Housing/Community Development Specialist

Broward County is seeking qualified candidates for a professional and administrative position within the Housing and Urban Planning Division. This role requires thorough income certification experience and expertise in administering, implementing, and monitoring affordable housing and/or community development programs funded by local, state, or federal government sources. Knowledge of residential mortgage loan underwriting and experience with closing residential real estate transactions is required.

Responsibilities

• Certify applicant's eligibility for various housing programs, including income and assets; request, collect, and review documents; perform in-person interviews; obtain third-party verifications; and calculate household size, income, and assets.
• Evaluate applicant's first mortgage loan pre-approval or commitment to ensure compliance with Division guidelines regarding debt-to-income ratios, loan-to-value, projected debt calculations, asset and debt estimates, etc.
• Examine property suitability through review of property appraiser data, real estate appraisals, recorded mortgages/liens, purchase and sales agreements, property inspection reports, and completion of Tier II Environmental surveys as needed.
• Review and approve closing documents; calculate and request County funds to facilitate closing; prepare mortgage loan documents.
• Maintain and archive files in accordance with Division guidelines and State record retention requirements.
• Ensure all contracts and documents comply with division, department, state, and federal regulations; recommend solutions to contract-related situations.
• Prepare and maintain project tracking reports, status reports, and related correspondence.
• Promote Division housing assistance programs through development of collateral material, presentations, website updates, and other outreach methods.
• Recommend and implement work procedures, reports, and schedules in coordination with section staff and under general supervision.
• Perform related work as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, finance, public administration, planning, sociology, or a closely related field. (One year of relevant experience may substitute for each year of required education.)
• One (1) year of experience in mortgage loan origination, loan processing, apartment leasing, housing program compliance monitoring or enforcement, community development, or closely related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, sociology, or a closely related field.
• One or more years of direct oversight in HUD’s HOME grant administration, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) administration, or state SHIP program administration.
• Experience as a Housing Choice Voucher Specialist (HCVS).
• One or more years of direct experience in income certification.
• One or more years of experience in residential mortgage loan origination or underwriting.
• Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, sociology, or a closely related field.

Skills

• Decision Quality: Makes timely, effective decisions; knows when to act independently or escalate issues; integrates inputs and trade-offs.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Focuses on continuous improvement; identifies and resolves process breakdowns; ensures efficiency.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others to high standards; ensures accuracy and adherence to policies.
• Communicates Effectively: Delivers clear, multi-mode communications tailored to different audiences; shares relevant information promptly.
• Manages Ambiguity: Operates effectively in uncertain situations; seeks direction when needed; takes initiative despite unknowns.
• County Core Values: Demonstrates collaboration, customer focus, trust, and respect for diversity.

Work Environment

• Physical Demands: Light work involving regular walking or standing; exerting up to 20 pounds of force; adept use of fingers, hands, or limbs for office tasks.
• Unavoidable Hazards: Routine exposure to traffic and moving machinery.

Benefits

• High Deductible Health Plan: Bi-weekly premiums: Single $10.90 / Family $80.79; includes a County-funded Health Savings Account of up to $2,000 annually.
• Consumer Driven Health Plan: Bi-weekly premiums: Single $82.58 / Family $286.79.
• Retirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) – Pension or Investment Plan; 457 Deferred Compensation with employee match.
• Paid Time Off: Eleven (11) paid holidays annually; two weeks of vacation (Paid Time Off) per year; up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,000 annually.