Job Details

City of Portland - Housing Program Specialist

Position Number: 7325723
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Economic and Business Development

City of Portland - Housing Program Specialist

Housing & Community Development Division

About The Housing and Community Development (HCD) Division:

HCD is a vital component within the City of Portland's Housing and Economic Development Department. The department is actively searching for a highly motivated and experienced candidate who would be responsible for the technical work in making loans and grants to awardees of federal, state, and local housing and community development funding. The work involves the implementation of the loan process including application intake, environmental review clearance, loan closings, distribution of construction escrow payments, review of Davis Bacon and State Prevailing Wage requirements, as applicable, and loan portfolio management. An emphasis is placed upon the recordkeeping aspects and provision of direct services to clients utilizing the City's housing and community development programs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Advises property owners and home buyers regarding various funding programs available to purchase and rehabilitate property, and remediate lead and code violations, and assists them in preparing applications for funding.
Assists applicants, where appropriate, to work with participating lending institutions for commitment of matching funds.
As needed, provides advice and advocacy to walk-in clients with housing or tenancy issues.
Gathers funding application information, including verification of property ownership, income, employment, credit history, payment of taxes and fees owed to the City, environmental surveys, and any applicable documentation needed by the City to underwrite loans and grants.
Prepares application packages for underwriting and approval by the Housing and Community Development Division Director.
Makes a determination regarding an applicant's eligibility for City funding.
Coordinates pending projects with the City's Lead Safe Housing Program Manager and Housing Program Manager.
Prepares and distributes legal documents for loan and grant closings including, but not limited to, commitment letters, promissory notes, mortgages, escrow agreements, and legal descriptions.
Conducts closings for the City with property owners, banks and other parties
Records documents with the Cumberland County Registry of Deeds. Maintains file system on all loans and grants and establishes each loan account on the City's computer system. Tracks loans and grants to determine the size of the City's portfolio and to provide vital information and statistics such as, delinquency rates, anticipated revenue, and payoffs. Prepares reports as needed.
With the assistance of the Housing and Community Development Division Director, seeks resolution to past-due accounts.
Works with the Housing Program Coordinator to track required certifications and annual inspections of projects completed, including the maintenance of a certification log, client follow-up, and notification of needed inspections to ensure adherence to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines.
Disburses progress payments to contractors for work completed and maintains financial record of each loan or grant account until project closeout.
Provides data entry into the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's financial system to ensure the timely drawdown of funds from the U.S. Treasury.
Maintains an internal database on all City housing programs in accordance with State, Federal, and City requirements as determined by the Housing and Community Development Division Director.
Coordinates with the Housing Program Manager to complete environmental reviews for HUD funded projects.
Coordinates with the Compliance Officer to review Davis Bacon and State Prevailing Wage Rate requirements for federal and local funded projects, as applicable.
Improves and updates systems, procedures and forms as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Considerable experience in residential lending procedures, real estate practices, and recordkeeping.
Knowledge of federal and state resources and applicable statutes for housing activities
Excellent communication and customer service skills and the ability to advise property owners and home buyers regarding various funding programs available to purchase and rehabilitate property and remediate lead and code violations
Ability to assist clients in preparing applications for funding and, where appropriate, work with participating lending institutions for commitment and matching funds
Ability to accurately prepare and distribute legal documentation, such as promissory notes, mortgages, and escrow agreements
Demonstrated ability to utilize the Google platform and Microsoft products in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications to track portfolios, manage delinquency rates, and maintain vital statistics

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred three to five years experience in residential lending procedures
Proficient with Google platform and Microsoft products
Working knowledge of federal and state resources regarding housing programs.

Special Requirements:

Possession of (or the ability to obtain) a Notary Public commission
Valid Maine Class C Driver's license with a good driving record and personal vehicle.

Applications accepted until position is filled

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position, CEBA Grade 18, with a starting pay rate of $59,124/year.

For more information about compensation with the City of Portland, please refer to the union specific pay plans and agreements.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=333&sreq=15&form=5000&desc=HOUSING%20PROGRAM%20SPECIALIST