HOUSING PROGRAM MANAGER

Job Specifications

Class Code:	HM8
Analyst:	GLD, CB

Date Originated:	á8/98
Date Revised:	8/98, 6/04, 5/18

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, to plan, organize and direct the Planning Department Housing Programs, may act, as designated, on behalf of the Planning Director on housing policy issues.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for managing the housing function in the Planning Department, including affordable housing policy, programs and projects. The incumbent is accountable and responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient services to the public. This class differs from the Planner series in that this position 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 Countywide leadership and coordination on housing policy issues. Provides direction and supervision to staff working on housing projects and programs and other departments on Countywide housing issues; provides support for the Housing Advisory Commission; 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; 
• Act as staff to the Redevelopment Housing Successor Agency for the County tracking loan repayments and recommending funding for projects and activities; 
• Direct the work of subordinate staff on a variety of housing programs, including: Measure J, First Time Homebuyer, Individual Unit Rehab and Mobile Home Change-Out Loans, Accessory Dwelling Loan Programs, Program Monitoring, Sale and Resale Program, and Affordable Housing Preservation Program; 
• Responsible for the oversight of the Measure J program including maintaining the loan database, legal documents, resale price updates, central file/archive maintenance and authorized signatory for all agreements and recorded documents. 
• Analyze, plan and facilitate the permit processing activities related to affordable housing; 
• Monitors all affordable housing units subject to deed or occupancy restrictions; 
• Analyze, plan and coordinate long-range planning activities as related to affordable housing; 
• Work closely with other Planning Department sections to develop joint procedures and to solve administrative problems; 
• Evaluate and recommend housing policies and procedures; 
• Identify and address available and emerging funding opportunities for affordable housing; 
• Direct the work of subordinate staff involved with affordable housing development projects with regard to community interaction and feedback, financing, and design; 
• Prepare and negotiate complex regulatory agreements with housing development partners; 
• Meets with developers and holds community discussions on housing related issues; 
• Oversight of grant funding from State and federal sources; 
• Direct and coordinate grant acquisition and contract management for housing programs; 
• Direct the monitoring of contracts with other governmental agencies and community-based programs as it relates to the Countyls housing programs; 
• Responsible for budget preparation and statutory reporting requirements; 
• Formulate improvements and implement changes within the program; 
• Represent the Department Head in addressing housing complaints, other departments, agencies and community groups; 
• 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, conferences and provide oversight on the Housing Advisory Commission; 
• Interact with the public on housing and homeless issues; 
• Prepare and represent the Department at Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisor meetings on housing matters; 
• Supervise subordinate staff including professional planners and housing specialists; 
• And perform any other duties as assigned. 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local housing legislation, regulations, programs, and resources; 
• Housing programs; functions and services; 
• Theories, concepts, principles and practices of affordable housing development process, housing and real estate finance;
• Public speaking principles and practices, public contact and community relations; 
• Housing requirements related to California redevelopment law as related to activities of the County as the Redevelopment Agency Successor; 

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;
• Effective management principles and practices;
• The principles of the development of affordable housing in a controlled growth environment;

Some Knowledge of:  

• The California Coastal Act requirements related to housing; 
• 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 judgement 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 and stakeholders; 
• 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: Bachelorls degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Studies, Public Education or 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

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 positionls essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks section of this job specification.

Bargaining Unit: 11
EEOC Category: 01 
Occupational Grouping: 28
Workersl Comp Code: 0053