City of Champaign, IL
Community Development Specialist
City of Champaign, IL, Champaign, Illinois, us, 61825
Salary:
$73,554.26 - $93,915.12 Annually
Location :
Champaign, IL
Job Type:
Full Time
Job Number:
COM DEV SPEC NOV 2024
Department:
Neighborhood Services
Opening Date:
11/08/2024
Closing Date:
11/24/2024 11:59 PM Central
Description
The City of Champaign invests in its neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Wellness Program, which assesses neighborhood conditions and promotes safe and affordable housing, well-maintained private and public spaces, public safety, adequate public infrastructure, and community engagement. Consider joining the team that helps make these outcomes possible as a
Community Development Specialist
in the Neighborhood Services Department. The anticipated start date is February 2025.
Benefits include paid sick, personal, and vacation leave and 12 holidays per year, health and life insurance, and a pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). View the complete Non-Bargaining Unit Exempt Fringe Benefit Summary at
Responsibilities of Position
The Community Development Specialist develops and implements housing rehabilitation and community development projects, programs, and services that revitalize existing housing stock, create new housing, and/or enhance the physical environment within neighborhoods. Such programs and projects typically involve using federal and state grant funds and complying with regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications• A bachelor's degree in urban planning, business or public administration or a related field.• Experience in program administration or project management.• An equivalent combination of work experience and education demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.• Knowledge of urban planning or community development principles and practices.• Experience collecting and analyzing information and preparing reports.• Current state-issued driver's license with good driving record.• Ability to occasionally work outside of regular work hours to attend meetings and events.
Preferred Qualifications• Master's degree in urban planning, business or public administration, or a related field.• Academic or professional experience with mapping and spatial analysis and graphics programs, including GIS and Adobe Creative Cloud products.• Knowledge and/or experience with U.S. Housing and Urban Development programs (Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, etc.).• Experience giving presentations.• Experience with grant writing, regulatory compliance, contracting, and determining income eligibility/underwriting.
Drug screening, driving abstract, and criminal background check will be required. The annual starting salary range is $73,554 - $83,734, DOQ, plus an excellent fringe benefits package.
Applications must be submitted online no later than Sunday, November 24, 2024.Other Information
The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process.
The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, the Illinois WorkNet Center and the City of Champaign City Building.
Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.
These values guide our work:
Personal Integrity
We act in the best interests of the City
We behave in an ethical and legal manner
We are open and honest
We follow through on commitments
We are loyal to the City
Responsibility
We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities
We take initiative
We act to prevent and solve problems
We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions
We hold ourselves and others accountable
Respect
We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner
We actively listen and seek understanding
We provide a direct response
We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace
We are positive and cooperative
We are willing to apologize
Teamwork
We know and respect our roles and responsibilities
We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately
We define and agree upon the goals
We collaborate to achieve organizational goals
We help others accomplish their goals
We share authority, responsibility, and credit
Results
We take pride in our work
We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget
We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance
We learn from our mistakes
We innovate
This position is classified as Non-Bargaining Unit Exempt.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City offers employee's a robust Health Alliance HMO plan.
The City of Champaign pays up to $580 of the employee (single) health insurance premium and 50 percent of the dependent premium for continuous full-time employees or 25 percent of the dependent premium for continuous part-time employees. Premiums for single employee coverage above $580 per month are shared by the employee and the City. For the 2024/2025 plan year, NBU employees contribute 1.2017 percent of their salary for the HMO plan. Premiums may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City's Section 125 plan. Health insurance coverage begins on the date of hire and ends effective the date of employment separation.
Rates are available under the Fringe Benefit Summaries section on the City's website at
DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE
Employees may purchase dental and/or vision insurance through payroll deduction. Employees pay 100 percent of the monthly premium for this coverage. Premiums for dental and vision insurance may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City's Section 125 plan. Dental and vision insurance begins after waiting for one complete calendar month (e.g., if hire date is in the month of January, coverage begins on March 1st).
The dental plan has two options: Delta Dental Network Low Plan (PPO) and Delta Dental High Plan.
Vision insurance is provided by EyeMed.
