Housing Specialist I​/II

Housing Specialist I/II

The Community Development Department, comprised of Planning, Neighborhood Improvement and Housing, Code Enforcement, and Building, provides a broad range of functions relating to the development of the community. The Housing and Neighborhood Services Division supports development of affordable housing, administers a portfolio of rental and for-sale affordable housing, and oversees community grants. You will be joining a team of talented professionals in a dynamic, collaborative work environment dedicated to serving the San Mateo community.

You will work alongside a team of focused and highly motivated professionals who use their talent to provide essential development review and inspection services to our residents and businesses on a daily basis. The Housing Specialist I/II position is an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to join a great organization and make a valuable contribution to the Housing Division within the Community Development Department.

Collaboration, innovation, respect, accountability, creativity, transparency, thoughtfulness, and informed risk-taking are attributes and competencies that we are seeking in the candidate.

The Housing Specialist performs professional level work to implement varied housing programs and policies, grant and City loan management, and community engagement. The current vacancy may be filled at either level based on experience. Depending upon class level and assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review, analyze, and administer federal, state and local programs to meet City housing and community development needs; structure and modify programs to meet specific City circumstances.
• Conduct BMR unit transactions, including BMR sales and re-sales, refinances and loan payoffs, and leasing of BMR/affordable housing rental units, in collaboration with City's contracted BMR real estate agent and/or property managers of BMR/affordable housing properties.
• Provide technical assistance on BMR program issues to Housing Division management and to property managers and tenants/owners of BMR housing.
• Interpret City policies, procedures, laws, and regulations in response to public inquiries and complaints about BMR and affordable housing.
• Conduct outreach and organize and lead in-person and virtual workshops with the public about housing needs in the community and policy related to housing production, preservation, and protection; attend meetings as a City representative, as assigned.
• Support the Housing & Neighborhood Services Manager with implementation of the policies and programs in the City's 2023-31 Housing Element.
• Process housing and commercial loans and grants from application through construction completion and loan servicing; determine property improvement needs; originate loans; prepare specifications and coordinate project bidding and management stages; conduct progress inspections and authorize disbursements; mediate disputes between the property owner and the contractor.
• Publicize and prepare marketing information for the City's various housing and redevelopment projects; meet with individuals and groups to disseminate such information.
• Maintain accurate records and files of assigned projects and cases; monitor funds expended; prepare a variety of periodic and special reports related to grant, loan and City-sponsored programs; may provide input into annual budget requests and assist with monitoring the budget.

The Housing Specialist receives general supervision from the Housing Supervisor or higher-level department personnel and may exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff as assigned.

You possess the knowledge of analytical and report preparation methods and techniques; techniques for effectively dealing with people from various socioeconomic, ethnic and age groups; and real property development and real estate financing concepts, laws and techniques;
You have the ability to analyze, interpret, apply and explain various laws, rules, codes and regulations related to housing, and specifically affordable housing, including grant and loan administration; research and analyze technical and statistical data; evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations, quickly learn the laws, rules, regulations and procedures related to the work; prepare clear, concise, and accurate correspondence, reports and other written materials, maintain accurate records and files, coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines;

represent the City effectively in meetings with others, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work;
You are a detail-oriented individual who finds it rewarding to work with the community, able to exercise good judgement and decision-making abilities, and an exceptional communicator (oral and written) with superior interpersonal skills. In addition to the above, for Housing Specialist II, you have the ability to…