Rehabilitation Specialist

Starting Pay

$34.34/hour

$36.03/hour after six months

Are you a construction or project management professional looking to make a visible, lasting impact in your community? Join the City of Decatur’s Economic & Community Development Department as a Housing Rehabilitation Specialist and put your technical skills to work improving homes, supporting neighborhood revitalization, and helping residents invest in where they live. This hands‑on role combines property inspections, project oversight, contractor coordination, and community outreach — and the results of your work are visible every day across Decatur’s neighborhoods.

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), paid vacation and sick leave, excellent health insurance, and a strong retirement pension plan
• Dedicated Health Center: Free check‑ups, chronic care, bloodwork, immunizations, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.

Working hours for this position are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m. The Housing Rehabilitation Specialist is a full‑time position with a one‑year probation period.

• Conduct property inspections and document housing deficiencies after application submission
• Develop scopes of work, cost estimates, bid specifications, and all required project documentation
• Coordinate bidding processes and make contractor selection recommendations to the Grants Manager
• Monitor rehabilitation projects to ensure quality workmanship, code compliance, and timely completion
• Review contractor performance and recommend change orders and project modifications as needed

• Assist with the administration, implementation, monitoring, and compliance of housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and grant‑funded programs
• Verify contractor qualifications and confirm compliance with all program requirements
• Maintain complete project records and assist with program reporting and documentation

• Serve as liaison between homeowners, contractors, community organizations, and City staff
• Conduct informational meetings within the community and educate residents on rehabilitation programs and eligibility requirements
• Promote self‑help programs and private responsibility for neighborhood maintenance, growth, and revitalization

• Participate in the planning, development, and implementation of housing and neighborhood revitalization programs
• Provide assistance to staff on special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Training and/or experience in construction, project management, housing rehabilitation, property maintenance, lead abatement, or a related field

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

• Thorough knowledge of building construction methods, property maintenance practices, and real estate principles
• Thorough knowledge of municipal codes, ordinances, and housing regulations
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local housing, labor, wage, and equal opportunity requirements
• Ability to interpret construction‑related plans, specifications, and project documents

• Strong project coordination, organizational, and documentation skills
• Ability to prepare accurate cost estimates and written scopes of work
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with homeowners, contractors, community partners, and City staff
• Proficiency with computers, basic accounting, and mathematical calculations
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

• Valid Illinois driver’s license
• Must obtain Lead Worker Certification, Lead Supervisor Certification, successfully pass the State of Illinois lead examination, and obtain Illinois Licensed Lead Supervisor status within six months of employment
• Must obtain Asbestos Surveying Certification within one year of employment if not already certified

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for…