Housing and Community Development Series
California State Personnel Board Specification
Series established November 4, 1982
Scope
This series specification describes seven classes at five levels used to perform work in a wide variety of Housing and Community Development program-related assignments, such as: research; assessment of housing needs; preparation or review of plans or planning documents; program planning, monitoring and evaluation; development of policy and legislation; provision of technical assistance to private and nonprofit organizations, project sponsors, or governmental agencies; administration and regulation of various loan and grant funds; and coordination, development and implementation of programs that serve displaced residents and other low and moderate income households.
Definition of Series
Incumbents in these classes perform one or more of the following: identify and assess housing needs; maintain, compile, and analyze data to evaluate housing trends, problems, proposals or existing housing programs; prepare housing plans or housing needs plans; provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions in the development of housing, community and economic development programs or policies; work with local agencies to ensure continuation of affordable housing, community and economic development programs; advise on available housing, community and economic development financing resources; develop material and perform grantsmanship to aid in applying for and implementing programs such as site acquisition, new housing, rehabilitation, public works, economic development, and planning/technical assistance; assist in or decide on professional services (architectural, engineering, etc.), site selection and acquisition; secure Federal and State financing; compile data regarding program operations; review and recommend disposition of applications for loans and grants and service approved loans and grants; review housing elements and other planning documents for conformity with State law; develop compliance standards; review, analyze, and draft proposed legislation and regulations; examine housing issues for policy impact; make oral presentations and prepare written reports and correspondence; underwrite loans and grants; analyze, interpret or draft procedures which govern the use and allocation of loan and grant funds; prepare request for proposals (RFPs) or alternate application procedures; evaluate project feasibility; provide technical assistance to loan and grant fund applicants and grantees; review loan and grant applications; make preliminary determinations regarding the acceptability of a project for funds and eligibility for private, State, or Federal housing financing; prepare loan and grant summaries and recommendations for loan and grant committees; meet with loan and grant committees to review applications and support staff recommendations; inform applicants of committee actions; work with administration and legal staff in finalizing agreements and other legal documents; process and maintain records of disbursements and repayments; make cash-flow projections and other financial analyses; respond to inquiries regarding funds; and review and monitor clients for continuing compliance and solvency; responsible for packaging solicitation documents for the sale of affordable housing developments; counsel individual families on credit problems, home-ownership responsibilities, and available mortgage financing; develop program policies, implementation procedures, and regulations in conformance with all pertinent State and Federal funding regulations; interpret local jurisdictional zoning and planning requirements; analyze and evaluate developer's bids and proposals for acceptance according to program parameters, site appropriateness, quality and cost; finalize plans and specifications and negotiate contract closings with developers; obtain take-out financing from private or public agencies; perform construction contract administration consistent with the State Contract Act, Federal Acquisition Regulations and standard construction administration practices including, but not limited to, quality control/assurance, construction scheduling, subcontracting practices, construction funds disbursements and contract change orders; plan, develop, and implement State-sponsored programs; create guidelines for monitoring and evaluating programs; perform program assessments; provide advice and consultation to departmental and agency management, and the Governor's Office.
Entry Level
Entry to this series is typically through the classes of Housing and Community Development Representative I and II.
Factors Affecting Position Allocation
Variety, complexity, and sensitivity of duties; independence of action and decision-making authority; responsibility for program development; level of risk and impact of decisions; geographical dispersion of program responsibility, degree of support and local assistance budget responsibility (General, Special, Federal and Reimbursement); responsibility for recommending or making decisions affecting loan packages; importance and consequence of interdepartmental, interagency, governmental, commercial, and public relationships; specialized technical expertise required, and the degree and extent of supervision received and exercised. Size and supervision of staff should not be an absolute criterion in allocating positions.
