Community Program Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $7,188.00 - $8,981.00 Monthly
Location : Lakewood City Hall, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00061
Department: Public Works and Planning
Division: Housing & Community Services
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Housing Division Manager, develop, monitor and evaluate community development, economic development, public works, public services, housing development, environmental protection, and related development projects of considerable scope and complexity. Assure adherence to contract guidelines and federal, state and City laws, regulations and policies; initiate and/or approve program expenditures; provide technical assistance to funding recipients, staff, contractors, and the general public.
This is an AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment is open until filled with first review of applications on or after August 31, 2026. The hiring
manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. Interested
candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for best consideration.
*This
recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies within six (6) months of
posting closure.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Monitor programs and contracts for compliance with departmental standards and with federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies; conduct program and project reviews and monitor progress at program sites to assure appropriate contract compliance in accordance with CDBG regulation 24 CFR 570 and HOME program regulation 24 CFR Part 92; recommend corrective action.
Review and analyze applications and project proposals by reviewing program requirements and standards, financial statements, loan records, credit worthiness, income information, organizational experience and capacity, pro forma and audit reports; determine program eligibility; make funding recommendations.
Conduct on-site project inspections, noting program deficiencies and related code deficiencies; develop bid specifications and/or project specifications to correct deficiencies; prepare detailed work orders, cost estimates/analyses; conduct progress inspections; ensure compliance with program rules and regulations, federal, state and local regulations, and program objectives.
Prepare environmental reviews in accordance with NEPA regulation 24 CFR Part 58; evaluate projects to identify potential compliance issues or concerns.
Review projects for Davis-Bacon compliance; recommend category of construction in accordance with U.S. Dept. of Labor AAM #130 and #131; review classifications and apply for additional classifications as necessary; create bid documents to ensure state and federal wage compliance; review wage decisions; review certified payrolls; conduct on-site inspections; prepare wage interviews and related reports; review intents and affidavits; file for appropriate retainage releases; conduct wage restitution investigations; make recommendations for sanctions or debarment.
Implement project goals and objectives, policies and procedures, systems, and evaluation criteria; prepare drafts of contracts, grant agreements and loan documents; coordinate contract implementation and funding.
Compile program and project information and prepare various oral and written reports and evaluations; assist the Housing Division Manager with preparation of the Consolidated Annual Action Plan (AAP) and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and other program reporting and evaluation requirements; input data into HUD's Integrated Disbursement & Information System (IDIS); ensure projects conformance with goals and objectives.
Order credit reports, appraisals, title reports and various inspections needed to meet program requirements. Review all reports for acceptability.
Review loan submission packages for housing programs; determine maximum assistance based on household income, credit history and program regulations; inspect property for suitability for program; prepare and submit loan paperwork; issue loan approval/denial; prepare loan closing documents and escrow instructions; arrange for wire transfer of loan proceeds to escrow; review signed closing documents; forward documents for recording; obtain insurance coverage to protect City's interest; review and prepare subordination agreements.
Review and issue loan approval and closing documents for all HUD program loans.
Work with City staff, jurisdictional authorities, community organizations, businesses and the general public to determine program needs; design activities and/or programs to meet those needs.
Review and coordinate program controls to ensure continued compliance with federal, state and local audits of program; assist the Housing Division Manager in the preparation of grants and grant proposals.
Provide technical assistance and recommendations to improve project and program operations; recommend increase of funds or contract amendments as necessary; monitor program/project budget status; recommend progress payment in accordance with contract terms; sign payment vouchers.
Attend meetings and/or conferences as program representative.
Coordinate contracting processes including requests for proposals, request for qualifications, reviewing and analyzing proposals.
Support advisory groups developing funding recommendations; provide staff support.
Administer and maintain records, agreements and contracts with public agencies, funding agencies and private organizations.
Make oral presentations; plan, organize and conduct community and business meetings to disseminate information, and enlist participation in community program activities.
Design, write, edit and distribute public information materials in various media, including brochures, flyers, newsletters, reports, manuals and correspondence specific to program.
Respond to complaints and concerns of program participants; respond to program inquiries.
Maintain detailed records and reports on all projects and general work; ensure compliance with local, state and federal rules/guidelines, regulations and policies pertaining to the Single Audit Act and requirements of each program.
Perform related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to: a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in business, public administration or related field and two years of experience in contract management, including construction contract management and program evaluation involving complex federal and state regulations. Experience with lending and loan documentation, federal grant funding, public works and/or community development is desired.
LICENSES AND OR CERTIFICATION:
Valid Washington State Driver's License within 30 days of hire.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) regulation 24 CFR Part 570.
HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) regulation 24 CFR Part 92.
Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) and Davis-Bacon Related Acts (DBRA).
State of Washington prevailing wage requirements.
HUD environmental review regulations at 24 CFR Part 58.
General mortgage loan underwriting guidelines for refinance and purchase loans.
Review of loan applications, credit reports, appraisals, inspection reports, title reports, audit reports and general financial reports for acceptability.
Proper methods of determining household income based on CDBG and HOME program guidelines.
Statistical analysis and other evaluation methods.
Current trends and developments in specific program field; local and regional trends.
Project/construction management and scheduling.
Principles and practices of governmental accounting methods and procedures.
City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
Negotiating techniques.
Financial and general record-keeping techniques.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
ABILITY TO:
Work with significant independent action and judgment in the coordination and implementation of project specific services.
Prepare, negotiate and monitor multiple contracts.
Analyze and interpret complex data sets and other information quickly and accurately to determine and appropriate course of action; implement corrective action and monitor for compliance.
Coordinate single or multiple programs and monitor for compliance.
Research, collect and interpret date relating to program rules, regulations and objectives.
Interpret and follow program policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with related federal, state and local rules and regulations and policies.
Apply financial and basic record keeping principles to the maintenance program files.
Monitor construction projects for prevailing wage and environmental requirements compliance.
Maintain detailed records of activities and general work.
Produce clear and comprehensive reports.
Plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines.
Interpret construction specifications and drawings.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Write grammatically correct correspondences, reports and documents.
Speak using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain and convey program information.
Prepare detailed program specific public information materials; plan, develop and implement effectual marketing strategies for program.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a variety of office machines including computer and related accounting software applications, calculator, fax, copiers and telephone.
Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
for
AFSCME MEMBERS
This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.
WORK HOURS
The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.
SALARY INCREASES
Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
HOLIDAYS
Employees are granted the following paid holidays:
New Year's Day
M.L. King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day
Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
PAID TIME OFF
Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year.
Accrual Rate:
During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year
After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year
After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year
After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year
Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
SHARED LEAVE
If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees.
MILITARY LEAVE
Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.
The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.
JURY DUTY LEAVE
Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.
RETIREMENT PLAN
Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3.
Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT
In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.
Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.
VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investm