Howard County Government
Grants Program Specialist (Human Services Specialist II) - Housing and Community
Howard County Government, Columbia, Maryland, United States, 21046
Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.POSITION SUMMARY:
Performs a variety of administrative and human services work in support of the Department of Housing and Community Development. General duties include generating applications, producing agreements and approving reimbursement requests for a variety of grant programs; collecting, interpreting, analyzing and presenting relevant data to maintain the County's designation as a HUD entitlement jurisdiction; reviewing, approving and processing funding requests for grant applications, coordinating grant expenditures and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, interacting with community groups and nonprofit partners to provide funding and technical assistance for eligible program activities, and assisting the Administration and Finance Department with policies, procedures, compliance and auditing requirements related to grant programs.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$32.31 - $35.32$67,199 - $73,466
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives, and providing a full range of counseling and referral services. Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws, and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs.
Including the following, other duties may be assigned.This is professional and technical work involving financial accounting, technical assistance to applicants, and monitoring of compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Work in the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program includes developing, preparing and monitoring Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), developer/sponsor and sub-recipient agreements, serving as a liaison for the County with HUD representatives, sub-recipients and CHDOs.Serves as the Department's HOME Program primary contact with HUD, CHDOs, community organizations and the general public.Serves as lead back-up to the Chief of Community Planning and Grants in the administration and preparation of agreements for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program, and the County’s MIHU Fee In-Lieu Program.Responsible for financial and programmatic record keeping including monitoring of income eligibility, affordability periods, closeout reports and demographic information for inclusion in HUD's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).Administrative support of the HOME and CDBG programs involves maintaining complex financial spreadsheets requiring specialized training, including in depth knowledge of HUD's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). This position will monitor project status and timelines in IDIS and address any deficiencies within HUD timelines.Reviews non-profit organizations' qualifications as Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and developers/sponsors. Provide technical assistance to CHDOs to ensure compliance with the HUD regulations and agreements. Monitors compliance with progress requirements for CHDOs.Has a working knowledge of HUD program guidelines and regulations, and regularly attends HUD trainings to ensure the federal grant recipients comply with HUD regulations. Develops and maintains internal procedures to ensure compliance with grant regulations.Initiate and complete HUD Environmental Reviews, Release of Funds and Public Notices as required.When applicable, manage HUD labor standards for federally funded construction projects and capital projects, including attendance at construction meetings, reviewing wage rates and certified payrolls, and visiting construction sites.Monitors compliance of non-federal match and threshold requirements and maintains federally required documentation. Verifies financial information/invoices provided by grantees and sub-recipients, reviews and monitors progress of HOME and CDBG projects and reviews quarterly reports for inputting in HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).Assist with the data collection, needs assessment, and preparation of the 5-year Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan that must be submitted to HUD for the Department to continue to receive federal fund awards. Facilitate public hearings, disseminate information to stakeholders and community groups, create a needs survey tool and distribute the final plans.Assist with managing the application process for the CDBG, HOME, and MIHU programs, ensuring compliance and project eligibility with the award guidelines and benchmarks. Create all pre- and post-award documents and file maintenance.Assist with the development of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which reports the accomplishments and progress towards meeting of the goals of the Annual Action Plans and the Consolidated Plan to HUD.Required to attend and present information at Housing and Community Development Board meetings (2-3 per year) as well as outreach events (2-3 per year).Participates in the monthly regional meetings as it relates to the Analysis of Impediments of Fair Housing Choice. Assist with coordinating local focus group hearings for the County, which will involve outreach to stakeholders across County agencies, not-for-profit organizations and community groups.Bachelor's degree and one (1) year related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Training and experience in HUD funded programs, particularly the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Partnership Investment (HOME) programs, grants management, and reporting.Extensive experience in HUD's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).Familiarity with HUD’s Environmental Review Online System (HEROS).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.The employee is occasionally required to stand.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.Some meetings and outreach events may occur outside of normal business hours, during the evenings and/or on weekends.Traveling to sites, physically traversing the ground and visually inspecting the meeting/training area, attending meetings onsite or in other offices.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work well with an ethnically diverse population.Strong computer proficiency especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and spreadsheet applications necessary.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret governmental regulations and documents.Ability to respond to common inquiries and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from top management, clients, customers, and the general public.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages.Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.Ability to sort through described problems to ascertain the issues that need to be addressed.Ability to identify needs from a minimum of information.Demonstrated ability to problem solve.Ability to establish rapport with parents, caregivers, and the general public.Ability to travel to and move around job sites independently to attend meetings, events, and other related work.Possession of a Class C Maryland Driver's license.#J-18808-Ljbffr
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.POSITION SUMMARY:
Performs a variety of administrative and human services work in support of the Department of Housing and Community Development. General duties include generating applications, producing agreements and approving reimbursement requests for a variety of grant programs; collecting, interpreting, analyzing and presenting relevant data to maintain the County's designation as a HUD entitlement jurisdiction; reviewing, approving and processing funding requests for grant applications, coordinating grant expenditures and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, interacting with community groups and nonprofit partners to provide funding and technical assistance for eligible program activities, and assisting the Administration and Finance Department with policies, procedures, compliance and auditing requirements related to grant programs.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$32.31 - $35.32$67,199 - $73,466
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives, and providing a full range of counseling and referral services. Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws, and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs.
