Housing and Community Development Specialist - HOME

* Applicants to this position may be considered for additional future regular or limited duration (generally 6 months to 2 years of duration) positions that may become available within the next 6 months or so. *

About Us:
The Office of Community Development manages federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs), as well as local funding to support programs and projects benefiting people and places with low and moderate income.

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Provides funding for public services, facilities, and infrastructure projects.
• Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs: Provides funding to community-based organizations that assist individuals and families to quickly regain stability after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.
• HOME Investment Partnership Program: Provides funding for the development of affordable rental housing for low- and very low-income households.

To learn more about our office, please use this link: Community Development

About the Current Opportunity:
This position is primarily responsible for the administration of the HOME Investment Partnership Program. This work spans a variety of responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with affordable housing developers and other project funders;
• Prepare and review applications for funding, including review of project budget information;
• Administer contracts for funded projects;
• Monitor project progress and completion, including federal cross cutting regulations;
• Inspect previously funded projects for ongoing compliance; and
• Work closely with other Housing and Community Development Specialists on the Office of Community Development team.

This position requires attendance at monthly evening meetings and periodic project site visits as needed. Upon completion of the training period, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate will have the ability to effectively coordinate a varied caseload of projects and responsibilities. It is essential to have strong written and verbal communication skills; the ability to interpret, explain, and uphold compliance with the regulatory guidance of applicable federal, state, and/or local programs; and understanding of affordable housing finance and development. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have the ability to identify challenges and offer realistic solutions, analyze and manipulate data, and work responsively with multiple internal and external partners. They will also have a commitment to engage in programs that serve low-income households and the community with various backgrounds.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program on the "Benefits" tab above!

To review a complete list of the duties, knowledge, skills and abilities for this position, please click on the following link: Housing and Community Development Specialist

Education and Experience:

• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Community Development, Urban Planning or Public Administration, or a related field;
  OR
• Possession of an Associate's Degree in Community Development, Urban Planning or Public Administration, or a related field; AND Two (2) years of prior work experience in community development and housing program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination;
  OR
• Four (4) years of prior work experience in community development and housing program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination.

• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County Driver's License & Records Policy-Vehicles.
• Please be advised that this position requires to pass a criminal background check post offer.

Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.

Selection Process

1. Apply today! In lieu of a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law.
2. MQ Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs beginning the week after the posting closes. Depending on the number of applications received, we may conduct additional screening based on the preferred qualifications.
3. Subject Matter Expert Review: Your responses to the supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews). This process could take about 2 weeks.
4. Panel Interview(s): Generally, the top 6 - 8 candidates will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
5. Conditional Offer: The final candidate requires to successfully pass the background check and driving record check as conditions of employment.

• Visit https://www.GovernmentJobs.com/home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• For technical support, contact Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.