Housing Specialist

At the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries. We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You'll join a diverse team of over 1300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world! * A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service* 401K and 457B Retirement Plans* PTO earned within first year* 12 Paid Holidays per year* Tuition Reimbursement Plan* Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one* Performs intake interviews, file preparation, client verification, income eligibility, credit report and loan underwriting from potential applicants seeking housing rehabilitation, emergency and/or homebuyer assistance from the City of High Point;* Develops loan and grant recommendations based on risk assessment, credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and other program criteria for immediate supervisor, loan committee and/or CD Director;* Understands legal procedures and works with legal department in developing legal documents pertaining to real estate closings, deeds, restrictions, affidavits, request for notice and note preparation, deed recording, loan subordination and necessary contracts pertaining to rehabilitation construction and homebuyer assistance;* Performs homeownership counseling and homebuyer workshops to potential homebuyers, realtors and lenders assisting in overcoming obstacles in homeownership, and make appropriate referrals to other agencies for assistance;* Serves as lead housing resource expert for the department; creates and maintains list of available housing options; acts as a liaison between various housing providers to include private landlords, property management companies, local housing authority, etc.* Works with homeless shelters and transitional housing providers in securing permanent housing for clients;* Attends neighborhood meetings, public meetings, and events as necessary;* Promotes marketing of housing programs, identify potential neighborhoods for marketing the programs and prepare informational and marketing packages for mail and public display ( i.e., brochures, fliers, etc.);* Makes affordable housing presentations to various companies, boards and forums;* Creates and maintains necessary computer databases and statistics on all rehabilitation, repair and homebuyer programs for departmental use, special reports, and public inquiries;* Maintains files consisting of all HUD required documentation for each program participant for HUD annual reports and compliance monitoring;* Manages and tracks affordability periods for loan portfolio and applicable affordable housing development programs;* Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.* Associate degree in sociology, psychology, communications, or closely related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.* Three (3) years of experience working with CDBG and HOME Programs.* Must be a HUD Certified Housing Counselor.* Soft skills critical to the role: takes ownership of duties and responsibilities, ability to multitask and prioritize, flexible, adaptable, collaborative and willing to take on new challenges.* Must possess strong communication skills (verbal and written); should be comfortable working with any level of employee or manager, property owners, neighborhood and community groups, and the public.* A strong ability to multitask is a vital part of this role as well as being organized.* Understanding of housing laws, regulations, and policies at local, state, and federal levels.* Knowledge of various housing programs, resources, and assistance available to individuals and families.* Familiarity with fair housing practices and anti-discrimination laws.* Awareness of current housing market trends, including rental and homeownership affordability issues.* Knowledge of financial management principles, including budgeting, credit repair, and debt management.* Understanding of the social and economic factors contributing to housing instability and homelessness.* Knowledge of community resources, support services, and referral networks available to clients.* Counseling and communication skills to effectively engage with clients and provide guidance and support.* Active listening skills are needed to understand clients' needs, concerns, and preferences.* Problem-solving skills to assess clients' situations and develop appropriate action plans.* Case management skills to maintain client records, documentation, and follow-up.* Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.* Acuity, far – clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience.* Acuity, near – clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand.* Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.* Field of Vision – the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area.* Accommodation – Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.*The City of High Point is committed to providing a safe, comfortable working environment for all employees. To that end, we are proud to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, as well as make reasonable accommodations to candidates and employees as we are able in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates selected for employment must undergo (a.) a drug screening, in accordance with the City’s drug and alcohol policy and (b.) a background screening to determine whether there is any current, pending, or previous charge, conviction or other infraction deemed incompatible with service in the capacity for which the candidate is being hired. In lieu of or in addition to background screening, candidates selected for employment in a position that requires working with children in any capacity must be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Certain positions are considered so critical to the health and safety of others that a candidate cannot be placed in any such position without passing a pre-placement physical exam. The City offers employment to successful candidates conditioned upon the City’s receipt of satisfactory results from all required screenings, checks, and exams, as applicable.*### City of High Point - Benefits Overview StatementThe City of High Point offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees in designated part-time positions may participate in some of the benefit programs offered to regular full-time employees.Access the following link to view City of High Point Benefits and links to Benefit sites: The provides a summary of benefits for City of High Point Employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr