Template for new department section/function creation?

[MacheteJames]

Hi all,

I've been tasked by TPTB with developing a framework for the creation of a new regional affordable housing function here at the RPC - think a municipal housing office, charged with managing CDBG/HOME, tracking the affordable housing supply in the community, annual compliance recertifications with property managers, liaising with the state housing office and public housing authorities, etc, but scaled up to a countywide or regional scale to help leverage economies of scale for smaller communities who can't afford to do this on their own. Has anyone run across a template, flowchart, or rubric for creating a community development department section like this from scratch? i.e. number of FTEs needed, budgeting with sources and uses, job descriptions, etc. Maybe from APA? This is probably the sort of thing that has to be done ad-hoc each time but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

 

[luckless pedestrian]

I had a Housing Officer for a little while and this was his job description - it is local government but it could be a start to work off from:

POSITION STATUS: Regular Full Time (37.5 hours/week)
CLASSIFICATION: PAT 1
POSITION SUMMARY: The Housing Program Officer works in the City’s Community and Economic Development Office, and is responsible for developing policy, strategic planning, and leading the expansion of housing opportunities within the City. The position reports to the Director of Community & Economic Development.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Develops housing policy and strategies in consultation with Director of Community & Economic Development in accordance with established programs, plans, and policy to meet the current and future needs of our City.
Facilitates and supports the development of housing through a variety of means including technical assistance to stakeholders, active participation in development team meetings, promotion across multiple departments and entities, and legislative initiatives.
Serves as facilitator between developers, City departments/divisions, and outside entities to ensure housing opportunities take shape by providing guidance, information, and support to all parties, as necessary.
Management, oversight, and support of City housing-related ordinances including, but not limited to: short-term rentals, rental registry, tenants’ rights, and, vacant and placarded properties.
Makes recommendations from a housing perspective to amend and update relevant City ordinances and policies.
Collaborate with the City staff and divisions to ensure alignment of priorities, plans, and housing opportunities is known and available to create a cohesive and streamlined approach. May serve as a housing liaison to various committees and boards.
Develop and maintain housing information and statistics for plans, reports, and other documents necessary for accurate reporting. May present housing related information in public and non-public meeting settings, as necessary.
Maintain strong relations with City departments and State and Federal agencies.
Remain current with best housing practices through professional training and conducting research projects, as needed, to support solid, thoughtful recommendations to stakeholders, policy development and management and more.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, social work, community development, or a related field; equivalent training and experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in the development and/or financing of housing projects.
Experience in leading collaborative efforts with diverse internal and external stakeholders and directing and supervising private contractors.
Basic project development skills such as working knowledge of budget development and administration, the zoning process, building permit process, residential building construction methods, techniques, inspections and systems.
Regular attendance, mediation, negotiation, and customer service skills are necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules, and personnel policies.
Valid driver’s license required.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to work independently and to budget time and workload.
Ability to analyze operating and development pro formas.
Commitment to continued professional development.

 

[JNA]

was a job posting in my fair city -
COMMUNITY PLANNER
Base Salary: $60,000.00/annually

Job Summary: Assists with the development and implementation of new projects impacting residential neighborhoods and business districts/corridors. Experience in redevelopment planning and project execution is crucial. Primary departmental liaison to community groups and other stakeholders regarding the development of neighborhood plans, projects, grant opportunities. Attends evening and weekend meetings and conducts field evaluations and assessments on an as needed basis for new and ongoing projects. Provides staff and technical support for various boards, commissions and committees, as directed including but no limited to the Design Review Committee. Assists with updates and maintenance of various departmental plans. Conducts research in specific or general project areas, manages planning studies, reviews consultant proposals, and performs other duties as assigned. Writes grant applications, assists others in completing grant applications and works with city departments to determine eligibility, need, and desire to apply for specific grant opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assists with the development and implementation of new projects. Promotes neighborhood conservation and preservation activities through principles of redevelopment. Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning. Serves as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans, projects and grant opportunities and applications.

Develop strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with departmental and community goals. Recommends priorities, establishes timelines and schedules, and helps identify funding sources to implement departmental public improvement plans. Conducts field evaluations and assessments on an as needed basis for projects.

Provides staff and technical support for the Redevelopment Commission and other boards, commissions and committees, as directed.
Assists with updates and maintenance of various departmental plans.
Attend evening and weekend meetings.
Conducts research in specific or general project areas, manages planning studies, reviews consultant proposals, and performs other duties as assigned.
Writes grant applications, assists others in completing grant applications and works with city departments to determine eligibility, need, and desire to apply for specific grant opportunities.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Practical knowledge of computer software applications including MS Office, Adobe products, and other emerging technology for planning. Strong working knowledge of mapping and GIS experience.
Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection and effective writing techniques.
Creative problem-solving skills and ability to work on several projects simultaneously, work independently or on a team, as needed, and attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with a wide range of individuals
Thorough understanding the practical principles of urban planning, relevant federal grants, and community development programs.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree (Masters & AICP preferred) in Urban Planning, Public Policy / Administration or related field
Minimum of at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban planning or community development.
Grant writing experience, management and compliance, preferably with Federal grant programs, desired.
Requires valid Indiana Driver’s License

Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Occasional use of personal vehicles for site visits and attending meetings.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.