Community Development - Rehabilitation Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Technical and administrative position responsible for performing a wide range of community development assignments including housing rehabilitation and inspections using Federal, State, and private funding sources following Federal and City of Waterloo regulations. The work is performed under the general direction of the Senior Rehabilitation Specialist or the Community Development Director, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

No supervisory responsibilities.

• Assists low and moderate-income homeowners in improving and rehabilitating their properties.
• Offers technical advice and information on remodeling and rehabilitation techniques.
• Conducts client interviews and inspections to assess property needs including ways to address existing lead‑based paint hazards.
• Prepares work write‑up reports and cost estimates of rehabilitation work.
• Coordinates rehabilitation work with contractors, offering knowledge of construction techniques and methods.
• Prepares a work agreement/contract between the homeowner and contractor.
• Conducts follow‑up inspection of work completed by a contractor as stated in the work agreement/contract.
• Maintains individual case files, cross‑referenced files and other reports.
• Provides technical information to property owners about various financial methods available for rehabilitation purposes.
• Interprets contracts on behalf of property owners.
• Advises members of the public who are seeking information concerning improving and rehabilitating their home.
• Assists in educating homeowners about the dangers of lead and lead‑based paint.
• Operates standard passenger vehicle to perform some essential functions.
• Works independently and with others with minimum supervision.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and City, OSHA and Community, Planning & Development safety rules and regulations.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of minimum housing standards and building code regulations.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques utilized by private and community organizations concerned with social welfare.
• Working knowledge of building construction, remodeling costs and applicable codes and ordinances related to building construction.
• Ability to participate in and discuss problems with people to arrive at solutions to difficult social and economic problems.
• Ability to complete required training for lead‑based paint certifications within designated time, as determined by the department head.
• Ability to present materials and information in good report form, complete forms and perform required record keeping.
• Skilled in use of personal computer and ability to learn related software applications, enter and retrieve information on a computer, develop computer‑generated reports and update records.
• Ability to read, understand and follow Federal regulations regarding government‑financed homeowner rehabilitation and remodeling.
• Ability to interpret complex municipal housing codes and ordinances and make decisions and recommendations regarding rehabilitation and remodeling, following specific guidelines.
• Ability to prepare and review cost estimates.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, present facts and findings, give advice and recommendations and respond to questions from the public, public officials, coworkers, contractors, property owners and government agency representatives tactfully and in a clear, concise and easily understandable manner.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, supervisors, public officials, other government agency representatives and the public.
• Ability to keep accurate and thorough records.
• Ability to function with independent judgement and skills to plan, organize and implement rehabilitation duties.
• Ability to work with people from a broad variety of social, economic, racial, ethnic and educational backgrounds.

• High school…