Housing Specialist- Housing Department (Las Cruces)

NOTICE TO APPLICANT

This position is open until filled.

You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.

Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

**An assessment will be administered**

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY. Provides technical and analytical support for the Countys housing programs and implementation of the Affordable Housing Plan. Administers affordable housing applications in compliance with HUD, USDA, and state requirements. Maintains accurate records and data for multiple funding sources (CDBG, HOME, and state grants) to ensure audit readiness. Supports fiscal management and regulatory reporting for housing initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

1. Program Compliance & Policy Support

• Conduct granular case-by-case eligibility and income qualification analysis in strict accordance with HUD, USDA, state, and county regulatory standards.
• Research best practices and evolving federal regulations to provide data-driven recommendations for updating the Countys Affordable Housing Plan and departmental policies.
• Assist in the ongoing maintenance of housing programs to ensure alignment with the strategic plan/vision.
• Administer the intake process to ensure every applicant file meets specific federal, state, and local eligibility criteria.

1. Fiscal & Contract Monitoring

• Review budgets and technical specifications for housing projects, developing contracts and task orders that align with federal, state and local procurement requirements.
• Track project budgets and review invoices, construction pay applications and change order proposals to ensure accuracy prior to management approval.
• Perform regular monitoring of development and repair contracts to verify that participants and vendors meet compliance timelines and quality standards.
• Monitor nonprofit partners to ensure all contractual deliverables and financial reporting requirements are satisfied.

1. Grant & Program Support

• May research, write, and prepare housing grant applications, develop supporting budgets and coordinate with stakeholders for timely submission.
• Lead the review and selection process for grant applications, including initial screenings, due diligence, and technical support for the selection committee.
• Prepare and assist in the submission of mandatory Consolidated Plans, Annual Action Plans, and financial reports to regulatory agencies and grantors.
• Monitor grant awards and expenditures to identify and address potential compliance issues or budget variances before they impact program delivery.

1. Program Records & Audit Compliance

• Manage and maintain the Countys grants management system (CDBG, HOME, state etc.) to ensure all project data and funding milestones are accurate and accessible.
• Verify the accuracy of property and applicant documentationincluding deeds and tax returns to mitigate risks or financial errors.
• Maintain accurate financial records, tracking set-asides, payments, and internal fiscal markers to support transparent operations.
• Conduct technical file audits and quality assurance reviews on completed projects to ensure audit-ready files for all projects and awards.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS.

1. Education. Associates degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Community Development or Planning, Public Administration or related field.
2. Experience. Two (2) years of experience in housing, community services, community development, public administration, project management, planning, finance, grants, or related field. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
3. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy.
4. Licenses/Certifications. Valid drivers license. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with County policy.
5. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, drivers license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
• Principles and practices of program development and administration
• Principles and practices of project management
• Administrative and fiscal management principles, grant preparation, and development programs.
• Innovative and energy-efficient housing practices, including green building and sustainability measures.
• General practices, services and operations of governmental public sector agency
• Methods and techniques of enforcing applicable codes and ordinances
• Methods and techniques of research and analysis
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers

Skill in:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Planning, organizing work, and meeting deadlines.
• Prioritizing projects and assignments.
• Attention to detail, including writing, proofreading, and editing.
• Adapting to changing situations in a flexible manner.

Ability to:

• Interpret housing program regulations and planning requirements.
• Prepare and present programs to various community organizations.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion with sensitive matters.
• Exercise tact, discretion, professionalism, and independent judgment.
• Manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Work collaboratively with diverse internal and external groups and stakeholders.
• Provide excellent customer service and handle sensitive or delicate public relations situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Remain productive and efficient under varying workloads and shifting priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials and the public.
• Lead complex projects from planning to implementation.

Compensation Range

$21.78 - $35.36

Salary/Compensation: $21.78 - $35.36 per hour

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