Strategic Economic Growth Specialist

Commonwealth of PA

Dauphin County, PA

THE POSITION

Are you someone who enjoys working autonomously while providing accurate and reliable information? If so, the Department of Community and Economic Development is seeking an individual like you to join our team today. Specifically, we are looking for an individual to work on the HOME Investment Partnerships federal block grant program, which aims to provide municipalities with grant and loan assistance to increase the availability of affordable housing for low- and very low-income residents of Pennsylvania. This program is federally funded and plays a crucial role in expanding and preserving the supply of decent and affordable housing in the state. If you are looking for your next career opportunity, apply with us today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The primary responsibility of this role involves organizing and overseeing the monitoring process for grantees. Additionally, the position entails evaluating and providing recommendations for grant applications to ensure their approval. Another crucial aspect of the job is to independently assess the programmatic capabilities of each grantee seeking assistance. Furthermore, the role requires effective communication with local elected officials and staff to discuss the activities and appropriate utilization of HOME and other Housing and Urban Development (HUD) special purpose grant funds within the Center for Community and Housing Development. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Analyzing HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and other HUD special purpose grant applications.
  • Inputting information into and the implementation of various information management systems documenting compliance with the federal HOME and other HUD programs requirements.
  • Preparing the applications and systems for the recommendation of contracts for HOME and other HUD special purpose grants for conformity with the required contracting processes within the Department.
  • Preparing the necessary information for the processing of federal grant contracts.
  • Preparing and presenting compliance training for local government grantees and state staff in the HOME and other HUD special purpose programs.
  • Maintaining the necessary files to demonstrate the Commonwealth’s compliance with all applicable federal and state compliance requirements.
  • Participating in HUD monitoring of the Center for Community & Housing Development programs and assisting in the development of responses to HUD monitoring reports.
  • Evaluating widely varied HOME and other HUD special purpose grant applications within designated counties by conducting a thorough review in accordance with complex federal and state statutes, regulations, and guidelines, taking into account local needs and priorities.
  • Reviewing and analyzing the various information management systems, including but not limited to HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), DCED’s Electronic Single Application (ESA), and the federal program tracking system, to document compliance with the federal HOME and other HUD special purpose grant programs’ regulations.
  • Providing substantial and detailed technical advice and assistance to grantees by interpreting HOME program standards, procedures, and policies to resolve varied problems obstructing the progress of projects funded by the HOME program and other HUD special purpose grants.
  • Monitoring grantees by reviewing grantee reports, analyzing budget and accounting practices, approving funding requests, evaluating proposed project and contract revisions, and conducting periodic on-site inspections as well as desk audits and monitoring of grantees through the HOME funded projects affordability period.
  • Implementing the closeout of HOME and other HUD special purpose grant contracts while verifying compliance with program requirements and documenting files.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Full-time employment.
Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. Telework options will be discussed with the supervisor. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in business or public administration or a related field; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):
Able to work in or commute to Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
A degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Political Science or related field.
Experience administering the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Experience administering, managing, or working as an analyst or compliance staff member on federal, state or local grant programs.
Experience performing analytical work.
Experience reviewing, evaluating or assisting with determinations for grant applications.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at [email protected].

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or

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