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Community Development Specialist Jobs in Florida

Child Development Specialist

Miami, FL · On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

... and community specialists and professionals regarding client progress and recommendations. 4. ... Conduct developmental screenings and assessments as assigned, using standardized tools in ...

Business Development Specialist Start Date - September 2026 Location - Tampa Office Empiric are a ... Build talent pipelines using Boolean search, LinkedIn Recruiter, communities, events, referrals ...

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Community Development Specialist information

See Florida salary details

$23.2K

$55.3K

$87.1K

How much do community development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development specialist in Florida is $55,296.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $66,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community development specialist?

A community development specialist typically works in city government housing and community construction departments to determine the use of grant funds and plan programs to help home buyers finance new and affordable homes or provide shelter for the homeless. Job duties include researching, developing reports, managing and generating funds, and doing public outreach. At least five years of experience in community development is required, and experience in social work and knowledge of state and local laws is a plus. Educational qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field. Strong writing and analytical skills are essential.

What does a community development specialist do?

A Community Development Specialist works to improve and strengthen communities by identifying needs, developing programs, and coordinating resources. They often collaborate with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and residents to address issues such as housing, economic development, health, and education. Their responsibilities may include conducting research, applying for grants, managing projects, and facilitating community engagement. Ultimately, their goal is to foster sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life within communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Specialist, you need expertise in project management, community engagement, and knowledge of urban planning or social work, usually supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, grant writing software, and GIS systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills help build trust and facilitate productive partnerships. These abilities are crucial for designing effective programs and achieving positive, sustainable impact within diverse communities.

What are some common challenges community development specialists face when engaging with diverse communities?

Community Development Specialists often work with groups that have varying cultural backgrounds, needs, and priorities, which can present challenges in building trust and fostering effective communication. Navigating language barriers, differing expectations, and occasional resistance to change requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Successful specialists use active listening, empathy, and collaborative approaches to ensure all voices are heard and to create inclusive, sustainable development strategies.

What degree do you need for a community development specialist?

A community development specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as community development, urban planning, social work, public administration, or related areas. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with strong communication and project management skills.

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Specialist jobs in Florida?

For Community Development Specialist jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Specialist jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Specialist jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Community Development Specialist jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Community Development Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Specialist job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,296 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Housing/Community Development Specialist

Broward County

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$2.0K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Broward County rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for a Housing/Community Development Specialist to support the Housing and Urban Planning Division. 2026 Benefits of Broward County Employment High Deductible Health Plan - bi-weekly premiums: Single $10.90 / Family $80.79 Includes a County Funded Health Savings Account of up to $2000 Annually Consumer Driven Health Plan - bi-weekly premiums: Single $82.58 / Family $286.79 Florida Retirement System (FRS) - Pension or Investment Plan 457 Deferred Compensation Employee Match Eleven (11) paid holidays each year Vacation (Paid Time Off) = 2 weeks per year Up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions Tuition Reimbursement (Up to 2K annually) General Description This is a professional and administrative position with the Housing and Urban Planning Division that requires a candidate with thorough income certification experience and knowledge in the administering, implementing, and monitoring of affordable housing and/or community development programs funded from local, state or federal government sources. Knowledge of residential mortgage loan underwriting and experience with closing residential real estate transactions is required

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, finance, public administration, planning, sociology, or closely related field. (One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.) Requires one (1) year of experience in mortgage loan origination, loan processing, apartment leasing, housing program compliance monitoring or enforcement, community development or closely related experience. Special Certifications and Licenses None

Preferences Masters degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, sociology, or closely related field. One or more years of direct oversight in Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s HOME specific grant administration One or more years of direct oversight in Housing and Community Development of Block Grants Administration One or more years of direct oversight in state SHIP program administration Housing Choice Voucher Specialist (HCVS) One or more years experience direct Income Certification One or more years experience in direct residential mortgage loan origination or underwriting Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, finance, accounting, real estate, planning, sociology, or closely related field. SCOPE OF WORK The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.

Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary. Duties and responsibilities include certifying applicant's eligibility for various housing programs. Certify applicant's income and assets; request, collect, and review documents; perform in-person interviews, obtain third party income and asset verifications or other verifications as deemed appropriate; calculate and certify household size, income, and assets.

Evaluate applicant's first mortgage loan pre-approval or commitment to certify the loan meets Division guidelines as to debt to income ratios, total loan to value, projected debt calculations, asset and debt estimates, etc. Examine property suitability through review of property appraiser's data sheet, real estate appraisals, recorded mortgages/liens, review of real estate purchase and sales agreements, property inspection reports; complete Tier II Environmental surveys as needed. Review and approve closing documents; calculate and request County funds necessary to facilitate closing.

Prepare mortgage loan documents. Maintain and archive files in keeping with Division guidelines and State record retention requirements. Ensure that all contracts and documents are prepared in accordance with division and department standards as well as state and federal regulations; recommend solutions to contract-related situations.

Prepare and maintain project tracking reports; prepare and maintain status reports and related correspondence. Promote Division housing assistance programs through development of collateral material, presentations, website updates, and other methods to make programs accessible to general public. Recommend and implement work procedures, reports, and schedules in coordination with section staff and under general supervision of section and Division managers.

Performs related work as required. WORK ENVIRONMENT Physical Demands Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs light work that involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment) Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. Involves routine and frequent exposure to traffic; moving machinery. SPECIAL INFORMATION Competencies Decision Quality Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

Knows when to act independently and when to escalate issues. Integrates various inputs, decision criteria, and trade-offs to make effective decisions. Typically makes good independent decisions.

Optimizes Work Processes Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement. Pays close attention to a variety of metrics and benchmarks; determines both major and subtle ways to optimize processes. Swiftly resolves process breakdowns; takes steps to ensure that problems do not recur.

Ensures Accountability Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Holds self to high standards and consistently honors policies, procedures, and work requirements. Scrupulously ensures all work is correct.

Develops Talent Develops people to meet both their career goals and the organization's goals. This Level is not relevant for this Behavior. Communicates Effectively Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Pays attention to others' insights, advice, or instruction, grasping the main elements. Promptly shares relevant information with the right amount of detail. Manages Ambiguity Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.

Learns about changing priorities and responds appropriately. Connects with appropriate individuals to gain direction. Takes steps forward, even when details are unknown.

County Core Values All Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies. Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion.

Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.org to make an accommodation request. Emergency Management Responsibilities Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers

County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned. County-wide Employee Responsibilities All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies. All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.


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