Including the following, other duties may be assigned.This is professional and technical work involving financial accounting, technical assistance to applicants, and monitoring of compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Work in the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program includes developing, preparing and monitoring Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), developer/sponsor and sub-recipient agreements, serving as a liaison for the County with HUD representatives, sub-recipients and CHDOs.Serves as the Department's HOME Program primary contact with HUD, CHDOs, community organizations and the general public.Serves as lead back-up to the Chief of Community Planning and Grants in the administration and preparation of agreements for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Program, and the County’s MIHU Fee In-Lieu Program.Responsible for financial and programmatic record keeping including monitoring of income eligibility, affordability periods, closeout reports and demographic information for inclusion in HUD's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).Administrative support of the HOME and CDBG programs involves maintaining complex financial spreadsheets requiring specialized training, including in depth knowledge of HUD's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). This position will monitor project status and timelines in IDIS and address any deficiencies within HUD timelines.Reviews non-profit organizations' qualifications as Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and developers/sponsors. Provide technical assistance to CHDOs to ensure compliance with the HUD regulations and agreements. Monitors compliance with progress requirements for CHDOs.Has a working knowledge of HUD program guidelines and regulations, and regularly attends HUD trainings to ensure the federal grant recipients comply with HUD regulations. Develops and maintains internal procedures to ensure compliance with grant regulations.Initiate and complete HUD Environmental Reviews, Release of Funds and Public Notices as required.When applicable, manage HUD labor standards for federally funded construction projects and capital projects, including attendance at construction meetings, reviewing wage rates and certified payrolls, and visiting construction sites.Monitors compliance of non-federal match and threshold requirements and maintains federally required documentation. Verifies financial information/invoices provided by grantees and sub-recipients, reviews and monitors progress of HOME and CDBG projects and reviews quarterly reports for inputting in HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).Assist with the data collection, needs assessment, and preparation of the 5-year Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan that must be submitted to HUD for the Department to continue to receive federal fund awards. Facilitate public hearings, disseminate information to stakeholders and community groups, create a needs survey tool and distribute the final plans.Assist with managing the application process for the CDBG, HOME, and MIHU programs, ensuring compliance and project eligibility with the award guidelines and benchmarks. Create all pre- and post-award documents and file maintenance.Assist with the development of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which reports the accomplishments and progress towards meeting of the goals of the Annual Action Plans and the Consolidated Plan to HUD.Required to attend and present information at Housing and Community Development Board meetings (2-3 per year) as well as outreach events (2-3 per year).Participates in the monthly regional meetings as it relates to the Analysis of Impediments of Fair Housing Choice. Assist with coordinating local focus group hearings for the County, which will involve outreach to stakeholders across County agencies, not-for-profit organizations and community groups.Bachelor's degree and one (1) year related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Training and experience in HUD funded programs, particularly the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Partnership Investment (HOME) programs, grants management, and reporting.Extensive experience in HUD's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).Familiarity with HUD’s Environmental Review Online System (HEROS).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.The employee is occasionally required to stand.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.Some meetings and outreach events may occur outside of normal business hours, during the evenings and/or on weekends.Traveling to sites, physically traversing the ground and visually inspecting the meeting/training area, attending meetings onsite or in other offices.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work well with an ethnically diverse population.Strong computer proficiency especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and spreadsheet applications necessary.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret governmental regulations and documents.Ability to respond to common inquiries and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from top management, clients, customers, and the general public.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages.Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.Ability to sort through described problems to ascertain the issues that need to be addressed.Ability to identify needs from a minimum of information.Demonstrated ability to problem solve.Ability to establish rapport with parents, caregivers, and the general public.Ability to travel to and move around job sites independently to attend meetings, events, and other related work.Possession of a Class C Maryland Driver's license.#J-18808-Ljbffr