Housing Programs Specialist (Promotional Opportunity)
City of Santa Cruz, Union City, California, United States, 94587
Overview
The current vacancy is for Housing Programs Specialist in the Economic Development and Housing Department. This promotional recruitment is open to current regular City of Santa Cruz employees in the classified service only.
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Promotional Housing Programs Specialist vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Under direction, the Housing Programs Specialist assists in the implementation and administration of the city's affordable housing and federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs by organizing outreach, processing loans, developing and refining program components, coordinating with other agencies and monitoring compliance with program conditions.
Recruitment and Selection Process
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. On
Thursday, 02/12/26
recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application
- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process. Response to supplemental questions
- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. Week of 02/16/26:
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 02/20/26. Week of 03/02/26 or 03/09/26:
Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function
Under direction, the Housing Programs Specialist assists in the implementation and administration of the city's affordable housing and federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs by organizing outreach, processing loans, developing and refining program components, coordinating with other agencies and monitoring compliance with program conditions.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Housing Programs Specialist is distinguished from the next higher classification of Management Analyst in that the latter classification performs tasks of increasing difficulty—including conducting independent research, drafting of policies and staff reports, performing complex analysis and minimally supervised project management within the housing division.
(May include, but are not limited to those duties listed below):
Provides information regarding affordable housing programs such as, for sale and rental inclusionary housing (Measure O), accessory dwelling unit fee waivers, and also assists in the implementation of HUD's HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) programs.
Maintains information related to income, rent level, and sale price requirements for various programs.
Analyzes applications to determine and verify eligibility and consistency with program criteria.
Prepares and processes loan papers and other agreements required to accomplish funding or other assistance to affordable housing.
Processes disbursements of funding and maintains project and program financial records.
Monitors compliance with program conditions; conducts site visits to affordable housing projects.
Processes quarterly reports, desk audits and other program performance and financial reports.
Conducts activities as necessary for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), wage rate laws, relocation laws, lead-based and other hazard abatement laws, and other federal, state or local program requirements.
Prepares reports containing analysis and recommendations to Loan Committee and City Council.
Provides technical support to nonprofit and private developers of housing and non-profit organizations applying for or receiving HUD funding.
Coordinates with the Housing Authority, local lending institutions, and other agencies.
Assists in grant applications in support of housing or HUD funded programs or projects.
Assists with drafting of updates to recurring contracts.
Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
Working Conditions
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires far and near vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Education and Experience
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Urban Planning, Environmental Design, Public or Business Administration, or a related field and, One (1) year of responsible experience with housing programs, or finance and real estate, or HUD programs. OR High school graduation or tested equivalent, AND four (4) years of progressively responsible experience with housing programs, or finance and real estate or HUD programs.
Knowledge
Knowledge of principles and practices of real estate and housing finance. Knowledge of computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing programs. Knowledge of zoning and land use regulations and environmental review processes. Knowledge of marketing practices.
Abilities
Perform mathematical skills necessary to prepare loan applications and provide limited statistical analysis as needed. Prepare clear and concise letters, reports, agreements and other documents. Understand, interpret, apply and work in compliance with legislation, policies and programs relating to the provision, rehabilitation, and maintenance of housing. Provide clear information and work and negotiate effectively with property owners, tenants, building contractors, finance and real estate institutions, representatives of other agencies, city staff, and the general public. Understand, interpret, explain and use local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to housing and affordable housing programs and HUD CDBG and HOME programs. Learn about and distinguish between different types of housing funding programs and methods. Maintain accurate and organized records for a variety of projects and programs. Work as part of a team to accomplish the goals of the city housing and HUD programs.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record or ability to use an alternate method of transportation that may include but is not limited to using a ride hailing service, using a taxi, carpooling, bicycling, or walking.
Desirable Qualifications
Ability to speak Spanish.
