Special Programs Policy Analyst

Special Programs Policy Analyst 

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) is the nation’s largest municipal housing preservation and development agency. Its mission is to promote quality housing and diverse, thriving neighborhoods for New Yorkers through loan and development programs for new affordable housing, preservation of the affordability of the existing housing stock, enforcement of housing quality standards, and educational programs for tenants and building owners. HPD is tasked with fulfilling the Mayor’s Housing New York: A Five-Borough Ten-Year Plan to create and preserve 300,000 affordable units for New Yorkers at the very lowest incomes to those in the middle class. 

Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, provides federal subsidies to eligible families with low income to rent decent, safe, and affordable housing in a neighborhood of their choice.  The Division of Tenant Resources administers several programs designed to support its 36,000 Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher program.   The Policy and Special Programs unit is responsible for developing and communication agency policy related rental assistance programs.  The unit also runs Special Programs such as Housing Choice: HPD’s Mobility Counseling Program, Family Self Sufficiency (an innovative program that provides a financial incentive for families to achieve stability and independence through education, employment, financial management, and other training and assistance) and the Homelessness Prevention Program which works with vulnerable participants to prevent eviction and loss of Section 8 subsidy.  

The selected candidate, under the supervision of the Executive Director of Policy and Special Programs, will work with the Division and different parts of the Policy and Special Programs unit to ensure program goals are met.   The Analyst will play a major role in providing analytic, policy development and program management guidance in the coordination of the work with HPD’s partner agencies.  The selected candidate will also work with the DTR Policy Team to ensure HUD regulations governing the administration of the Section 8 program and these special programs are consistently incorporated into program operations.   This may include studying best practices, monitoring legislative and regulatory updates and providing reports to the DTR team on impact of policy changes.  The Analyst’s responsibilities will include developing an action plan and policy documents that outline the agency’s plans to increase program participation, an operations guide for staff and a resource for some difficult decisions to be made.   The Analyst will also be responsible for conducting some research to determine the needs of program participants and developing a plan with our partner agencies on how to best meet these needs or develop additional resources as necessary.   
As needed, the analyst will assist in research and responding to funding opportunities to increase resources available to special programs and to solicit proposals to expand opportunities for participants.  Additional tasks may include: 
•    Managing and promoting effective internal relationships with other HPD divisions including responding to requests for information on a timely basis
•    Preparing responses to inquiries that come to the agency regarding Section 8 policies and Special Programs

Written communication is a critical component of this position along with strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Experience creating policy documents, procedures, proposals and requests for proposals are strongly preferred.  A writing sample must be submitted with the job application.  In addition, comfort with electronic databases, survey design and analysis of responses will be key requirements for the position.  

Preferred Skills:
•    Strong organizational, multi-tasking and program management skills
•    Prior experience with Housing Choice Voucher Program and other Sec 8 or other Rental Subsidy experience a plus
•    Exceptional Communication Skills (both written and oral)
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Outlook
•    Ability to work independently and work with diverse groups to meet deadlines in a demanding environment
•    Ability to take direction and share ideas effectively
•    Bilingual a Plus

How to Apply:
Please go online and apply at www.nyc.gov/careers .  Search for JOB ID# 392406
City Employees: Apply through the Employee Self Service portal (ESS) at www.nyc.gov/ess.  Search for JOB ID# 392406

Salary range for this position is: $65,783 - $75,651

NOTE: Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

NYC Residency required 

The Department of Housing Preservation & Development and the City of New York is an equal opportunity employer.