Definition of Levels
Housing and Community Development Representative I
The class of Housing and Community Development Representative I is a recruiting and developmental class for persons qualified to perform technical work in one or more aspects of a broad range of housing, economic, or community development areas. The class serves as entry for advancement in the Department of Housing and Community Development. Incumbents are assigned duties and responsibilities commensurate with their background, training, and abilities.
Positions are permanently allocated to this class when the major portion of the assigned duties do not include the more responsible, varied, difficult, and complex tasks found at the journeyperson level.
Housing and Community Development Representative II
This is the fully experienced journeyperson level in the series. Under general direction, employees at this level independently perform a wide range of housing, economic, and community development functions which include the more responsible, varied, and technically difficult, developmental, or analytical assignments; review and administer loans, grants or development contracts including responsibility for approval or denial of varied and difficult loans, grants or development contracts for the predevelopment, development, rehabilitation, or construction of housing, economic and community development projects; provide technical assistance; act as liaison; perform program design and problem resolution; manage a loan, grant or development contract portfolio including monitoring responsibility; may assume lead responsibility over lower level professional staff or serve as a team leader.
Housing and Community Development Manager I
This is the first supervisory level in the series. Positions at this level either supervise a small-to medium-size group of technical staff or are the assistant supervisor of a larger group of professional or technical employees when it is so large as to require a subordinate supervisor. Positions allocated to this level additionally may be identified using the following criteria:
1. Responsibility for projects of relatively smaller scale, budget, and program sensitivity.
2. Regional assignments or projects or statewide projects of limited scope.
3. Supervises a small technical staff with responsibility for an identifiably more complex and sensitive program or activity or a larger technical staff with a more routine program or activity.
Housing and Community Development Manager II
This is the second full supervisory level. Positions may be characterized by the following criteria:
1. Incumbents are full supervisors over a medium to large technical staff performing a moderately complex activity; over a smaller technical staff performing a more complex activity; a number of smaller, more complex tasks, activities, or programs.
2. Incumbents spend much of their time in supervision and management activities. In complex programs incumbents may be required to be exceptionally qualified subject-matter experts.
3. Program sensitivity, complexity, and budget are essential allocation factors in instances of those programs that are not comparable to others within the department.
Housing and Community Development Manager III
This is the full management and supervisory level and positions are responsible for managing a major housing program(s), project(s), or function(s). Supervision of a large technical staff with subordinate supervisors at the Housing and Community Development Manager II level is necessary. Positions at�this level may be characterized by the following criteria:
1. Supervises a fully functioning activity or program operation characterized by multiple supervisors at the Housing and Community Development Manager II level and a large technical staff.
2. Will typically supervise less staff when responsible for a function(s) of�exceptionally high significance, complexity and a significantly larger budget; and in programs with more routine operations, sensitivity, complexity, and a smaller budget, will supervise more staff.
Housing and Community Development Specialist I
This is a nonsupervisory, technical expert position requiring skills, knowledge, and abilities definably above the journeyperson level. Specialist I positions are assigned difficult, complex, and sensitive development, policy, or program responsibilities that are of sufficient significance to equal the supervisory responsibilities of the corresponding Housing and Community Development Manager level. Positions are characterized by the following:
1. Incumbents will work independently with primary responsibility as a high level coordinator, advisor, or technical expert for a major, complex housing, community, or economic development program or activity.
2. The position should report to a Housing and Community Development Manager�II level or higher and may assist the manager in providing direction on technical aspects of the program for a large, technical or diverse group/program.
Housing and Community Development Specialist II
This is a nonsupervisory, technical expert position requiring skills, knowledge and abilities definably above the Housing and Community Development Specialist I level. Positions allocated to this class are based on extraordinary project responsibility and program sensitivity and are identified by top management of the department as requiring the services of the most highly skilled practitioners who serve as prime resource persons and innovators. A very small number of positions may be allocated to this class; positions are characterized by the following criteria:
1. Incumbents generally report to a Division Chief or above.
2. Positions are responsible for programs, activities, or projects of the greatest scope, impact, and sensitivity. Activity must focus on a critical and sensitive issue or program central to a primary mission of the department.