Rates are available under the Fringe Benefit Summaries section on the City's website at
LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides a term life insurance policy equal to annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand dollars (up to a maximum of $100,000), or $30,000, whichever is greater. Employees may elect to purchase voluntary supplemental life insurance for themselves up to 5x their annual salary or $500,000 (whichever is lower), through payroll deduction. Employees may also purchase term life for their spouses/dependents.• Employee voluntary supplemental life insurance coverage can be purchased in $10,000 increments and the price is calculated based on the employee's age.• Employees may purchase voluntary supplemental life insurance for their spouses up to half the amount purchased for themselves in $5,000 increments. Cost is calculated based on the employee's age.• Employees may purchase voluntary supplemental life insurance for their dependent children in the amount of $10,000 for any/all eligible children.• Employees may purchase Basic Life Insurance for their spouse and eligible dependent children.
o Option #1: $3.60/month for $10,000 for spouse and $5,000 for any/all eligible children.
o Option #2: $1.80/month for $5,000 for spouse and $2,000 for any/all eligible children.
PENSION
Illinois state law requires that eligible municipal employees be covered by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Employee contributions to IMRF are 4.5 percent of salary and are tax-deferred. For 2024, the City contributes 6.46 percent of eligible employee's salaries to IMRF. In addition, IMRF members are covered by Social Security (FICA). Obtain additional information by contacting IMRF at 1-800-ASK-IMRF. Employees are eligible to contribute additional funds to IMRF through Voluntary Additional Contributions. Contact HR for details.
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS)
A retirement health savings plan administered by the Mission Square Retirement Corporation has been established for NBU employees. NBU employees participate in a mandatory contribution of 1 percent of pre-tax salary into an RHS investment account. This account is available for use by the employee at retirement or separation of service. Eligible uses of the funds include medical expenses such as health insurance premiums, dental/vision expenses, coinsurance, and co-pays for employees, spouse, and/or dependents. Note: Upon separation, a mandatory 50 percent of accrued vacation, compensatory and payout-eligible sick leave will be contributed to your RHS balance.
HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
PERSONAL LEAVE
At the beginning of each fiscal year July 1st, continuous full-time employees are credited with three personal days (24 hours); personal days are pro-rated for continuous part-time employees. Personal leave may not be accumulated and carried over into the next fiscal year. Personal leave during the first year of employment varies based on the date of employment.
VACATION
Vacation accrual rates are based on years of service and pro-rated for part-time employees. Vacation may be taken after six months of employment. Requests for leave to be taken during the initial six months of employment must be approved by the employee's supervisor and may be permitted through a combination of personal leave, unpaid leave, flex time, and/or compensatory time.
SICK LEAVE
Continuous full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 3.69 hours per pay period (approximately 1 day per month); sick leave accrual is pro-rated for continuous part-time employees. The maximum accumulation of sick leave is 1,200 hours. T
LONGEVITY PAY
Employees receive longevity pay based upon their years of continuous employment with the City. Longevity pay is an addition to the employees' base wage rate.
CREDIT UNION
Employees may join the Credit Union I. Payroll deduction for savings and credit union loan payments are available as well as a deduction for a savings bond program and Christmas Club. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Credit Union directly at (800) 252-6950.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
The City of Champaign offers employees the opportunity to participate in a tax-deferred annuity plan of the Mission Square Retirement Corporation through payroll deduction. This is an optional plan with no City contributions. More information may be obtained by contacting Client Services (1-800-669-7400).
01
Please select the choice that best matches your highest level of education:
Bachelor's degree or higherAssociate degreeHigh school diploma or equivalentNo diploma or degree
02
If you indicated a college degree above, please state the major, field, or department in which the degree was granted. If you did not select a degree, please describe your experience and training, demonstrating your qualifications for this position.
03
Please describe your knowledge of urban planning or community development principles. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
04
Please describe your experience managing or administering programs, including but not limited to programs designed to improve public services, housing development, and economic development. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
05
Please describe your experience administering and managing grant funds, including but not limited to grant writing, grant reporting, regulatory compliance, subrecipient monitoring, contract development, loan underwriting, etc. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
06
Please describe your experience writing reports, including strategic plans, action plans, research reports, and memorandums that summarize findings and make recommendations. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
07
Do you possess a current driver's license?
YesNo
08
Can you occasionally work outside regular work hours to attend meetings and events? Events outside regular work hours are estimated to occur no more than two times a month, and advanced notice will be provided.
YesNo
09
Please describe your experience with performing research. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
10
Please describe your experience with analyzing and managing data. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
11
Please describe your experience using GIS or similar programs to perform data and mapping analysis. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
12
Please describe your experience preparing maps and graphics using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign software in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite or similar programs. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
13
Please describe your knowledge of or professional experience with real estate procedures and practices such as title transfers, mortgages, assessed valuations, legal descriptions, and permanent index numbers. If you have no knowledge or experience in this area, enter N/A.
