County of Alameda

This flexibly-staffed specification describes the journey level position within the Housing and Community Development Specialist (HCDS) series.  Under general supervision, incumbents in this class are responsible for the performance of professional duties which involve technical and analytical work in housing and community development programs and projects, including social service, homeless, community and housing program activities, or service-enriched housing programs; and performing related duties as required.    

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The Housing and Community Development Specialist II is the journey level classification within the three levels of the HCDS class series and located in the Community Development Agency’s Housing and Community Development Department.  The Housing and Community Development Specialist II performs the professional functions of housing and community development programs and projects, including social service, homeless, community development and housing programs.  The more complex functions of the projects are either performed by Housing and Community Development Specialists IIIs, or under their guidance.   

Upon completion of one (1) year as a Housing and Community Development Specialist II, incumbent shall be evaluated for flexing-up to Housing and Community Development Specialist III based on the incumbent’s knowledge and use of department and program policies and procedures, as well as department’s need.  The Housing and Community Development Specialist II is distinguished from the Housing and Community Development Specialist I in that the latter assists in program activities, under close supervision.  The Housing and Community Development Specialist II is further distinguished from the Housing and Community Development Specialist III in that the latter performs the full range of professional duties under direction, once department and program policies and procedure are learned.

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The equivalent of one (1) year full‑time experience as a Housing and Community Development Specialist I in the Alameda County classified service.  

OR II

Education:  

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.  A degree in a field related to community development such as city, regional or urban planning, business administration, economics, public administration, public policy, public health, political science, social work or urban studies is preferred but not required.  

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of two (2) years full-time experience working in a local government or community -based organization performing similar work to the Housing and Community Development Specialist II classification such as program development, policy analysis, grant or contract management, planning, and administrative work.  

Substitution:  

A Master’s degree, or higher, may be substituted for one (1) year of experience required in Pattern II.   

Special Requirements:  

Incumbents may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and may be required to drive in the performance of duties.  

Incumbents may be required to attend night and/or weekend meetings.  

NOTE:  The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Principles of program planning, implementation, and evaluation of community development programs.
• Program monitoring and evaluation methods.
• Housing finance and real estate development.
• Development and preservation of affordable housing.
• Federal, State, and other resources for, economic, community, and/or affordable housing development.
• Contractual agreements required in residential real estate financing.
• Community Development Block Grant Program and other related federal and state programs.
• Homeless programs and funding sources.
• California State landlord/tenant laws.
• Environmental review process.
• Data gathering and assessment techniques related to housing need, market conditions, development costs, etc.
• Bond compliance requirements.
• Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs.  

Ability to:

• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.
• Use evaluation criteria and management information tracking systems.
• Monitor progress and evaluate performance.
• Take initiative and show good judgment.
• Identify community needs.
• Develop proposals, monitor progress, and evaluate performance.
• Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex issues.
• Plan and organize.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Develop and make oral and written presentations to groups and organizations of various sizes.
• Meet deadlines.
• Handle a variety of projects at once, while following through and completing projects.
• Work effectively with the public.
• Learn specialized software programs.

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.