Housing Rehabilitation Specialist

The Dakota County Community Development Agency is seeking a full-time Housing Rehabilitation Specialist.

Recruitment Type: This position is open until filled with the first round of applications to be screened on December 7, 2020
Hiring Range: $26.37 - $32.96 (DOQ)
Benefit Package includes: Medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and paid time off.

The essential duties of the position are those necessary for implementation of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Programs: processing applications, underwriting and securing loans, inspection of property, preparation of specifications for work to be financed, assistance to clients in obtaining bids and successfully completing projects, and maintaining all necessary control systems for these functions. Other duties include assisting with the administration or implementation of special projects as assigned by the Assistant Department Director, Department Director and/or Executive Director.

• Disseminate information concerning loan programs and conduct outreach and advertising as necessary for utilization of funds.
• Screen interested parties to determine appropriate level and type of assistance.
• Determine applicant eligibility through verification of income, assets, property ownership, and credit history.
• Recommend loan approval/denial.
• Prepare Housing Rehabilitation loan packages.
• Submit loan packages to external funding agencies.
• Conduct loan closings.
• Prepare, process, review, and secure loan documents.
• File liens with State Motor Vehicle Division for mobile home rehab loans.

• Schedule and conduct property inspections and advise homeowners on necessary repairs and eligible improvements.
• Prepare a detailed work specification for bidding purposes; develop cost estimates for work to be completed.
• Coordinate the competitive bid process; conduct informal bid openings, and review bids with borrowers.
• Prepare contract documents, conduct preconstruction meetings and ensure that contractor and homeowner are in compliance with program procedures prior to initiation of work.
• Monitor work in progress, approve necessary change orders and resolve conflicts between contractor and homeowners.
• Conduct final inspections, obtain approvals from borrower and building officials, and recommend payment for completed work.
• Ensure that file documentation is complete and files are audit-ready.
• Advise homeowners and contractors on HUD’s lead-based paint regulations; coordinate with contractors and homeowners to obtain lead-based paint risk assessments and clearance tests.
• Assign files to contractors and oversee their performance.

• Implement all necessary control and information systems for effective program monitoring and research.
• Maintain waiting lists, applicant files, loan files, and project accounts in accessible and useful automated information systems.
• Monitor program fund balances.
• Maintain program forms and informational material in easily revisable formats and insure that these remain current at all times.
• Implement an automated cost estimation and specification writing system.
• Generate reports as required on a regular basis and upon specific requests.
• Obtain proper clearance and dispose of records when appropriate.
• Communicate with funding agencies such as MHFA regarding program requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of loan servicing functions including monitoring repayment records, working with loan servicing vendor to ensure that program requirements and agency needs are met; processing loan subordinations and payoffs.

• Administer and/or implement other specialized programs such as those provided by Minnesota Housing (Fix-Up Fund, Community Fix Up Fund, and Rehabilitation Loan Program), and other Rental Rehab Programs.
• Implement assessment abatement programs, as required, for cities.
• Assist Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development in the implementation of other department programs and functions as requested.
• Administer or implement special rehabilitation projects as assigned by the Department Director and/or Executive Director.

• A combination of related education and experience to total 5 years.

• Four-year degree
• Knowledge of basic structural, residential mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of residential construction, building materials and techniques and building codes and requirements.
• Ability to evaluate and identify improvements needed to residential properties, to write specifications and determine cost estimates.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local legal requirements related to bidding and contracting.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local processes and laws related to real property ownership and records.
• Knowledge of income and property ownership verification processes.
• Knowledge of laws and procedures related to loan processing, underwriting, and analysis.
• Knowledge of basic accounting systems; ability to perform mathematical functions with accuracy.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to lead-based paint hazards.
• Ability to effectively relate to and obtain accurate information from persons of diverse ethnic, economic backgrounds and who may be elderly or have language barriers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain control systems.
• Ability to understand legal procedures and forms.
• Ability to make and document specific technical decisions when advising program applicants.
• Ability to use a personal computer and software (i.e. Microsoft Office suite products).
• Ability to initiate work projects and make independent decisions.
• Ability to maintain applicant confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze problems and make objective and unbiased decisions based on fact.
• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Working Conditions:
Assigned tasks are carried out while seated at a desk in an office environment or in the field of performing property inspections and working with clients in their homes. During property inspections some physical dexterity is required as these may require climbing ladders, entering attics, basements, and other confined spaces.