COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - HOUSING REHAB ADVISOR

This position works under the general direction of the Community Development Director to administer housing related activities assisted with federal funds that the County receives primarily through the U.S.  Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).   Funding sources include the Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME Investment Partnership Program and others primarily to benefit low to moderate income households and/or areas.   The purpose of this position is to inspect residential properties to determine compliance with codes and quality standards, prepare cost estimates and monitor rehabilitation work and contractor performance; and to do other work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Administer federal and state grant funds provided for community development within Henry County and its municipalities.
• Oversee contractors/developer in the purchase, rehabilitation and disposition of residential properties.
• Manage housing rehabilitation projects and activities assisted with CDBG, HOME and/or NSP funding.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written material; analyze and compile information.
• Prepare rehabilitation work write-ups including work specifications and project cost estimates
• Prepares solicitations for bids and quotes, conducts bid openings, reviews and evaluates bids and quotes, recommends contractors for award.
• Provide information, interpretation and explanation of HUD regulations to property owners/buyers and contractors/developers.
• Conduct site visits to monitor compliance, performance and progress of housing rehabilitation activities; conducts Davis-Bacon wage interviews as applicable.
• Monitor and ensures compliance with all grant conditions and regulations, to include affordability periods.
• Ensure eligibility of residential properties considered for acquisition and/or rehabilitation.
• Review applications for assistance to determine eligibility pursuant to HUD guidelines.
• Develop and update policies and procedures governing program administration as needed.
• Provide financial management of grant-funded projects and activities; prepares operating budgets, reports, and cost allocations; manages expenses; and ensures appropriate audit controls.
• Maintain system of comprehensive record keeping including contract agreements, secure deeds, contractor payments, change orders, invoices, etc.
• Provide technical assistance to sub-recipients, contractors/developer and other stakeholders.
• Provide support for external audits including those conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Conduct Environmental Reviews pursuant to federal, state and local regulations.
• Assist with the drafting of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans, and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER).
• Manage Subrecipient Grant awards through reviewing and reconciling reimbursement documents and subrecipient progress reports. Reviews and applies federal regulations as applicable to activities, and annual monitoring.
• Draft, execute, and distribute Subrecipient Award Agreements.
• Prepare items and documentation for Board of Commissioners' agenda as related to the department. Presents items as necessary.
• Serve as project manager and perform any other daily duties as may be required to accomplish Department goals and objectives as assigned by the Director.

Education and Experience:

Prefers a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of experience in housing rehabilitation, construction trades, code enforcement, or federal grant administration (CDBG/HOME/NSP) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid State of Georgia driver’s license

Special Requirements: 

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong familiarity with HUD regulations, local building codes, lead-based paint hazard mitigation, and residential construction methods.
• Knowledge of local government operations, community development related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Knowledge of Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting System (DRGR) and (HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS)
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job. 
• Excellent communication, project management, and record-keeping skills to manage client relations and tracking systems.        
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.  
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes. 
• Ability to operate a copying machine. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description.  Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.