14
Please describe your experience with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG 24 CFR Part 570) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME 24 CFR Part 92). If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
Required Question
$73,554.26 - $93,915.12 Annually
Location :
Champaign, IL
Job Type:
Full Time
Job Number:
COM DEV SPEC NOV 2024
Department:
Neighborhood Services
Opening Date:
11/08/2024
Closing Date:
11/24/2024 11:59 PM Central
Description
The City of Champaign invests in its neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Wellness Program, which assesses neighborhood conditions and promotes safe and affordable housing, well-maintained private and public spaces, public safety, adequate public infrastructure, and community engagement. Consider joining the team that helps make these outcomes possible as a
Community Development Specialist
in the Neighborhood Services Department. The anticipated start date is February 2025.
Benefits include paid sick, personal, and vacation leave and 12 holidays per year, health and life insurance, and a pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). View the complete Non-Bargaining Unit Exempt Fringe Benefit Summary at
Responsibilities of Position
The Community Development Specialist develops and implements housing rehabilitation and community development projects, programs, and services that revitalize existing housing stock, create new housing, and/or enhance the physical environment within neighborhoods. Such programs and projects typically involve using federal and state grant funds and complying with regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications• A bachelor's degree in urban planning, business or public administration or a related field.• Experience in program administration or project management.• An equivalent combination of work experience and education demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.• Knowledge of urban planning or community development principles and practices.• Experience collecting and analyzing information and preparing reports.• Current state-issued driver's license with good driving record.• Ability to occasionally work outside of regular work hours to attend meetings and events.
Preferred Qualifications• Master's degree in urban planning, business or public administration, or a related field.• Academic or professional experience with mapping and spatial analysis and graphics programs, including GIS and Adobe Creative Cloud products.• Knowledge and/or experience with U.S. Housing and Urban Development programs (Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, etc.).• Experience giving presentations.• Experience with grant writing, regulatory compliance, contracting, and determining income eligibility/underwriting.
Drug screening, driving abstract, and criminal background check will be required. The annual starting salary range is $73,554 - $83,734, DOQ, plus an excellent fringe benefits package.
Applications must be submitted online no later than Sunday, November 24, 2024.Other Information
The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process.
The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, the Illinois WorkNet Center and the City of Champaign City Building.
Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.
These values guide our work:
Personal Integrity
We act in the best interests of the City
We behave in an ethical and legal manner
We are open and honest
We follow through on commitments
We are loyal to the City
Responsibility
We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities
We take initiative
We act to prevent and solve problems
We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions
We hold ourselves and others accountable
Respect
We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner
We actively listen and seek understanding
We provide a direct response
We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace
We are positive and cooperative
We are willing to apologize
Teamwork
We know and respect our roles and responsibilities
We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately
We define and agree upon the goals
We collaborate to achieve organizational goals
We help others accomplish their goals
We share authority, responsibility, and credit
Results
We take pride in our work
We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget
We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance
We learn from our mistakes
We innovate
This position is classified as Non-Bargaining Unit Exempt.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City offers employee's a robust Health Alliance HMO plan.
The City of Champaign pays up to $580 of the employee (single) health insurance premium and 50 percent of the dependent premium for continuous full-time employees or 25 percent of the dependent premium for continuous part-time employees. Premiums for single employee coverage above $580 per month are shared by the employee and the City. For the 2024/2025 plan year, NBU employees contribute 1.2017 percent of their salary for the HMO plan. Premiums may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City's Section 125 plan. Health insurance coverage begins on the date of hire and ends effective the date of employment separation.
Rates are available under the Fringe Benefit Summaries section on the City's website at
DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE
Employees may purchase dental and/or vision insurance through payroll deduction. Employees pay 100 percent of the monthly premium for this coverage. Premiums for dental and vision insurance may be made on a pre-tax basis, through the City's Section 125 plan. Dental and vision insurance begins after waiting for one complete calendar month (e.g., if hire date is in the month of January, coverage begins on March 1st).
The dental plan has two options: Delta Dental Network Low Plan (PPO) and Delta Dental High Plan.
Vision insurance is provided by EyeMed.
Rates are available under the Fringe Benefit Summaries section on the City's website at
LIFE INSURANCE
The City provides a term life insurance policy equal to annual salary rounded to the next highest thousand dollars (up to a maximum of $100,000), or $30,000, whichever is greater. Employees may elect to purchase voluntary supplemental life insurance for themselves up to 5x their annual salary or $500,000 (whichever is lower), through payroll deduction. Employees may also purchase term life for their spouses/dependents.• Employee voluntary supplemental life insurance coverage can be purchased in $10,000 increments and the price is calculated based on the employee's age.• Employees may purchase voluntary supplemental life insurance for their spouses up to half the amount purchased for themselves in $5,000 increments. Cost is calculated based on the employee's age.• Employees may purchase voluntary supplemental life insurance for their dependent children in the amount of $10,000 for any/all eligible children.• Employees may purchase Basic Life Insurance for their spouse and eligible dependent children.
o Option #1: $3.60/month for $10,000 for spouse and $5,000 for any/all eligible children.
o Option #2: $1.80/month for $5,000 for spouse and $2,000 for any/all eligible children.
