Senior Housing Policy Specialist

Position: JC-370768 - Telework Option -Senior Housing Policy Specialist

Job Duties

The Housing and Community Development Specialist II (HCDS II) is considered a highly skilled practitioner who serve as prime resource persons and innovators, requiring skills, knowledge abilities responsible for conducting high level research, analysis, and development of program policy of the greatest scope, based on extraordinary project responsibility and program sensitivity.

Under general direction, the HCDS II conducts research on the most critical and sensitive issues that impact housing, which may include homelessness, land use and planning, public health, disaster preparedness and recovery, climate change, transportation, and housing for special needs populations based upon personal assignment. Serve as a conduit between the Division and a wide variety of external stakeholders. Incumbent must possess political sensitivity to exercise judgement on when it is appropriate to engage in a sensitive topic.

Desirables

• Experience with housing element, land use and program development preparation, analysis and implementation.
• Experience in the planning, entitlement and permitting phases of state, regional and local government land use – either as a municipal planner, consultant, or other representative.
• Education or experience in other topics related to land use planning, housing and community development, zoning, CEQA, affirmatively furthering fair housing, housing and related laws, etc.
• Experience with project management or leading teams and special projects
• Experience reviewing, analyzing and communicating (written, verbal, and inter-personal) and presenting to a variety of internal and external stakeholders; experience with public engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel as part of public engagement efforts.

Essential Functions

Serve as one of the Division's prime expert resource persons, acting independently or as a team member, leading teams, providing technical expertise, policy analysis, and recommendations with state housing and land use laws, rules, and regulations regarding the most complex and sensitive issues facing the Department, which may include proposed or enacted legislation, housing elements and general plans, program development and implementation. Effectively prepare, review, analyze and present housing element reviews, written briefs and reports, talking points, technical documentation, presentations and other materials for internal and external review, communications and events. Coordinate and assist executives and leaders in responding to difficult or sensitive stakeholder questions and inquiries.

Develop and evaluate existing program, planning and policy initiatives to strengthen existing and future laws, rules, and strategies for implementing new or revised policies and programs in support of policy priorities. Provide oversight of teams including Department staff and consultants to implement innovative projects, initiatives, and programs. Maintain effective communication with executives and leaders regarding the progress of projects, initiatives, and programs. Review technical work prepared by Division staff for assigned projects. May lead and oversee staff in a project management capacity.

Interpret and analyze complicated data from governmental agencies, internal departmental data, and other data sources, reports, surveys, and special projects to support policy and program development and evaluation. Design, develop, and maintain research databases and files. Develop and analyze reports and infographics using a variety of databases, and present findings to top management. Assist management in measuring past and potential decisions, activities, and outcomes.

Independently develop presentations and other materials in support of Departmental activities and functions. Provide technical assistance and consultation to a broad range of constituencies, and gather stakeholder input through workshops, surveys, and public comment. Represent the Department as a member of external committees, inter-agency efforts, advisory bodies, and other groups addressing assigned area of expertise on topics that could be controversial, nuanced, or technical to audiences that expect a high degree of technical knowledge and professionalism. May act as the lead for small projects and teams.

Other duties as assigned.