HOUSING MONITORING SPECIALIST

HOUSING MONITORING SPECIALIST
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for a Housing Monitoring Specialist (Staff Assistant III) for the Division of Housing Development within the Executive Office of Economic Development. Under the supervision of the Director of Housing Development, the Housing Monitoring Specialist is responsible for the monitoring of the affordable housing restrictions enacted through various housing-related programs including the Worcester Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), Inclusionary Zoning, American Recue Plan Act (ARPA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds. This position will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the funding restrictions are in compliance with various state and federal regulations. In addition, the position will be responsible for ensuring proposed residential projects meet inclusionary zoning compliance prior to the issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy. Additional duties include overseeing loan confirmations, audit requests and coordinating resale/recapture provisions with state housing agencies.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Manage annual monitoring requirements for HUD HOME projects, HUD ESG programs, HUD HOPWA programs, and HUD Lead Program.
• Manage restriction compliance and releases for HUD CDBG program.
• Manage annual monitoring of the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) restrictions.
• Manage proposed residential projects compliance with the City's Inclusionary Zoning policy.
• Serve as the primary contact for monitoring inquiries regarding City-funded housing programs.
• Determine and certify income eligibility of tenants and applicants for affordable housing programs.
• Educate and orient new owners and tenants of City-funded properties on compliance and monitoring obligations regarding rental and homeownership restrictions and other requirements.
• Track and monitor projects for compliance with occupancy, rent, and income restrictions for lnclusionary Zoning and other affordable housing programs, including CDBG, HOME, ARPA, and the AHTF.
• Serve as primary contact for affordable housing restriction requests including requests for restriction releases, subordinations, and payoff requests.
• Maintain communication with and provide support to agencies, organizations, vendors conducting relevant business with the department, contractors, etc.,
• Conduct onsite monitoring to review documentation and conduct housing quality surveys.
• Coordinate with City Law Department on restriction releases and subordination requests
• Attend training seminars and meetings to maintain required licenses and certifications as well as stay abreast of latest practices and techniques associated with the administration of federal and other housing development grants.
• Monitor Housing Development Division projects to ensure compliance with grant and loan restrictions including owner-occupancy requirements, affordable rental restrictions, affordable resale restrictions, housing quality standards, income eligibility requirements, and other assignments.
• Record new mortgages, mortgage discharges, and restrictive covenants at the Registry of Deeds; maintaining loan files, project monitoring files, project compliance tracking spreadsheets and database(s); and coordinating loan payoffs and discharges of completed mortgages and restrictions.
• Initiate enforcement procedures against property owners and tenants as necessary, and for the timely resolution of non-compliance events.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Continuum of Care, the Community Preservation Act, and other programs geared toward maintaining and expanding affordable housing opportunities.
• Knowledge of policies, practices and procedures of the department and office operations including laws and regulations that are pertinent to position functions.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and city program compliance requirements
• Knowledge of office software (word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications) and the Internet in support of department operations.
• Ability to work independently and to interact effectively with members of the public, local officials and department personnel
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and organized manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with department employees, and state officials.
• Ability to prepare detailed and accurate reports.
• Proficient skill in the operation of a personal computer and the application of office software including word processing, spread sheet, and data base management applications as well as the Internet and web sites
• Customer service skills training
• Proficient written and oral communication skills
• Effective organizational skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, government, public policy, public health or public administration, or a related field OR;

o An equivalent combination of education, training and three (3) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.

• One (1) year of professional experience within an affordable housing compliance and monitoring or management field
• Two (2) years of customer service and clerical experience in an office setting
• Proficient with computers, including proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent communication skills
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in business administration, management, government, public policy, public health or public administration, or a related field
• Four (4) years of professional experience within an affordable housing compliance and monitoring or management field
• Four (4) years of customer service in an office setting
• Four (4) years of clerical experience in an office setting
• Two (2) years of experience in a municipal setting

SALARY RANGE: $30.78- $37.52 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.