Housing Intern

DEFINITION
 
Under direct supervision, assists professional and technical housing staff with a variety of technical and administrative support activities related to the City's housing programs and functions.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives direct supervision from assigned management and supervisory personnel.  Exercises no direct supervision over staff. 
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
This classification is used to provide college students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting while pursuing a degree in a related field.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  Since this class operates in a learning capacity, interns may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Performs research related to special projects and other key issues in the housing division;
• Assists professional housing staff in the collection of data and preparation of staff reports, presentations, letters, application forms/handouts and public notifications;
• Assists professional staff with annual affidavit certifications and registration notices;
• Assists professional housing staff with presentations public and community meetings and events;
• Creates files and databases (Loan Ledger) to organize housing records;
• Updates and maintains a variety of files related to housing activities;
• Performs or accompanies housing staff on site visits;
• Assists with information and referrals services;
• Responds to the community, outside agencies and internal departments regarding housing programs;
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

• Operations, services, and activities of housing programs.
• Methods and techniques to verify information received from applicants.
• Community resources available to low income clients.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Modern construction methods and technology as they relate to housing rehabilitation and remodeling.
• General principles and practices of municipal government budget preparation and administration.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, document processing, and filing systems.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Financial record keeping, accounting, and budgeting practices.
• Business mathematics.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply programs, regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintain and update accurate records and files.
• Represent the department at outreach activities.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports on a variety of financial, budgetary, and administrative issues.
• Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures.
• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, policies, technical processes, and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Education:
Concurrent enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in urban planning, public or business administration, real estate or a related field at an accredited college or university.
 
Experience:
None.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License to be maintained throughout internship.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
 
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
 
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

E-Verify: The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer.  E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.