Job Specifications

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

Under direction, informs and advises property owners about housing rehabilitation and related housing programs; provides construction advice and instruction to homeowners; processes and recommends less complex loan applications; prepares deficiency lists, cost estimates, plans and specifications; monitors construction improvements of housing rehabilitation projects; and does other work as required.

This single position class performs the full range of duties independently. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II in that the latter is required to perform inspections in all areas and at all stages of construction on residential, commercial, and small industrial buildings and structures. In addition to performing inspections the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist determines rehabilitation work required, prepares plans and cost estimates, oversees loan applications and processing, and prepares reports necessary to comply with state loan program requirements.

Advises and counsels eligible property owners about requirements for obtaining low interest loans to rehabilitate dwelling units. Inspects homes and dwelling units to determine rehabilitation work required and advise owners of required rehabilitation. Estimates the extent and cost of rehabilitation work. Oversees and/or completes the loan application process. Recommends approval or disapproval to the loan committee. Oversees the loan processing including coordinating loans with lenders, public agencies, title and escrow companies, appraisers and others. Prepares cost estimates, blueprints and working drawings and specifications. Oversees the bid process. Acts as a liaison to secure permits. Monitors repair and remodel work to assure that work conforms to specifications. Recommends and approves change orders. Serves as a liaison between the contractor and owner. Approves progress payments and disbursement of loan proceeds. Certifies satisfactory completion of work. Provides technical construction training for owners in the self-help construction loan program. Provides information concerning housing rehabilitation and other housing programs to the public, and conducts outreach and public informational meetings. Prepares statistical and financial reports. Inputs and accesses and analyzes data using a computer terminal.

Thorough knowledge of:

• Federal, State, and County building codes, ordinances and administrative orders applicable to building and construction trades.

Working knowledge of:

• The Uniform housing code, building codes and/or ordinances applicable to the building trades.
• State and Federal housing rehabilitation loan programs.
• Rehabilitation labor, material costs and construction methods.
• Rehabilitation construction plans and specifications.
• The techniques and methods of housing inspection to locate health and safety concerns.

Some knowledge of:

• Mortgage loans and rehabilitation finance practices.

• Interpret, explain and apply building and housing codes and/or ordinances, and Federal and State financial regulations, rules and guidelines.
• Prepare rehabilitation plans, specifications and cost estimates.
• Make inspections and detect deviations from approved plans and specifications.
• Inspect crawl spaces, attics, cellars, and work in confined/cramped body positions.
• Inspect buildings from ladders and scaffolding.
• Inspect surfaces that may be slippery.
• Work in high concentration of dust and sawdust in remodeling sites and newly insulated buildings.
• Compute material and labor cost estimates.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and keep accurate records.
• Review and interpret bid proposals.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with homeowners, contractors, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Advise contractor and property owner on rehabilitation construction requirements with tact and firmness.
• Learn to conduct technical construction training.
• Walk moderate distances over rough terrain, climb ladders and work in confined spaces.
• Learn to prepare and process rehabilitation loan applications.
• Learn to make effective presentations.
• Learn to input, access and analyze data using a computer terminal.

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

Two years of experience as a building contractor, which included remodeling or rehabilitation, work.

OR

Two years of experience performing building inspection work for conformance to the uniform building codes, and which includes experience preparing cost estimates and bid specifications.

OR

Two years of experience performing comparable work in a Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Bargaining Unit: Gen Rep

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 28

Worker's Comp Code: 0285