JOB
Orange County has an opening for the Housing Director. The work involves the responsibility for overseeing the management and operations of the Orange County Housing Department. The Department administers programs related to housing rehabilitation, homelessness, the federal HOME Program, Legal Servies, Emergency Housing Assistance, and Housing Choice Vouchers. The Department uses a racial equity lens to connect people and partners with housing resources and programs. The Housing Director is integrally involved in the administration of affordable housing funding and services, serves as a liaison to several advisory boards, and through the County Manager, advises the Board of County Commissioners about affordable housing needs and opportunities. The Housing Department currently consists of 16 full-time equivalent employees and operates with a $2.8 million annual budget. The County also has an affordable housing fund through which $5 million is available in some years to financially support affordable housing projects within the County. The department has responsibility for the outreach, service connections, and housing solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, provides information and referrals to community resources, and oversees the administration of the HOME Program, Housing Choice Vouchers, and home repair and rehabilitation programs. The Department actively collaborates with other local government housing programs and community partners in administering these programs. The Housing Director works under the general direction of the County Manager with considerable flexibility to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work. Supervision over others is required of this position. Position does related work as required.* Background Check is required.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Examples of Essential Functions The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned. Administers and provides oversight to federal, state, and local housing programs. Prepares the Annual Action Plan and Annual Performance Report as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in collaboration with participating jurisdictions; facilitates the preparation of the five-year Consolidated Plan as required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Works with key parties to ensure consolidated plans and annual action plans are reviewed, and/or updated in a manner most beneficial and effective for the residents of Orange County; including partnering on surveying residents needs on how funding should be allocated. Engages and actively participates with key stakeholders within the organization and other agencies in support of affordable housing and ensures the department is collaborative and engaging to maximize efforts in providing affordable housing. Informs staff of organizational or departmental initiatives to provide an environment conducive to collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Provides administrative oversight to all Housing divisions, including the management of personnel and financial resources. Supervises staff as it relates to all personnel matters, including such areas as hiring, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary matters. Supervises and coordinates all programs, ensuring that the work assigned is carried out effectively, and in accordance with all program and funding standards. Prepares annual department budget, monitors budget expenditures throughout the year, identifies funding opportunities and prepares grant applications for housing initiatives. Provides staff support for grant sub-recipients, monitors contract performance, and provides technical assistance to area non-profit agencies acting as grant sub-recipients. Conducts research, collects, analyzes, and interprets complex data to make evidence-based recommendations on housing programs and services. Prepares reports as requested by the County Manager’s Office and the Board of County Commissioners, and prepares agenda abstracts and delivers presentations to the Board of County Commissioners. Prepares reports and delivers presentations to non-profit organizations, and other community partner groups upon request. Serves as the primary contact for housing related issues, coordinates housing activities with the incorporated Towns in the County. Conducts hearings regarding housing code violations and Section 8 Program violations. Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as Federal and State regulations, program guidelines, administrative orders, local housing needs surveys/studies, program handbooks, professional journals, newsletters, etc. Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as annual and quarterly performance reports, annual housing plans, letters and memorandums, and performance evaluations. Uses a variety of computer applications as communication, organization, research, analysis, and reporting tools. Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Orange County operates under a Commissioner-Manager form of government. The governing body is the Board of County Commissioners (Board). The Board formulates policies, adopts the annual budget, and establishes a tax rate to support County operations and programs. The Board consists of seven commissioners, elected on a staggered basis to four-year terms. The County Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board as the County's Chief Executive Officer manages the County’s daily operations. The County Manager is also responsible for implementing policies established by the Board and to administer the annual budget. The County Manager has authority over County department heads and employees including the Director. About Orange County Nestled in the hills of the North Carolina Piedmont, Orange County is located between the Research Triangle Park and the Triad cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. With more than 150,000 residents, Orange County includes historic Hillsborough, the county seat; Chapel Hill, home of the University of North Carolina; and Carrboro and Mebane, former railroad and mill towns. Described as “Around the Corner, Ahead of the Curve,” the County is culturally diverse, progressive, and a leader in practicing environmentally protective and sustainable development. Education, environment, excellent services and other quality of life issues are important to Orange County residents and to the Board of County Commissioners. The County encompasses 400 square miles of rolling farms and forest, vital urban centers and small towns. Orange County combines the best of cosmopolitan and rural values with an abundance of historical, social and cultural resources. Within a few hours’ drive, residents can enjoy the coast or the mountains, and within its boundaries, residents and visitors can enjoy the charm of Orange County’s diverse communities.