HOUSING REHABILITATION SPECIALIST

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE. 

THIS IS A LIMITED TERM, 36-MONTH GRANT-FUNDED OPPORTUNITY. 

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants. 

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Housing Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for providing technical assistance and oversight for housing rehabilitation projects being carried out through the Department of City Development’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

INSPECTION AND TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT

• Inspect properties to identify the improvements needed to meet program standards.
• Review and/or create rehabilitation specifications (“Scopes of Work”) and drawings that assure compliance with Federal, State, and local housing codes and program requirements, including lead safety and energy efficiency.
• Perform interim and final inspections during construction and approve program payments to developers and contractors consistent with program guidelines.
• Monitor projects for adherence to program guidelines and timelines for completion.
• Serve as liaison to developers participating in programs, facilitate interactions with other City Departments, and troubleshoot problems to assure completion of projects consistent with program guidelines and goals.

DOCUMENTATION

• Prepare contract documents for owners and contractors.
• Complete documentation from the field, including inspection notes, updates to the project tracking database, and other documentation required for compliance with program requirements.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

1. Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a related field from an accredited college or university AND two years of experience in the residential construction industry (such as a carpenter, site superintendent, or building trades inspector).

OR

Associate degree in architecture, engineering, building construction, or a related field from an accredited college or university AND four years of experience in the residential construction industry (such as a carpenter, site superintendent, or building trades inspector).

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

2. Valid driver's license and the availability of a properly-insured personal vehicle for use on the job at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Automobile allowance is provided.

IMPORTANT NOTE: College transcripts are required and must be received by the application period closing date. Transcripts should be sent via email to the Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov. Student/unofficial copies are acceptable; however, your transcript must be legible and include your college/university name, your name, the degree completed (if applicable) and the date completed.

• Experience administering federally funded housing rehabilitation programs.  
• Spanish or Hmong language proficiency.
• Familiarity with regulations of government programming, contracts, and proposals.

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of building, construction, and housing rehabilitation principles and design standards, including familiarity with interior and exterior finishes.
• Knowledge of codes related to fire; electrical; plumbing; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); real estate; and zoning.
• Ability to inspect properties, apply codes, recognize non-compliance, and make suggestions for improvements needed to meet program guidelines.
• Ability to read and interpret technical material and building codes.
• Ability to take measurements onsite (e.g., square footage, roof pitch, floor area, and window area) and perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Ability to track project budgets and record data accurately.
• Computer skills to learn proprietary software and use spreadsheet and word processing software.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

• Written communication skills to create rehabilitation plans accurately, write clear and concise business correspondence, and prepare documents conveying technical information in an understandable manner.
• Verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly convey technical information and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people (e.g., property owners, contractors, co‑workers, and representatives from community organizations) in person, on the telephone, and in a public setting.
• Customer service skills to ensure exceptional service is provided to the public to meet their needs.
• Ability to show empathy, treat all persons fairly, and provide uniform enforcement.
• Interpersonal skills to be able to handle a variety of situations, i.e., cope with angry persons and mediate volatile or tense situations, be persuasive, and work collaboratively.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people from all cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds to accomplish program goals.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Analytical and problem-solving skills to be able to analyze issues and recommend solutions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to make decisions. 
• Ability to work efficiently and independently.
• Ability to plan and prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines and adjust priorities as necessary.
• Honesty and integrity to meet professional standards for handling confidential information and politically sensitive issues.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2GN) is $63,395-$75,409 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $65,297-$77,671. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

• Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, which should be detailed in a cover letter, resume and transcripts (if applicable).
• Cover letter, resume, and college transcripts must be sent via email to Human Resources Officer, Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov by 11:59 p.m. on May 13, 2022
• Please indicate “Housing Rehabilitation Specialist” in the subject line of the email.
• Questions relative to the selection process may be directed to HR Officer Vanessa Armstrong at vaarmst@milwaukee.gov.
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process. 

INITIAL FILING DATE:

• The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after May 13, 2022
• Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.