Community Development Specialist
GENERAL PURPOSE
Plans, coordinates, and manages urban and municipal grant programs related to housing and neighborhood revitalization efforts; performs a variety of professional level work such as providing information and assistance to program participants, the general public, and outside agencies; assists in economic development, neighborhood and downtown revitalization initiatives; and prepare grant applications for special projects as assigned.
This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with various neighborhood associations, community groups, non-profits, grant partner organizations, boards, commissions, City Council, departments and the general public. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, highly enthusiastic, and technically competent. An ability to complete multiple projects in a timely and effective manner is essential. The position may require a flexible schedule and the ability to attend occasional evening meetings and weekend events.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is performed under broad direction of the Director, Department of Planning & Community Development or designee and direct supervision of the Planner II with most of the work performed independently.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None generally, may supervise consultants, VISTA volunteers or interns hired by the City for specific purposes.
Acts as project manager for multiple grant related projects (40%):
- Serves as the project administrator for the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) grant including preparing and submitting programmatic and financial reports as required by HUD.
- Manages the City's Coordinated Access Program with partner grant agencies and local non-profits through the Texarkana Homeless Coalition.
- Interacts and assists Coordinated Access clients for intake and referral to participating case managers.
- Maintains the City's emergency shelter to ensure ability for immediate usage maintaining stock of basic need items for a minimum of clients as established by the Certificate of Occupancy.
- Assists with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program including projects related to housing rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer's assistance. Assist with preparing and submitting programmatic, financial and environmental review reports as required by HUD.
- Responds to related inquiries from City employees, partner grant agencies, appointed/elected officials, governmental entities, and the general public.
- Serves as the project administrator for other grant related projects as assigned.
Serves as staff liaison for community related programming, neighborhood associations, non-profit coalitions and related activities (30%):
- Responsible for the planning and implementation of neighborhood related programs, projects and activities including organizing neighborhood meetings, capacity building workshops and special projects as assigned including but not limited to monthly Beverly, Rosehill and Downtown Neighborhood Association meetings, National Night Out annually, and the Rosehill Neighborhood Celebration annually. After office hours and weekend work will be required for neighborhood programs and projects.
- Responsible for the planning and implementation of community cleanups and beautification initiatives including but not limited to requested neighborhood cleanups, community garden cleanups, Texas A&M-Texarkana Community Wide Cleanup Days, semi-annual Electronics Recycling, Arbor Day and other events as assigned. After office hours and weekend work will be required for programs and projects.
- Serves as the City's representative on the Texarkana Homeless Coalition and as an ex-officio member for various city supported organizations. Occasional after office hours and weekend work will be required for homeless related programs and projects.
- Coordinates CDBG Neighborhood Data and establishes performance metrics for progress reports related to LMI areas.
- Develops neighborhood strategic plans and action items related to neighborhood performance metrics.
Conducts a variety of grant related duties and special projects (20%):
- Researches and identifies new government and private grant funding. Prepares grant applications for the department of Planning and Community Development.
- Plans and coordinates public outreach regarding grants activities; ensures compliance with all notification requirements.
- Conducts research for and writes technical manuals, promotional literature, and other informational material regarding plans, programs and projects.
- Consults and coordinates with other City departments, external agencies and civic groups in furthering interest and/or action regarding plans, programs or projects.
- Responds to citizen inquiries concerning grant funded projects.
- Responsible for grant related and/or special projects as assigned.
Assist with public engagement, long range planning and economic development projects as assigned (10%):
- Assist with public engagement efforts and develop strategies for increased resident involvement in neighborhood initiatives.
- Plans, coordinates and manages urban and municipal planning projects. Assists in economic development, neighborhood and downtown revitalization initiatives.
- Facilitate small and large work groups.
- Develops and manages projects and programs to ensure the objectives of the City Council's Strategic Focus Areas and Department's Goals and Strategic Plan are met.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
- Performs other related duties as assigned or required.
- Analyzes proposals, drafts staff reports, and presents to Boards or Commissions.
- Monitors and ensures correct posting of agendas, drafting of minutes, and other requirements.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and techniques;
- Knowledge of adult learning techniques;
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence;
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume; ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
(A)Experience with and knowledge of computer operation; knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), and database applications;
(B)Valid State Driver's License;
(C)Occasional overnight and out-of-state conference travel required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, climb stairs, use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.