Community Development Specialist - GP3417-301801
City of Denton
Job Description
Title: Community Development Specialist
Position ID: GP3417-301801
Department/Division: Community Services
Reports to: Community Development Manager
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
DOT: No
Definition: Responsible for supporting the development, coordination, management and implementation of the City’s operated or contracted grant funded programs funded by the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and other community development grant funded programs. Assists the Community Development Manager with administrative
and operational functions.
Essential Job Functions:
Oversee program delivery, monitoring, and performance reports for all operated or contracted grant funded programs.
Reviews grant regulations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and requirements for each grant.
Responsible for implementation, monitoring, and performance management of grant activities to ensure compliance including determination of client and project eligibility such as client
intakes, client and property eligibility determinations, monitoring contract compliance; developing and providing training to staff, subrecipients, mortgage, real estate, title companies
and other personnel involved in the delivery of eligible activities.
Prepares documents and obtains clearances as required by various Federal, State, and local agencies as they relate to Housing Programs.
Responsible for searching for titles, real estate records, and compiling a list of mortgage and other contracts. Examine deeds, deeds of trust, liens, judgments, easements, and plats/maps
to determine ownership, encumbrances, and to verify legal descriptions of property and manage existing loans.
Maintains knowledge including keeps abreast of changing regulations in related industries and assists in the interpretation of federal, state and local regulations and advises manager
on necessary changes in operating procedures.
Assist in the preparation and updates to the City of Denton’s Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Assist in the preparation of annual performance reports for local, state, and federal programs; reviews local, state and federal regulations to determine compliance of performance reports.
Prepares and submits submit to the U.S. Department of HUD all required reporting such as the quarterly Federal Financial Report, quarterly Cash on Hand (PR29), annual Minority Business
Enterprise/Women Business Report (HUD 2516), Semi-annual Labor Standards Report (HUD 4710), Section 3 as applicable.
Complete pre-checks for Federally-required environmental assessments for all housing projects, including interpretation of GIS floodplain mapping, calculation of effects of automotive
and railroad noise, categorizing, mapping and calculating the effects of known explosive and environmental waste hazards.
Works with City departments, local, state, and federal agencies to conduct an environmental review for all Community Development projects/programs before funding can be released.
Conducts monitoring of local community housing development organizations (CHDO’s) to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local statutes and ordinances, which includes evaluating
programs, procedures, policies and internal controls and making recommendations regarding program improvements
Develops and prepares of policy and procedures to guide funding activities, program compliance, and community collaborative efforts.
Maintain database and files regarding information about grantors, including contact information, requests for funding, reporting requirements, deadlines, and whether the requests are
funded or not funded. Responds to questions concerning grant compliance.
Researches and develops grant proposals to assist in meeting and fulfilling City community development programming needs.
Establishes, maintains, and enhances cooperative relationships with City departments, community partners, and the general public to deliver Community Development programs and services.
Prepares accurate and timely progress reports. Regularly informs leadership of project status and any deviation from established timeline or goals.
Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
Writes and presents oral or written formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence related to departmental activities, community needs.
Retains a variety of records for the department related to department activities.
Maintains professional appearance, as indicated by the various situations or events that include interaction with the public and other city departments.
Maintains regular and punctual on-site attendance and consistent ability to adhere to established work product deadlines.
Additional Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications/ Acceptable Equivalency:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business, Public Administration, Community Development, Human Services, or related field.
AND
Five (5) years of professional experience in administrative/management, local government, community development grants, including budget preparation, data gathering and analysis, and
report writing
OR
Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
Core Competencies:
Knowledge of:
Advanced math;
The review and interpretation of highly technical information,
Knowledge of customer service principles and practices;
Funding resources available
Knowledge of Finance such as debt to income ratio, title search, underwriting, tax returns, reading of credit reports, financial statements, etc.
Knowledge of residential codes
Ability to:
Perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s core values of Integrity, Fiscal Responsibility, Transparency, and Outstanding Customer Service
Schedule activities and/or meetings;
Gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment.
Analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
Gather and analyze information and make recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals;
Utilize specific, job-related equipment.
Problem solve to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is
limited.
Utilize resources from other work units that may be required to perform the job's function when there is some opportunity to impact the Organization’s services.
Write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Ability to read blueprints and plans
Interpersonal Skills and Effectiveness
Builds successful, collaborative, genial, and trusting relationships that contribute to personal effectiveness and the effectiveness of the work team.
Use specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with groups and individuals
from diverse cultural and/or educational backgrounds; meeting deadlines and schedules; working independently under time constraints; setting priorities while performing with minimal
direct day-to-
day supervision; working with detailed information/data; organizing and communicating information and concepts.
Working with others in a wide variety of circumstances;
Works under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and monitoring budget expenditures.
Listening/Communication
Organizes ideas clearly.
Speaks logically so others can follow the reasoning.
Uses appropriate grammar and vocabulary that do not detract from credibility.
Listens attentively to people’s ideas and concerns and paraphrases to ensure understanding.
Communicates effectively both in writing and in oral communication; the ability to express oneself clearly in business writing.
Establishes good internal and external customer relations and can come to workable solutions to service challenges by using the Consultation, Adaptation, and Mobilization (CAM) model.
Perceives political relationships within the organization or with customers and demonstrates sensitivity to situations or language while integrating that knowledge in approaching problems
and resolving conflict.
Problem Solving/Initiative
Uses initiative to take empowered action to solve routine problems within policy guidelines and seeks creative solutions for non-routine challenges.
Effectively handles several problems or tasks at once and remains calm in stressful situations.
Thinks beyond the immediate issue to look at root cause of behavior/issue.
Uses good judgment in sharing information and maintaining confidentiality.
Analytical Thinking
Resolves a problem in a systematic, step-by-step way.
Uses past experiences to quickly evaluate situations where information may be incomplete or unclear.
Anticipates the implications and consequences of situations and takes appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.
Identifies the information needed to clarify a situation, seeks that information from appropriate sources, and uses skillful questioning to draw out the information, when others are
reluctant to disclose it.
Preferences:
Bilingual in Spanish and English
Excellent written and oral communication.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and GIS
Conditions of Employment:
Must have a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state
required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification check
Must be able to work outside of regular business hours as required
Must attend and successfully complete the City’s Defensive Driving Course (DDC) as soon as possible after employment (if required to drive City vehicle or personal vehicle for City business)
Physical Requirements:
Overall Strength Demands: The italicized word describes the overall strength demand of the functions performed by the incumbent during a typical workday.
Sedentary – lifting no more than 10 pounds
Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carry up to 10 pounds
Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds, carry up to 50 pounds
Very Heavy – lifting more than 100 pounds, carry more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes if the incumbent is expected to exert the following physical demands during a typical workday and the overall frequency.
Codes for “how often”:
Y = Yes
N = No
E = extensive (100-70%)
M = moderate (60-30%)
I = infrequent (20-10%)
A = almost never (<10%)
Task: Code:
Standing: M
Sitting: E
Walking: M
Lifting: I
Carrying: M
Pushing/Pulling: I
Overhead Work: A
F
ine Dexterity: E
Kneeling: A
Crouching: A
Crawling: A
Bending: I
Twisting: I
Climbing: A
Balancing: I
Vision: E
Hearing: E
Talking: E
Video Display: E
Other:
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
The essential functions of this position require the daily use of a computer, various software applications, telephone, and other general office equipment such as a printer, and fax
machine.
Environmental Factors:
The essential functions of this position are performed in an office environment.
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
ADA/EOE/ADEA
Effective Date: 1/5/2022
Revision Date: