Community Development Specialist
General Statement of Duties: Performs responsible technical and administrative community development work; performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Features of the Class: The work in this class involves the responsibility for managing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and compliance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. Employees in this class are responsible for grant finance management and for monitoring grant and loan agreement compliance by external organizations. Although the work is performed in accordance with established policies and standards, employees in this class must exercise individual initiative and independent judgment and discretion. The Housing and Community Development Director provides general supervision and reviews work through reports, conferences and results achieved.
Essential: Monitors the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and compliance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations; prepares the five year HUD Consolidated Plan and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation reports; conducts an analysis of impediments to fair housing to insure compliance with the city's human rights ordinance; provides support to the Community Development Advisory Commission; prepares the federal financial, Women and Minority Business Enterprise, semiannual labor standards enforcement and annual Section 3 reports; coordinates interdepartmental and intra-agency responsibilities; prepares subrecipient contracts and monitors compliance; monitors compliance with Community Development Block Grant regulations as it relates to neighborhood grants and neighborhood recreation programs; maintains and updates low/moderate income area maps using census information; functions as the labor compliance officer for monitoring construction contractor compliance with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage regulations for Community Development Block Grant contracts; provides technical assistance to the public with interpretation of grant program rules and application procedures; recommends policy changes; confers, communicates and coordinates with other agencies; assesses and resolves technical problems in program areas; develops and implements methods for effective residents information and participation; prepares and publishes required notices; assures compliance with Affirmative Action requirements; assists in the preparation of the annual department budget and the annual city audit; prepares written correspondence; reviews proposed projects to determine if they are eligible for funding; collects information, evaluates the effectiveness of programs and projects and recommends changes; responds to residents questions and service requests in a courteous, timely and equitable manner; participates in the City's intercultural competency training and program.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Essential: Considerable knowledge of the rules, procedures and operations of the Federal Community Development Block Grant program; considerable knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles and practices; ability to read and understand contracts leases and other legal instruments; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; ability to perform a wide variety of interrelated procedural assignments and to resolve a wide range of problems; ability to establish and maintain an accurate, complete and usable records management system; ability to handle a variety of tasks without close supervision; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and directions; ability to read and understand financial reports prepared for both non-profit and for profit entities; ability to make decisions, recognizing established practices and use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems; ability to plan and organize work for the accomplishment of objectives; ability to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city, state and federal officials, representatives of other agencies, commission members and the general public; skill in the use of spreadsheet, word processing and data base software; demonstrated ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values equity, problem solving and the development of partnerships; demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team; desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.
Acceptable Experience and Training: Some community development and program management experience; experience working with a diverse population; graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration or related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities.
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer