Get in touch
555-555-5555
mymail@mailservice.com

Employment Opportunities

About the Agency

The Housing Act of 1949 (Title V of P.L. 81-171) laid groundwork for the establishment of agencies such as the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency. Following the Housing Act, the Agency was established in 1950 under Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes by resolution of the Common Council, which authorized it to create redevelopment plans and take the necessary steps to implement these plans in accordance with local zoning provisions.


The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency is a quasi-governmental planning organization governed by a Board of Commissioners. The Agency’s five commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council. These Commissioners elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Redevelopment plans and implementation efforts are reviewed and approved by the citizen-elected Common Council.


The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency’s work is concentrated within Norwalk’s Urban Core. This jurisdiction covers five redevelopment and urban renewal areas: Wall Street - West Avenue, Reed - Putnam, Washington - South Main, South Norwalk, and Lexington. Through grant procurement, progressive planning and collaboration with City departments, the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency proactively works to preserve and improve existing neighborhoods by attracting new development within these priority areas.


Norwalk Redevelopment Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Current openings

Fair Housing Officer


SCHEDULE: Full time

SALARY RANGE: $108,994.00 - $138,060.00 annually

BENEFITS: Medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off including vacation, sick, personal and 13 holidays; retirement savings plan, including agency contribution


JOB SUMMARY: Organizes, coordinates and administers the Fair Housing Plan for the City of Norwalk. Oversees and performs the investigation of fair housing complaints. Reports to and receives day-to-day administrative supervision from the Executive Director of the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency (RDA). Receives policy advice and direction from the Fair Housing Advisory Commission (FHAC) in those areas relating to the duties of the FHAC. Supervises volunteers and support staff.


GENERAL DUTIES:

  • Serves as support staff and attends the monthly meetings of the FHAC. Assists the FHAC in developing fair housing programs and outreach.
  • Annually prepares a proposed budget for the Fair Housing Office (“the Office”). Submits it to the FHAC for finalization and then, to the City.
  • Establishes work procedures and priority of work tasks for the Office.
  • Participates in the drafting of reports that are required of the City as a condition of receiving local, state or federal monies;
  • Conducts studies of local housing patterns and practices, fair lending practices, and economic and social trends relevant to fair housing, and develops recommendations.
  • Advises the Mayor, RDA, FHAC and other appropriate entities on housing and economic issues.
  • Advocates for needed legislation.
  • Prepares reports for the Executive Director of the RDA, the Mayor and the FHAC upon request.
  • Conducts outreach to residents. Prepares and distributes written materials; Speaks to social, cultural, religious and civic organizations; Attends meetings including evenings or weekends when necessary.
  • Remains current on relevant issues and laws and is a source of information on landlord/tenant and housing discrimination laws.
  • Prepares an annual report.
  • Receives housing discrimination complaints; Investigates those complaints and prepares recommendations for the city and agencies. Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer testers. Acts as ombudsman in investigating and resolving problems related to fair housing. Assists residents in the filing and pursuit of complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, or other appropriate enforcement body. Provides advocacy and/or testimony at fair housing enforcement hearings. Maintains a list of pro bono attorneys who will assist residents file complaints.
  • Works in cooperation with government officials and private agencies/organizations to implement local fair housing/fair lending objectives. 


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The skills and knowledge required would generally be acquired with a Bachelor’s Degree in a social science and at least two years of responsible housing or employment discrimination work that includes some administrative experience. A law degree is highly desirable. A minimum of three years successful experience as a Fair Housing Officer in an urban setting may be considered in lieu of a law degree.
  • The candidate must possess the following abilities: work independently; organize people with divergent backgrounds into working committees; defuse hostile situations; research issues; prepare written materials for public dissemination; speak to groups of people, including the media, in a clear and concise manner; supervise; investigate complaints; interview effectively; advocate; and comfort operating in all neighborhoods in the city.
  • The candidate should also possess skills in writing and client record-keeping; preparing budgets and financial reports; recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers; analyzing information; evaluating tester data; generating enforcement action; Competent in using a computer and Microsoft Office programs.


LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION: Required degree and a current motor vehicle operator’s license.


The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and responsibility


Norwalk Redevelopment Agency is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is located in Norwalk, Connecticut.


Please email your resume along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to koleary@norwalkct.gov. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Share by: