We have a new job opportunity for a Housing Specialist to join the Department of Housing and Community Development.  The Homeownership Housing Programs Specialist is responsible for administering and monitoring the City of Rockville's homeownership down payment assistance programs, ensuring program compliance and supporting long-term housing stability for participants. In addition, the role will provide financial coaching services to empower city residents to improve their financial wellness and stability, with a goal of achieving greater financial stability and upward economic mobility. The position will be cross trained to support the city's Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program, assisting with the administration and monitoring of this critical affordable housing initiative. * Homeownership Program Administration: * Administer and monitor the city's down payment assistance programs, including eligibility determination; application processing; and program compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. * Serve as the main point of contact for applicants, lenders, realtors, and program partners, ensuring effective communication and support throughout the homeownership process. * Manage records and documentation of program activities, outcomes, and compliance requirements. * Conduct outreach and education efforts to promote down payment assistance programs to eligible homebuyers and community stakeholders. * Homeownership Coaching and Empowerment: * Provide individualized financial coaching to program participants, helping them assess their current financial situation and develop action plans to improve their financial health. * Guide participants in setting financial goals, creating budgets, managing debt, and building savings to achieve long-term financial wellness. * Offer education and support in credit repair and building, helping participants improve their credit scores and access better financial opportunities. * Assist clients in accessing resources such as public benefits, affordable banking options, and financial aid. * Conduct workshops on financial literacy topics such as budgeting, credit building, and savings strategies to help participants build financial knowledge and confidence. * MPDU Program Support: * Crosstrain with MPDU Housing Program Specialist. * Assist with the administration and monitoring of the MPDU program, ensuring compliance and providing technical assistance to landlords and program participants. * Participate in outreach efforts to promote the MPDU program to eligible households, developers, and landlords. * Housing Counseling Collaboration and Partnership Development: * Work closely with lenders, community organizations, and local agencies to expand access to homeownership, financial resources, and wealth-building opportunities. * Develop partnerships with financial institutions and other stakeholders to broaden the scope of financial support available to city residents. * Collaborate with other city departments and external partners to align homeownership and financial coaching programs with other services, such as workforce development and housing stabilization. * Data Management and Reporting: * Track and report program outcomes, including participant progress in both homeownership and financial coaching. * Maintain detailed records of financial coaching sessions, outcomes, and participant interactions. * Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders on program impact, participant success stories, and areas for improvement. Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Finance, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field. Certification in financial coaching, counseling, or a related field (e.g., AFC, FFC, CFP) is highly preferred. Experience: * Minimum of three (3) years of experience administering housing programs, including down payment assistance or similar initiatives. * At least three (3) years of experience providing financial coaching, counseling, or empowerment services to low- to moderate-income individuals. * Experience working with HUD regulations and other federal, state, and local housing and financial assistance programs. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in a municipal or nonprofit housing environment. * Knowledge of affordable housing policies, financial literacy principles, credit building, and mortgage lending processes. * Experience in building and leading coalitions of community partners. * Spanish, Mandarin, or other foreign language fluency * Strong understanding of homeownership programs, down payment assistance, MPDU regulations, and financial wellness coaching preferred. * Ability to provide empathetic and effective financial coaching to individuals with diverse financial backgrounds and needs. * Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to participants and stakeholders. * Proficiency in data management, financial planning tools, and reporting software. * Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and participant cases effectively. * Experience conducting workshops and trainings on financial literacy and homeownership topics.