County of Alameda

This flexibly-staffed specification describes the advanced journey-level position within the Housing and Community Development Specialist (HCDS) series.  Under direction, incumbents in this class are responsible for the performance of advanced professional duties which involve technical and analytical work in housing and community development programs and projects, including social service homeless, community and housing program activities, or related service-enriched housing programs; and performing related duties as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Housing and Community Development Specialist III is the highest level classification within the three levels of the HCDS class series and located in the Community Development Agency’s Housing and Community Development Department.  The Housing and Community Development Specialist III performs the more complex professional functions of housing and community development programs and projects, including social service, homeless, community development and housing programs and will act as lead over staff while also instructing and participating with subordinates in professional work.  The Housing and Community Development Specialist III is expected to demonstrate proficiency in all areas of housing, community development and other related service-enriched housing programs. 

The Housing and Community Development Specialist III is distinguished from the Housing and Community Development Specialist II in that the latter is responsible for the less complex activities and works under general supervision, once department and program policies and procedures are learned.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1. Participate in or make recommendations on the planning and development of overall program policies and procedures.
2. Under one of the many federal or state funding sources, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program, develop annual plans, goals and objectives; independently write and review contracts for all grant requirements and monitor project compliance; draft Board Letters and scopes of work for contractual agreements; gather statistics and compose related reports; review financing plans and construction plans;  complete program evaluations and environmental assessments as assigned; explain programs to interested persons; and review budget and expenditure reports on projects and programs.
3. Analyze and determine the need for housing, homeless, community development, or related service-enriched housing projects in Alameda County, including new construction, utilization and preservation of existing housing and develop strategies to meet these needs.
4. Administer homeless, housing, community development or related service-enriched housing projects and programs, which may include project planning, grant applications and specifications review, environmental reviews, contract negotiations, site visits, loan closings, financial planning and reporting, internal audits, public relations, housing advisory services, record-keeping and writing required reports.
5. Conduct on-site monitoring and programmatic evaluation of complex housing development and service projects throughout the County.
6. Coordinate the work of and train other professional staff on specific programs or projects, provide technical expertise and review the work of staff for completeness, accuracy and compliance with laws, regulations, procedures, and internal policies.
7. Develop, monitor, and manage contracts for fair housing services, service-enriched housing, homeless support services or related contracts; and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
8. Select and oversee the use of consultants and outside professional services.
9. Write and present reports, analyses and recommendations to citizen and neighborhood advisory committees and other housing-related committees or groups, local government entities or in other public forums; provide technical assistance to the community on affordable housing development.
10. Analyze legislation for impact on programs and make appropriate recommendations.
11. Oversee the implementation of programs, including acting as a liaison with representatives from funding sources, other jurisdictions, Board staff and other county agencies, community based organizations and professional associations.

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The equivalent of one (1) year full-time experience as a Housing and Community Development Specialist II in the Alameda County classified service.  

OR II  

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  A degree in a field related to community development such as city, regional or urban planning, business administration, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, political science, social work or urban studies is preferred but not required.  

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of three (3) years full-time experience working in a local government or community-based organization performing similar work to the Housing and Community Development Specialist III classification such as program development, policy analysis, grant or contract management, planning, and administrative work.  

Substitution:

A Master’s degree, or higher, may be substituted for one (1) year of experience required in Pattern II.   

Special Requirements:  

Incumbents may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and may be required to drive in the performance of duties.  

Incumbents may be required to attend night and/or weekend meetings.  

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Principles of program planning, implementation, and evaluation of community development programs.
• Program monitoring and evaluation methods.
• Housing finance and real estate development.
• Development and preservation of affordable housing.
• Federal, State, and other resources for community and/or affordable housing development.
• Contractual agreements required in residential real estate financing.
• Community Development Block Grant Programs and other related federal and state programs.
• Homeless programs and funding sources.
• California State/landlord/tenant laws.
• Environmental review process.
• Data gathering and assessment techniques related to housing need, market conditions, development costs, etc.
• Bond compliance requirements.
• Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs.  

Ability to:

• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.
• Use evaluation criteria and management information tracking systems.
• Monitor progress and evaluate performance.
• Take initiative and show good judgment.
• Identify community needs.
• Develop proposals, monitor progress, and evaluate performance.
• Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex issues.
• Plan and organize.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Develop and make oral and written presentations to groups and organizations of various sizes.
• Meet deadlines.
• Handle a variety of projects at once, while following through and completing projects.
• Work effectively with the public.
• Learn specialized software programs.
• Demonstrate leadership.

JGS:mad-4/88

JGS:pb-Revised:  8/91

DF:sw-Revised:  3/1/94

DF:jc-Revised:  7/99

Old document:  1091H.wpf

New document:  Jobspecs/2966

ys/4/01

CSC Date:  8/18/99

JC:pf-Revised:  5/9/01

CSC Date:        5/23/01

DRH: cs  Revised   4/19/10

CSC Date:  5/19/10

DRH:cs  Revised/Retitled 3/6/14

Old Titlte:  Community Development Specialist III

CSC Date:  6/11/14

DRH:ah  Revised 10/9/18

CSC Date: 12/05/18

IL:sa Revised 07/13/2021

CSC Date: 09/08/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.