Housing Assistant

Department: Community Development Reports to: Community Development Director

Summary: Under the direction of the Director performs specific tasks including a variety of technical, independent research, monitoring and clerical duties to provide support for all CDBG and HOME Housing Programs, including Emergency and Minor Repairs, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation projects, Homebuyer Assistance, Infill Construction, Rental Program and the Community Housing Development Organization Programs. Assists in the housing programs with counseling, documentation preparation and general administration of the housing programs. Works directly with the public, city departments and contractors. Performs related work as assigned.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the implementation of the HOME and CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Programs, Homebuyer, Rental Assistance, and CHDO programs.
• Directly responsible for preparing and reviewing applications for the CDBG and HOME Housing Rehabilitation/Reconstruction, Homebuyer and CHDO programs.
• Evaluates requests for emergency assistance and makes recommendations as to eligibility.
• Prepares and reviews bid documents. Directly responsible for receiving, tabulating bids and making bid award recommendations.
• Responsible for preparing and reviewing CDBG and HOME Housing Rehabilitation Program and CHDO contracts and securing documents.
• Directly responsible for maintaining and reviewing financial documentation for contractor draw requests.
• Directly responsible for requesting payments for the CDBG and HOME Housing Rehabilitation administrative and project accounts and maintaining program accounts.
• Assists in the preparation of the housing programs annual budgets.
• Directly responsible for maintaining and updating the Housing Rehabilitation Waiting List.
• Assists in the preparation of specific portions of major HUD reports such as the Consolidated Plan, Action Plan and the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Fair Housing.
• Assists in monitoring Davis-Bacon projects and preparing contractor and subcontractor activity reports and maintains project payrolls.
• Assists in the coordination of the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) activities.
• Participates in neighborhood meetings, responds to citizen inquiries and maintains a working relationship with representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Attends HUD educational seminars to keep abreast of HUD regulations.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Responsible for Fair Housing activities, processing housing discrimination claims and training.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: A High School Diploma or GED is required. At least one (1) year of experience in administering affordable housing programs is preferred. Applicants must have 2 years' experience in progressively responsible secretarial/clerical duties and office experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good verbal and written communication skills and general accounting skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to courteous and tactfully receive visitors, City officials, community representatives and the press.
• Ability to develop and maintain filing systems.
• Ability to generate reports from a variety of materials.
• Computer skills and knowledge required.

License and certification requirements: A valid driver's license.