Career Ladder
Economic Development Director Housing and Community Development Manager Principal Management Analyst Management Analyst Housing Programs Specialist
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The current vacancy is for Housing Programs Specialist in the Economic Development and Housing Department. This promotional recruitment is open to current regular City of Santa Cruz employees in the classified service only.
The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Promotional Housing Programs Specialist vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. Under direction, the Housing Programs Specialist assists in the implementation and administration of the city's affordable housing and federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs by organizing outreach, processing loans, developing and refining program components, coordinating with other agencies and monitoring compliance with program conditions.
Recruitment and Selection Process
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. On
Thursday, 02/12/26
recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit: Application
- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process. Response to supplemental questions
- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. Week of 02/16/26:
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 02/20/26. Week of 03/02/26 or 03/09/26:
Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function
Under direction, the Housing Programs Specialist assists in the implementation and administration of the city's affordable housing and federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs by organizing outreach, processing loans, developing and refining program components, coordinating with other agencies and monitoring compliance with program conditions.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Housing Programs Specialist is distinguished from the next higher classification of Management Analyst in that the latter classification performs tasks of increasing difficulty—including conducting independent research, drafting of policies and staff reports, performing complex analysis and minimally supervised project management within the housing division.
(May include, but are not limited to those duties listed below):
Provides information regarding affordable housing programs such as, for sale and rental inclusionary housing (Measure O), accessory dwelling unit fee waivers, and also assists in the implementation of HUD's HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) programs.
Maintains information related to income, rent level, and sale price requirements for various programs.
Analyzes applications to determine and verify eligibility and consistency with program criteria.
Prepares and processes loan papers and other agreements required to accomplish funding or other assistance to affordable housing.
Processes disbursements of funding and maintains project and program financial records.
Monitors compliance with program conditions; conducts site visits to affordable housing projects.
Processes quarterly reports, desk audits and other program performance and financial reports.
Conducts activities as necessary for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), wage rate laws, relocation laws, lead-based and other hazard abatement laws, and other federal, state or local program requirements.
Prepares reports containing analysis and recommendations to Loan Committee and City Council.
Provides technical support to nonprofit and private developers of housing and non-profit organizations applying for or receiving HUD funding.
Coordinates with the Housing Authority, local lending institutions, and other agencies.
Assists in grant applications in support of housing or HUD funded programs or projects.
Assists with drafting of updates to recurring contracts.
Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
Working Conditions
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires far and near vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Education and Experience
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Urban Planning, Environmental Design, Public or Business Administration, or a related field and, One (1) year of responsible experience with housing programs, or finance and real estate, or HUD programs. OR High school graduation or tested equivalent, AND four (4) years of progressively responsible experience with housing programs, or finance and real estate or HUD programs.
Knowledge
Knowledge of principles and practices of real estate and housing finance. Knowledge of computerized spreadsheet, database, and word processing programs. Knowledge of zoning and land use regulations and environmental review processes. Knowledge of marketing practices.
Abilities
Perform mathematical skills necessary to prepare loan applications and provide limited statistical analysis as needed. Prepare clear and concise letters, reports, agreements and other documents. Understand, interpret, apply and work in compliance with legislation, policies and programs relating to the provision, rehabilitation, and maintenance of housing. Provide clear information and work and negotiate effectively with property owners, tenants, building contractors, finance and real estate institutions, representatives of other agencies, city staff, and the general public. Understand, interpret, explain and use local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to housing and affordable housing programs and HUD CDBG and HOME programs. Learn about and distinguish between different types of housing funding programs and methods. Maintain accurate and organized records for a variety of projects and programs. Work as part of a team to accomplish the goals of the city housing and HUD programs.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record or ability to use an alternate method of transportation that may include but is not limited to using a ride hailing service, using a taxi, carpooling, bicycling, or walking.
Desirable Qualifications
Ability to speak Spanish.
Career Ladder
Economic Development Director Housing and Community Development Manager Principal Management Analyst Management Analyst Housing Programs Specialist
#J-18808-Ljbffr