Minimum Qualifications
All Levels:
Experience applicable to one of the following patterns may be combined on a proportional basis with experience applicable to the other pattern to meet the total experience requirements. Additionally, State experience applied toward the "non-State experience" pattern must be in a class at a level of responsibility at least equivalent to that of one of the classes specified in the promotional State experience pattern.
Housing and Community Development Representative I
Either I
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in rural or urban planning, rural or urban affairs, geography, or community development; or equivalent to graduation from college with a major in economics, finance, public administration, real estate, business administration, political science, or government which has included at least six semester (or nine quarter) units in rural or urban administration, rural or urban politics, rural or urban economics, land use planning, rural or urban affairs, or geography. [Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination, but evidence of graduation (or its equivalent) must be furnished before they can be considered eligible for appointment.] [Full-time technical or professional work experience in a housing-related field may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis by applicants who have at least 12 semester (or 18 quarter) units of college work in areas which would lead to the above-indicated majors.]
Or II
Three months of experience in the California State Department of Housing and Community Development performing the duties of a Graduate Student Assistant, Range A.
Or III
Six months of experience in the California State Department of Housing and Community Development performing the duties of a Management Services Technician, Range B.
Or IV
Experience: One year of experience in the California State Department of Housing and Community Development performing the duties of a class comparable to Office Technician. and
Education: Twelve semester or eighteen quarter units of college courses in rural or urban planning, rural or urban affairs, geography, public administration, business administration, economics, finance, or political science.
Housing and Community Development Representative II
Either I
One year of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development performing the duties of a class comparable in level to Housing and Community Development Representative I, Range C. (Applicants may compete with six-months' experience at Range C, but they must complete the required 12 months of experience prior to being eligible for appointment.)
Or II
Experience: Three years of professional experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency or private firm engaged in urban renewal, neighborhood preservation, low-income housing programs, or market housing development. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes property management, underwriting, homeownership and tenant counseling, economics or statistical research, housing policy analysis, and housing law.
2. In a public or private housing, economic, or community development related organization, with finance, loan officer, or economic development experience in a capacity such as mortgage banker, mortgage loan officer, or economic development packager.
3. Extensive site acquisition and site development experience in a housing development operation in a capacity such as land agent.
4. Loan packaging experience with a governmental housing, economic and/or business finance program(s).
5. As a member of the planning staff of a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in community or economic development planning, including preparation of housing elements.
6. Packaging home or other development loans, grants or development contracts utilizing private, State and Federal financing as a staff member of a housing/economic development corporation, or other organization fulfilling a similar function generating new construction, housing rehabilitation and/or development projects which benefit low and moderate income people.
(Experience in teaching urban planning or community development or a comparable field may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (A Master's Degree in Rural or Urban Planning, Rural or Urban Land Economics, Architecture, or a related rural or urban studies field may be substituted for up to one year of the required general experience.)
Housing and Community Development Manager I
Either I
One year of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development performing the duties of a class comparable in level to Housing and Community Development Representative II or a Housing and Community Development Finance Advisor.
Or II
Experience: Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. In the administration and supervision of one or more phases of housing development and project planning such as site selection, financing, and supervision of on-and off-site construction of all types of housing.
2. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency or private firm engaged in urban renewal, neighborhood preservation, low-income housing programs, or market housing development. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes property management, homeownership and�tenant counseling, economic or statistical research, housing policy analysis, and housing law.
3. As a member of the planning staff of a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in economic and community development planning, including preparation or review of housing elements.
4. Packaging home loans utilizing private, State and Federal financing as a staff member of a rural or urban housing, community or economic development corporation, or other organization fulfilling a similar function generating new construction and housing rehabilitation for low and moderate income people.
