Job Descriptions

To work under supervision with the Community Preservation Manager, performing specialized work obtaining, assembling and processing real estate loan packages for housing rehabilitation and development projects.

Housing Finance Specialist I – This is an entry-level position in the Housing Program Specialist series. Positions in this class will usually perform most of the duties performed by the Housing Program Specialist II, however, incumbents will usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement on matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits a pattern that has been previously established through the supervisor.

Housing Finance Specialist II – This is the journey level in the series and requires prior experience and established a record of performing the full range of duties on a more independent basis exercising judgement and initiative in the performance of duties. Promotion to the II level requires performing the full range of duties of the class and the ability to meet the standards of the class based on a non-competitive qualifying exam.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interviews applicants for housing and rehabilitation loans to obtain personal and financial data; assists applicants in completing forms.
• Reviews applications and gathers supporting documentation to verify applicant eligibility for loan programs; investigates conflicting information.
• Evaluates applicant’s ability to repay; and determines, or seeks out upon direction, which loan programs and funding sources are best suited to individual cases.
• Obtains and evaluates property appraisals and title reports.
• Packages information with recommendations for supervisory review and submission to loan committee for disposition; recommends action to be taken in regard to loan servicing, including foreclosures.
• Assist program participants with temporary relocation and temporary storage of household goods, who are required to move during completion of rehabilitation of their property.
• Prepares forms and documents for settlement of approved loans; obtains signatures, performs computation, issues instructions to title companies, loan servicing organizations and fiscal agents; processes miscellaneous changes during life of loans.
• Prepares correspondence, documentation for files and required reports.
• Counsels delinquent borrowers and mediates disputes with loan collection agents.
• Communicates with bank personnel regarding the coordination of bank services and City and HUD housing program policies and regulations.
• Processes loan applications from investor owners for multi-family rental properties.
• Disseminates program information by phone or correspondence and may make oral presentation to individuals or groups.
• Gathers required statistical data for HUD quarterly and annual reports.
• Acts as a community liaison between the division and non-profit housing development participants.
• Uses appropriate marketing techniques and tools to create public awareness of program services.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of:

• Real Estate practices and procedures for packaging and processing loans.
• Fair Housing Laws
• Modern office procedures.
• Proper interviewing techniques.
• Basic mathematical and statistical methods.

Ability to:

• Conduct effective interviews.
• Evaluate applicant personal and financial data.
• Assemble documents and forms into loan packages.
• Make accurate arithmetical computations.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Perform work that requires attention to detail.

Housing Finance Specialist I:

Education:

Equivalent to an Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Real Estate, Finance, Business or a related field.

Experience

One year of journey-level clerical experience directly related to loan processing, property rehabilitation, escrow procedures, financial accounting, real estate transactions, or other related fields.

Housing finance Specialist II:

Education:

Equivalent to an Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Real Estate, Finance, Business or a related field.

Experience

Equivalent to two years of experience performing duties comparable to a Housing Finance Specialist I in a program funded by HUD or a sub-recipient of HUD for the purpose of housing rehabilitation.

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver’s License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Ability to speak Spanish

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read instructions, read fine print, view computer screen and operate vehicles; hear well enough to converse on the telephone and in person and assist customers; use of hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard, copy machine, filing, writing, driving and answering telephones; make job site visits and on-site apartment inspections.