Housing Programs Intern

Housing Intern

Support the City of Pinole's efforts to improve housing outcomes for our community members. Pinole is committed to supporting its residents through the development of community-informed housing programs and policies. The City's Housing Division has multiple programs in various stages of implementation, ranging from pre-development to early launch. This role focuses on engaging residents, promoting programs, and providing technical assistance to residents.

Work Environment: Schedule: 20 hours per week from July to September, with flexible scheduling. Format: Hybrid; 6hr in-person minimum weekly. Additional Learning Opportunities: If the intern has specific interestssuch as completing a plan review, writing a staff report, or presenting at a meetingCity staff will work to incorporate those experiences when possible.

Provides a variety of pre-entry-level administrative, analytical, and communication support to City operations and obtains professional development.

This class receives direct supervision and training from an appropriate City employee or official. It is designed to provide pre-entry-level work experience on a variety of projects. Assignments vary, depending upon the needs of the City, but all require administrative, analytical, and communication skills in addition to basic professional knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

The Housing Intern will support the City's housing programs, affordable housing development activities, and community engagement efforts. Typical duties include:

• Community Engagement and Outreach Conduct neighborhood-level outreach for City housing assistance programs. Support engagement with rental property owners and tenants for the City's rental inspection and inventory program. Organize and co-facilitate fair housing workshops in partnership with the Northern California Land Trust (NCLT). Develop clear, accessible communication materials using tools such as Canva to inform the public about City programs, resources, and housing initiatives.
• Affordable Housing and Housing Successor Support Assist staff with research, data collection, and background analysis related to affordable housing development, including new construction, acquisition/rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation, and preservation of at-risk affordable units. Support preliminary feasibility and planning tasks for projects that may result in long-term affordability covenants (55-year rental, 45-year ownership, or 15-year mutual self-help). Compile information needed for establishing, tracking, or monitoring affordability covenants associated with Housing Successorassisted activities. Help track units with expiring affordability restrictions and assist in outreach to property owners to assess preservation opportunities. Conduct background research and support planning activities related to homeless prevention and rapid rehousing strategies allowable under Housing Successor funding. Assist in preparing materials for community engagement efforts related to affordable housing development, preservation, and homelessness prevention.
• Program Support and Reporting Provide technical assistance to property owners and tenants for enrollment and compliance in the rental inspection program. Assist in developing program documentation, internal reporting, and summaries of findings. Prepare recommendations for program improvements based on collected data, engagement feedback, and observed needs.

Examples of Duties

• Performs research and analysis to complete assigned projects;
• Prepares various written documents, including project memos, emails, newsletters, flyers, press releases, articles, posts, and letters;
• Performs verbal communication with the public and other stakeholders either in person or on the phone;
• Provides information and serves as a liaison between City and the public on basic inquiries;
• Attends community meetings and events;
• Performs general administrative tasks, such as word processing, filing, note taking, and meeting coordination; and
• Maintains a variety of working and official files.

Knowledge of:

• Basic professional standards and practices for an office and government work setting;
• Basic principles of municipal administration;
• Principles and techniques of conducting research and analysis and making sound recommendations;
• Computer applications related to the work;
• Records management principles and practices; and
• Techniques for providing excellent customer service to a variety of stakeholders.

Skill in:

• Conducting basic administrative functions;
• Conducting research and analysis;
• Preparing clear written materials;
• Clear verbal communication;
• Maintaining accurate records and files;
• Understanding and following oral and written directions;
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, effectively multi-task, meet deadlines, and use sound judgment within specific procedural guidelines; and
• Effectively representing the City with various individuals and groups.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Interest in city government and public service. Enrolled in high school or college. Some prior work experience is desirable.

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Housing Studies, or a related field.
• Strong communication, organizational, and research skills.
• Familiarity with Canva or other design tools for public-facing content.
• Interest in affordable housing, municipal planning, and public engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal oversight.

Working Conditions: Must be able to work in a standard office setting. Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; strength and stamina to lift and carry 25 pounds; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.