PENSION
Illinois state law requires that eligible municipal employees be covered by the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Employee contributions to IMRF are 4.5 percent of salary and are tax-deferred. For 2024, the City contributes 6.46 percent of eligible employee's salaries to IMRF. In addition, IMRF members are covered by Social Security (FICA). Obtain additional information by contacting IMRF at 1-800-ASK-IMRF. Employees are eligible to contribute additional funds to IMRF through Voluntary Additional Contributions. Contact HR for details.
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS)
A retirement health savings plan administered by the Mission Square Retirement Corporation has been established for NBU employees. NBU employees participate in a mandatory contribution of 1 percent of pre-tax salary into an RHS investment account. This account is available for use by the employee at retirement or separation of service. Eligible uses of the funds include medical expenses such as health insurance premiums, dental/vision expenses, coinsurance, and co-pays for employees, spouse, and/or dependents. Note: Upon separation, a mandatory 50 percent of accrued vacation, compensatory and payout-eligible sick leave will be contributed to your RHS balance.
HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
PERSONAL LEAVE
At the beginning of each fiscal year July 1st, continuous full-time employees are credited with three personal days (24 hours); personal days are pro-rated for continuous part-time employees. Personal leave may not be accumulated and carried over into the next fiscal year. Personal leave during the first year of employment varies based on the date of employment.
VACATION
Vacation accrual rates are based on years of service and pro-rated for part-time employees. Vacation may be taken after six months of employment. Requests for leave to be taken during the initial six months of employment must be approved by the employee's supervisor and may be permitted through a combination of personal leave, unpaid leave, flex time, and/or compensatory time.
SICK LEAVE
Continuous full-time employees accrue sick leave at the rate of 3.69 hours per pay period (approximately 1 day per month); sick leave accrual is pro-rated for continuous part-time employees. The maximum accumulation of sick leave is 1,200 hours. T
LONGEVITY PAY
Employees receive longevity pay based upon their years of continuous employment with the City. Longevity pay is an addition to the employees' base wage rate.
CREDIT UNION
Employees may join the Credit Union I. Payroll deduction for savings and credit union loan payments are available as well as a deduction for a savings bond program and Christmas Club. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Credit Union directly at (800) 252-6950.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
The City of Champaign offers employees the opportunity to participate in a tax-deferred annuity plan of the Mission Square Retirement Corporation through payroll deduction. This is an optional plan with no City contributions. More information may be obtained by contacting Client Services (1-800-669-7400).
01
Please select the choice that best matches your highest level of education:
Bachelor's degree or higherAssociate degreeHigh school diploma or equivalentNo diploma or degree
02
If you indicated a college degree above, please state the major, field, or department in which the degree was granted. If you did not select a degree, please describe your experience and training, demonstrating your qualifications for this position.
03
Please describe your knowledge of urban planning or community development principles. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
04
Please describe your experience managing or administering programs, including but not limited to programs designed to improve public services, housing development, and economic development. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
05
Please describe your experience administering and managing grant funds, including but not limited to grant writing, grant reporting, regulatory compliance, subrecipient monitoring, contract development, loan underwriting, etc. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
06
Please describe your experience writing reports, including strategic plans, action plans, research reports, and memorandums that summarize findings and make recommendations. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
07
Do you possess a current driver's license?
YesNo
08
Can you occasionally work outside regular work hours to attend meetings and events? Events outside regular work hours are estimated to occur no more than two times a month, and advanced notice will be provided.
YesNo
09
Please describe your experience with performing research. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
10
Please describe your experience with analyzing and managing data. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
11
Please describe your experience using GIS or similar programs to perform data and mapping analysis. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
12
Please describe your experience preparing maps and graphics using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign software in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite or similar programs. If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
13
Please describe your knowledge of or professional experience with real estate procedures and practices such as title transfers, mortgages, assessed valuations, legal descriptions, and permanent index numbers. If you have no knowledge or experience in this area, enter N/A.
14
Please describe your experience with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG 24 CFR Part 570) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME 24 CFR Part 92). If you have no experience in this area, enter N/A.
Required Question