DEFINITION

Performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks related to the administration and implementation of housing and redevelopment programs; provides information and customer service to participants and applicants of housing programs; and performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Housing Services Assistant performs a variety of activities connected with affordable housing programs, commercial redevelopment projects, and the low and moderate income housing funds from the redevelopment agency of the Community Development Commission of the City of Rohnert Park (CDC). .

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Housing and Redevelopment Project Manager. Assignment instructions and/or direction may be received from the Assistant City Manager, Rent Appeals Board (RAB) and/or the CDC.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Accepts and reviews applications for housing programs; answers questions and explains program guidelines, policies and procedures to prospective applicants and program participants, including title insurance and bank and real estate personnel; determines eligibility for housing programs by verifying information submitted; prepares and/or reviews and processes required program documents; establishes and maintains pertinent files and records; investigates and attempts to resolve complaints and problems of program participants; coordinates activities for the Rebuilding Together Rohnert Park program; provides staff assistance, prepares agendas and minutes for the Mobile Home RAB; receives and reviews rent appeal petitions, assuring procedures are followed; acts as liaison with Sonoma County Housing Authority and other agencies for the implementation and development of housing programs; processes loan documents; gathers and compiles information necessary to complete various reports and grant applications; composes and prepares correspondence, reports, resolutions and documents; provides staff assistance for the Project Manager and Assistant City Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Sufficient experience and education to successfully perform the duties of the Housing Services Assistant. Normally, this can be obtained by the equivalent of three years of increasingly responsible experience providing administrative and technical support related to housing, community development, redevelopment, planning, real estate or related programs that involved technical tasks and substantial public contact. Some familiarity with affordable housing policies and procedures is highly desirable. Coursework in planning, public administration, or related field is highly desirable

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Knowledge of the principles and practices of housing program application screening, effective public relations and customer service; financial and statistical record keeping techniques; modern office practices and procedures; techniques and methods of using standard word processor, spreadsheet, database and other office software and office equipment; correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Knowledge of housing development and affordable housing policies and programs, California Redevelopment law and regulations is highly desirable. Skill in using spreadsheets and word processing software packages, organizing data and materials, and preparing reports and documents. Ability to analyze facts and draw logical conclusions; review and analyze financial documents and information; interpret and apply a variety of government rules, laws, and policies while performing a variety of administrative assignments; work independently in a timely and professional manner, and exercise good judgment in carrying out assigned tasks; create and maintain appropriate records; prepare clear, concise, and accurate agendas, correspondence, records and reports; monitor deadlines and legal requirements for compliance with laws and regulations; clearly and accurately, and in a professional manner, communicate program policies and procedures to the public; establish work priorities and realistic time deadlines; respond courteously, efficiently, and effectively to questions and inquiries from staff, program applicants or participants, members of boards, commissions and the public; compile and maintain accurate information, records, and files; take and transcribe meeting minutes; establish and maintain cooperative working relations with those encountered within the working environment.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, stooping, and lifting in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and repeated twisting of upper body, fine coordination in preparing and reviewing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near, far, and color vision in reading reports and using the computer; the need to lift, drag, and push file boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.

License/Certificate

Possession of a Class C California Driver's License by date of appointment.