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:
Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible schedules • Training and development opportunities • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards
SEASONAL, VARIABLE, TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE NO BENEFITS.
01
What is your highest level of education?

• Masters Degree or higher
• Bachelors Degree
• Associates Degree
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate
• Completion of 10th grade
• Less than 10th grade education

02
What level of Driver's License do you currently possess?

• CDL A
• CDL B
• Regular (E)
• ID Only
• Out of State
• None of the above

03
How many years of experience in consumer, commercial, and/or residential loan processing, grant administration or related areas do you possess?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-2 years of experience
• 2-3 years of experience
• 3-4 years of experience
• 5 years or more of experience

Required Question