(Experience in teaching urban planning or community development or a comparable field may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (A Master's Degree in Rural or Urban Planning, Rural or Urban Land Economics, Architecture, or a related urban studies field may be substituted for up to one year of the required general experience.)
Housing and Community Development Manager II
Either I
One year of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Manager I or a Housing and Community Development Specialist I.
Or II
Two years of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Representative II or a Housing and Community Development Finance Advisor.
Or III
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. In the administration and supervision of one or more phases of housing development and project planning such as site selection, financing, and supervision of on-and off-site construction of all types of housing.
2. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency, nonprofit organization, or private firm engaged in urban renewal, neighborhood preservation, or low-income housing programs. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes property management, homeownership and tenant counseling, economic or statistical research, housing policy analysis, and housing law. (At least two years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.)
3. As a member of the planning staff of a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in community development planning, including preparation or review of housing elements. (At least two years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.)
4. Packaging home loans in rural areas utilizing private, State and Federal financing as a member of a housing, community, or economic development corporation, or other organization fulfilling a similar function generating new construction and housing rehabilitation for low and moderate income people.
(Experience in teaching rural or urban planning, community development, or a�comparable field may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (A Master's Degree in Rural or Urban Planning, Rural or Urban Land Economics, Architecture, or a related field may be substituted for up to one a�year of the required general experience.)
Housing and Community Development Manager III
Either I
One year of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Manager II or a Housing and Community Development Specialist II.
Or II
Two years' experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Manager I or a Housing and Community Development Specialist I.
Or III
Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) professional and management experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. In the administration and supervision of all phases of housing project planning and development such as site selection or site development, financing (including land and contract closings), and supervision of on-and off-site construction of all types of housing.
2. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in urban renewal, neighborhood preservation, community and economic development, or low-income housing programs. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes property management, homeownership and tenant counseling, economic or statistical research, housing policy analysis, and housing law. (At least three years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.)
3. As a member of the planning staff of a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in regional and/or community development planning, including preparation or review of housing elements. (At least three years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.)
(Experience in teaching urban planning or community development or a comparable field may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (A Master's Degree in Rural or Urban Planning, Rural or Urban Land Economics, Architecture, or a related rural or urban studies field may be substituted for up to one year of the required general experience.)
Housing and Community Development Specialist I
Either I
One year of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Representative II or a Housing and Community Development Finance Advisor.
Or II
Experience: Four years progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. In the administration and supervision of one or more phases of housing development and project planning such as site selection, financing, and supervision of on-and off-site construction of all types of housing.
2. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency or private firm engaged in urban renewal, neighborhood preservation, community and economic development, or low-income housing programs. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes property management, homeownership and tenant counseling, economic or statistical research, housing policy analysis, and housing law.
3. As a member of the planning staff of a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in community development planning, including preparation or review of housing elements.
(Experience in teaching urban planning or community development or a comparable field may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (A Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Land Economics, Architecture, or a related urban studies field may be substituted for up to one year of the required general experience.)
Housing and Community Development Specialist II
Either I
One year of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Manager I or a Housing and Community Development Specialist I.
Or II
Two years of experience in the Department of Housing and Community Development�performing the duties of a class comparable in level to a Housing and Community Development Representative II or a Housing and Community Development Finance Advisor.
Or III
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or a combination of the following:
1. In the administration and supervision of one or more phases of housing development and project planning such as site selection, financing, and supervision of on-and off-site construction of all types of housing.
2. In a line or policy development capacity in a public agency or private firm engaged in urban renewal, neighborhood preservation, or low-income housing programs. Qualifying experience in such agencies or firms includes property management, homeownership and tenant counseling, economic or statistical research, housing policy analysis, and housing law.
3. As a member of the planning staff of a public agency, private firm, or nonprofit organization engaged in community development planning, including preparation or review of housing elements.
