HOUSING COORDINATOR

Job Specifications

Class Code:	GC7
Analyst:	GLD, EM

Date Originated:	8/98
Date Revised:	8/98, 6/04, 7/13

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, to plan, organize and direct the County’s Housing programs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class manages the affordable housing programs and projects in the Planning Department. The incumbent is accountable and responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient services to the public. This class reports directly to the Planning Director and serves as the department liaison to other departments and agencies on housing issues related to housing policy and provides County-wide leadership and coordination on housing policy issues. Oversees and coordinates the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) process, application and administration of grants awarded to the County; provides support for the Housing Advisory Commission, the Homeless Action Partnership and coordinates the County’s Mental Health Services Act housing program in collaboration with the Health Services Department; and other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates and implements the work plan and policies related to the County's housing policies, projects and programs. Direct the work of subordinate staff on a variety of housing programs, including: Measure J, First Time Homebuyer, Individual Unit Rehab Loans, Second Unit Loans, Program Monitoring, Sale and Resale Program. Analyze, plan and facilitate the permit processing activities related to housing projects; analyze, plan and coordinate long-range planning activities as related to housing projects; work closely with other Planning Department sections to develop joint procedures and to solve administrative problems; evaluate and recommend housing policies and procedures. Direct the work of subordinate staff with regard to affordable housing development projects including community interaction, financing, and design; prepares and negotiates complex regulatory agreements with housing development partners. Direct and coordinate grant acquisition and contract management for housing programs. Direct the monitoring of contracts with other governmental agencies and community-based organizations as they relate to the County’s housing programs; formulate improvements and implement changes within the program; consult with the Department Head and other management staff on work programs, schedules, policies and housing program development; represent the program at meetings; prepare and/or review reports and correspondence; perform complex and difficult special assignments and projects; attend meetings and conferences; prepare and represent the Department at Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisor meetings on housing matters; supervise subordinate staff including professional planners and perform any other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local housing legislation, regulations, programs, and resources; 
• Housing programs; functions and services; 
• Theories, concepts, principles and practices of housing development process, housing and real estate finance;
• Public speaking principles and practices, public contact and community relations. 

Working knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of supervision and personnel management; 
• The California Environmental Quality Act; 
• Research methodology; 
• Budgeting principles in a government agency.

Some knowledge of:

• The California Coastal Act requirements related to housing; 
• Effective management principles and practices; 
• The principles of developing affordable housing in a controlled growth environment; 
• Personal computer applications related to planning operations. 

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, evaluate, direct and implement housing policies; 
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; 
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving Countywide housing problems; 
• Evaluate and develop Countywide policies, programs and ordinances; 
• Understand complex legal documents and regulatory agreements;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with the general public, boards, commissions, public officials, and other County departments; 
• Understand and relate to others the goals, concepts and principles of the Planning Department; 
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports for the public and the governing body; 
• Effectively present housing matters to the public, governing body and other County departments.

Training and Experience: 

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these would be:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Studies or a closely related field

AND

Five years of progressively responsible work experience in public or private affordable housing policy and/or affordable development. Specific experience in financing of affordable housing is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation, which is approved by the appointing authority. Mentally capable of performing the position’s essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks section of this job specification.

Unit: 11
EEOC Category: 01 
Occupational Grouping: 28
Workers’ Comp Code: 0053

PREVIOUS TITLES: Housing Program Manager