Housing Specialist

Panama City, City of (FL); Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Panama City is seeking a Housing Specialist to support housing assistance and residential rehabilitation programs under the Director of Housing and Community Services. The role requires strong knowledge of Federal and State housing programs and involves inspections, scope of work preparation, contract oversight and regulatory compliance.

You will conduct eligibility screenings, manage files, monitor budgets, coordinate with contractors, and guide clients through program steps while

Qualifications

• Knowledge of building codes, rehabilitation standards and basic residential construction practices.
• Ability to manage multiple housing rehabilitation projects from planning through completion.
• Strong communication with clients, contractors and regulators.
• Knowledge of HUD protocols and regulations related to lead-based paint hazards.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution in contractor-homeowner disputes.
• Assist clients with programs administered by the department with professionalism and empathy.
• Maintain accurate records related to inspections, permits, licensing and progress.
• Establish cooperative relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Learn third-party software independently; proficient in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Conduct eligibility screenings, review applications, assess needs and provide case management for housing assistance.
• Prepare and maintain program files, compliance documentation, environmental reviews and regulatory reporting.
• Monitor budgets and ensure adherence to guidelines.
• Perform on-site inspections to identify deficiencies and determine repairs.
• Review work write-ups and cost estimates.
• Oversee construction activities and inspections to ensure standards.
• Review invoices, change orders and closeout documentation.
• Guide clients through rehabilitation process and timelines.
• Liaise among homeowners, contractors, inspectors, partners and lenders.
• Conduct outreach to promote program participation.
• Apply CDBG/HUD and local program requirements.
• Assist with audits and monitoring visits.
• Coordinate with vendors for installations and ensure warranty completion.

Skills

Building codes knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

HUD lead-based paint knowledge

Conflict resolution

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Software literacy

Budget monitoring

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with CDBG/HUD/Florida Housing Programs preferred

Mortgage or banking experience preferred

Tools

MS Office

Housing software systems

Job description

Under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Housing and Community Services, the Housing Specialist performs technical and administrative work supporting housing assistance and residential rehabilitation programs. This role requires strong knowledge and skill in Federal and State housing programs. The position conducts detailed housing inspections, prepares the scope of work, oversees contracts and ensures compliance with Federal, State and Local requirements. The role requires strong knowledge of grant-funded housing programs, residential constructions, case management and community development funding requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Conduct eligibility screenings, review applications, assess needs and provide case management for clients seeking housing assistance.
• Prepare and maintain program files, compliance documentation, environmental reviews and regulatory reporting.
• Monitor projected budgets and ensure adherence to funding guidelines.
• Perform on-site inspections to identify deficiencies and determine necessary repairs for rehabilitation.
• Review work write-ups and cost estimates.
• Oversee construction activities, conduct progress and final inspections and ensures compliance with program standards.
• Review invoices, change orders and closeout documentation.
• Guide clients through the rehabilitation and housing program process, explaining requirements, timelines and expectations.
• Serve as the liaison among homeowners, contractors, inspectors, partner organizations and financial institutions.
• Conducts outreach to promote program participation and community awareness.
• Interpret and apply Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Florida Housing Finance Corporation and applicable local program requirements and policies.
• Assist with audits, monitoring visits and corrective actions.
• Conduct pre-construction conferences with clients and contractors, including the preparation of documents.
• Coordinate with vendors for the installation of carpet, water heaters, appliances and other items required to complete construction. Ensure all warranty work is completed, and all project files are properly closed.
• Responsible for overseeing the maintenance of insurance, license and permit records on all contractors.
• Maintain records and documentation of inspections and other work performed.
• Compile date and submit written and/or oral reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of building codes, rehabilitation standards and basic residential construction practices.
• Ability to manage multiple housing rehabilitation projects from planning through completion.
• Strong skills in communication clearly and effectively with clients, contractors, vendors, fellow team members and regulatory agencies, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of HUD protocols and regulations related to lead-based paint hazards, including risk assessments, abatement, interim control procedures and clearance standards.
• Skilled in problem-solving and conflict resolution, particularly in contractor-homeowner disputes.
• Ability to assist clients with programs administered by the department with professionalism and empathy.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation related to inspections, permits, contractor licensing and project progress.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, professional and team-focused relationships with team members, leaders, other departments, community members and the general public.
• Ability to learn third-party software in an independent and efficient manner.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to adapt plans and scope of work to meet the needs of clients while adhering to program budgets and timelines.
• Strong knowledge of housing regulations and community development programs.
• Excellent case management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in housing software systems and documentation standards.
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices.

• High school diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Minimum of One (1) year of experience with CDBG, HUD and Florida Housing Programs preferred.
• Minimum of One (1) year of mortgage or banking experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.

A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

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 essential functions.

Summary:

• Occasionally - Lift/Carry: 15+ lbs., Push/Pull: 25+ lbs., Climb, Traverse Uneven Terrain.
• Frequently—Lift/Carry: 15 lbs. or less, Push/Pull: 25 lbs. or less, Twist/Turn, Reach Above Shoulder, Reach Outward, Stand, Drive.
• Constantly– Walk, Sit, Handling/Fine Motor Skills and Type/Keyboard.

These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affinit…