Choice Assistant Planning Manager na Houston Housing Authority

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Choice Neighborhoods (CN) initiative is a program led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that seeks to revitalize distressed neighborhoods with public and HUD-assisted housing into thriving, mixed-income communities. The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) is leading the development of a transformation plan for the Irvington Village/Near Northside area and implementing the 2023 transformation plan in the Cuney Homes/Third Ward community. The CN initiative focuses on three interconnected core goals: Housing, People, and Neighborhood.

The Choice Assistant Planning Manager [JL1] is responsible for working with the Irvington Village Planning Coordinator consultant to support neighborhood transformation plan creation, updates, and comprehensive planning activities.  They will also support the implementation of the Third Ward Implementation grant by developing and maintaining relationships with organizations to carry out strategies outlined in its plans, and other duties as assigned.  Knowledge and experience in developing a variety of plans and programs is key.  This role will work creatively, independently, and analytically in a positive, problem-solving environment, fostering teamwork, innovation, and excellence.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed. 

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local organizations to support CN implementation, planning, and programs.
• Help design and implement programs that advance the goals of CN plans, with an emphasis on housing and neighborhood revitalization.
• Plan, organize and coordinate planning related events, workshops and outreach activities relating to CN work.
• Facilitate external stakeholder engagement and collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of community engagement and planning efforts.
• Collect and analyze feedback from community members to inform program development and improvement.
• Represent HHA and the Choice Neighborhood Department at community meetings, events and forums, in internal workgroups, and other meetings.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, report and utilize data and statistics to support decision making.
• Recommend or prepare maps and other graphical representations using data of varying complexity.
• Create data visualization tools to communicate plan elements.
• Assist in the preparation and writing of planning documents, technical reports, regular reporting, correspondences and presentations for community meetings and stakeholder engagement according to the varying sensitivities of each.
• Research and compile information on a variety of housing, economic opportunity or planning issues from multiple sources in order to formulate recommendations on policies and regulations.
• Prepare and report data using HUD data systems and participate in monitoring and evaluation activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of HHA programs, policies, and procedures. 
• Knowledge of HUD regulations, policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the HHA.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and execution. 
• Skilled in conflict resolution. 
• Skilled in oral and written communication. 
• Skilled in project management with a proven track record of delivering projects. 
• Skilled in active listening and responding effectively to customer complaints. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and ethics 
• Ability to lead effectively and mentor others. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to people of different cultures, demonstrating an ability to see issues from other perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and assume assigned responsibilities. 
• Ability to effectively present information both orally and in writing and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. 
• Ability to learn and utilize advanced Microsoft Excel functions. 
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
• Ability to multi-task, manage time effectively, and establish priorities. 
• Ability to take the initiative and become an expert at the job. 
• Ability to project a professional, polished image that inspires confidence and trust. 
• Possess exceptional work ethic. 
• Ability to exude self-confidence that inspires confidence in others. 
• Possess a thorough understanding of the job’s role in the organization’s success. 

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK

• The employee uses independent judgment on a daily basis to either interpret guidelines to choose the most appropriate course of action within established options and parameters. 
• The complexity of the daily job is enhanced, as the employee must be able to change from one to another set of regulations quickly.  Some aspects of the policies may change from month to month.  
• The employee’s work is directly related to the general business operations of the HHA. The work can affect the HHA and other service agencies. The employee’s efforts affect the HHA’s ability to earn funds and to obtain additional funding.

GUIDELINES

• The employee performs duties by following local, state, and federal laws and regulations, the HUD Code of Federal Regulations, HUD handbooks, HUD transmittals, the HHA Administrative Plan, the HHA Housing Choice Voucher Program Guide to Operations, and other instructional memos. Historical practices and verbal instructions from supervisors are also available.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

·     The employee does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. 

·      In unusual situations, the supervisor may specify how to accomplish assigned work. 

·     The employee acts independently in making decisions about the best course of action. Situations where there are no guidelines, the employee may adopt existing guidelines, develop new guidelines, make decisions based on the circumstances, or seek guidance from the Choice Neighborhood Director.

·   The employee’s work may be reviewed sporadically for thoroughness, accomplishment of objectives and compliance with existing policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

·      The employee has continual contact with other employees, program participants, and landlords.  Most contacts are structured in nature and the employee is expected to use normal tact and professional courtesy.  Occasionally, a contact may be uncooperative or antagonistic, and the employee would be expected to use above-average tact and courtesy.  Failure to respond courteously could adversely affect the public’s opinion of the program and the Houston Housing Authority.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

·         Work is both sedentary and active.  

·         Work tasks will involve physical exertion in the field by conducting site visits. 

·         Work involves the normal risks and discomforts associated with an office environment, but are usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted and ventilated.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·       A Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or closely related field, may be substituted for two years of experience.

·         Valid Texas driver’s license or obtain such within the first thirty (30) days of employment.  The driving record must be in good standing.

·         Eligibility for coverage under the Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Please be advised that this role is subject to the availability of grant funding.