Rural Development Specialist, Housing Counseling (Job #330)

Remote within RCAC service areas: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

General Purpose:

Under general supervision of the Housing Counseling Program Manager, this role provides training, technical assistance, and oversight during audits, quality control assessments, performance reviews, trainings, and site visits for housing counseling. These activities provide opportunities to build trust, perform outreach, ensure compliance, network, and expand or develop programs and services.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts site visits to ensure subgrantee compliance with contract requirements.
• Provides the subgrantee and affiliate agencies with personalized Quality Control Assessments on a variety of topics, such as the Housing Counseling agency workplan, quality control plan, Information Security Plan, PII, HCS Validation, and HUD-9902 quarterly reporting.
• Prepares and delivers a monthly training during the HUD Housing Counseling (HOC) meeting with all subgrantees and affiliates to provide relevant information, best practices, upcoming trainings, general knowledge, and opportunities to expand the capacity and skills of each agency.
• Conducts performance reviews on agencies receiving HUD or housing counseling funds. Determines if affiliates comply and drafts action plans for those not meeting the minimum requirements.
• Conducts internal audit performance reviews to include a review of the agency's workplan, policies, procedures, quality control, documents, best practices, and adherence to grant compliance.
  
• Monitors network organizations to ensure their housing counseling work and reporting conforms to contract requirements.
• Assists in the processing of agency draws.
• Develops and maintains project workplans and sub-agreements.
  
• Delivers direct technical assistance to network organizations and ensures their scope of work is completed.
• Plans, prepares, and delivers in person and/or online technical training related to housing counseling at conferences, institutes, workshops, or clinics.
• Collaborates on RCAC funds applications and coordinates the internal notice of funding opportunity process for the network organizations.
• Facilitates meetings for subgrantees and funders.
• Stays current on applicable government regulations and policies that govern housing counseling.
• Works with local partners to identify organizational and programmatic strengths and weaknesses; conducts compliance reviews.
• Remains current on applicable government regulations and policies; comments on the impact of proposed regulations and policies.
  
• Prepares written reports, documents activities, responds to inquiries and assignments within short time frames.
  
• Examines, checks, and verifies reports and other documents for completeness, appropriateness, adequacy, and conformity to established requirements; follows up on discrepancies.
• Establishes, maintains, and updates files, databases, records, and other documents; develops and maintains data, and performs routine analyses and calculations in the processing of data for recurring internal reports.
• Uploads and downloads project progress documentation; assists staff with submission of progress reports and required documentation.
• Establishes and maintains an effective filing and retrieval system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

• No supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EQUIVALENT combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.
• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.
  
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy. Housing counseling certification.
  
• EXPERIENCE: Three years of experience with HUD's comprehensive housing counseling programs, other HUD affordable housing programs, or nonprofit management. Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office programs. Proficient English language, written and verbal.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of HUD Housing Counseling Handbook 7610.1 and 24CFR Part 214, Part 84 and Part 85.
  
• Knowledge of home development and affordable housing.
• Knowledge of government housing programs and regulations.
• Knowledge of project management and housing finance.
• Knowledge of grant writing.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver training for adult learners.
• Ability to facilitate and develop in-person and online trainings.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to meet strict timelines.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. Travel will be required.

RCAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employees and job applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, or any other status protected by law. RCAC strives to reflect the diverse constituencies that the organization serves.