(Experience in teaching urban planning or community development or a comparable field may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.) (A Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Urban Land Economics, Architecture, or a related urban studies field may be substituted for up to one year of the required general experience.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Housing and Community Development Representative I
Knowledge of: General housing and economic development trends; research techniques; basic finance principles; general provisions of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and programs relating to housing, economic and community development; housing resources including Federal, State and local agencies.
Ability to: Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex housing issues; identify and evaluate issues related to community and economic development; analyze data and present ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing; consult with and advise other governmental staff on a wide variety of housing subjects; establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional personnel, community groups, and minorities.
Housing and Community Development Representative II
Knowledge of: All of the above, and interpretation and application of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and programs relating to the functions of the Department of Housing and Community Development, especially those laws, regulations and programs pertaining to the financing and development of low-income housing, community, and economic development, and local planning; general problems and planning principles in the development of low-income housing and jobs, public works, and facilities; housing construction contract solicitation, and administration; public planning including real estate law and practices; principles and practices of property management, Section 8 vouchers, and housing counseling; principles and practices of impact analysis; legal procedures and documents involved in real property transactions; real property law; methods of describing real property; methods of determining values of real property; conventional financing and lending procedures; institutional loan requirements, methods of financing, holding title and the escrow process to obtain loan commitments to purchase real property; familiarity with laws governing landlord-tenant relations including unlawful detainer actions; knowledge of contemporary property management practices and affordable housing criteria.
Ability to: All of the above, and work independently or as a lead staff-worker in a group; evaluate and analyze data; evaluate and develop procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with affordable housing criteria; prepare clear, concise reports; provide technical assistance and consultation; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work; work under tight schedules and deadlines.
Housing and Development Manager I
Housing and Development Manager II
Housing and Development Manager III
Knowledge of: All of the above, and the principles and practices of personnel management, program management, and supervision; AA/EEO guidelines and State policies and laws.
Ability to: All of the above, and perform a wide variety of research and technical projects; effectively formulate policies and plan, organize, and coordinate or supervise the implementation of policies and programs; effectively supervise a staff of professional subordinates; implement State AA/EEO policies; provide technical assistance and expert consultation in the fields of housing development, housing finance, and community development to housing authorities and various other governmental agencies and private organizations.
Housing and Community Development Specialist I
Housing and Community Development Specialist II
Knowledge of: Purposes, organization and functions of the Department of Housing and Community Development; general housing and economic development trends; research techniques; basic finance principles; general provisions, interpretation and application of Federal, State and local laws, regulations and programs relating to the development of low-income housing, community and economic development, and local planning; general problems and planning principles in the development of low-income housing; and the creation and retention of jobs for low-income persons; public planning including real estate law and practices; principles and practices of property management and housing counseling; principles and practices of impact analysis; economic development; legal procedures and documents involved in real property transactions; real property law; methods of describing real property; methods of determining values of real property; Federal and State laws and regulations pertinent to the financing of low-and moderate-income housing; conventional financing and lending procedures.
Ability to: Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex housing community and economic development issues; identify and evaluate issues related to community development; analyze data and present ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing; provide technical assistance and expert consultation in the fields of housing development, housing finance, economic and community development to housing authorities and various other governmental agencies and private organizations; effectively formulate policies and coordinate their implementation; work under tight schedules and deadlines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional personnel, community groups, and minorities; work independently; plan, organize, and carry out aspects of a technical housing or community development related project of significant impact, scope, or complexity.
Special Personal Characteristics
All Levels:
Willingness to travel throughout the State and work irregular hours.
Additional Desirable Qualification
All Levels:
Most positions require at least occasional travel. Therefore, possession of a valid California driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required.
Housing and Community Development Representative I
Willingness as a learner to do routine or detailed work in order to learn the practical application of housing principles; demonstrated capacity for development as evidenced by work history, academic attainment, participation in school or other activities, or well-defined occupational or vocational interests; willingness and ability to accept increasing responsibility.
Class History
