Summary

The Grants Specialist performs a variety of general administrative functions in support of the Grants Management Division. Responsibilities include program management support and planning, monitoring grant recipients and members, preparation of reports, grant application management, and building and maintaining relationships with non-profit and governmental partners and consortiums. No prior experience with grants is required, however the incumbent must demonstrate strong organizational and admi

Description

Ideal Candidate:

  • Actively listens and responds with empathy, especially when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged situations
  • Maintains professionalism and focus even amid frequent interruptions or shifting demands
  • Consistently adheres to schedules, timelines, and work plans
  • Consistently adheres to rules, policies, and ethical standards – even when no one is watching

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
HUD CPD PROGRAMS (hOME AND CDBG)

  • Implements programs funded through the Department of Housing and Urbana Development, including CDBG and HOME Investment Partnership programs, through:
    • Supports the Housing Rehabilitation program by maintaining and updating application materials, reviewing applications for assistance, and overseeing home repair projects in coordination with the City’s Building Official and approved contractors.
    • Processes reimbursement requests from contractors and subgrantees and reviews requests for compliance with program regulations.
    • Communicates program contract and regulatory requirements to partner agencies, program contractors, and community members, and assists in reviewing and monitoring current and prospective partner agency documents and programs for regulatory compliance.
    • Tracks and reports project progress and accomplishments to HUD.
    • Conducts outreach to community members and partners to promote awareness of programs and to inform plans and reports.

community services grant program

  • Coordinates City of Urbana grant opportunities for social service agencies, including but not limited to grants through the Community Services Grants Program, through:
    • Prepares application forms.
    • Notifies to social service agencies regarding fund availability.
    • Provides technical assistance training to applying agencies.
    • Assists with application review process.
    • Processes reimbursement requests.
    • Tracks program data and outcomes.

housing and homeless innovations grant Program

  • Implements grants for homeless services and shelter programming, including but not limited to grants through the Housing and Homeless Innovations Grant Program, through:
    • Assists Division Manager and division staff with preparation of program materials, including applications forms and subrecipient agreements.
    • Tracks and reports progress and accomplishments to funding agencies.
    • Reviews and processes reimbursement requests.
  • Assists Grants Management Division Manager in representing the City on the Continuum of Services Providers to the Homeless Service Providers to the Homeless and Human Service Council.

Required / Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 

  • Knowledge typically acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, community development, or equivalent experience directly related to the previous degrees.
  • One year of related professional experience. 
  • Familiarity with HUD grant programs, including CDBG, HOME, and McKinney-Vento (HEARTH) Act
  • Familiarity with environmental review guidelines is desirable.
  • Must possess, or obtain within fifteen (15) days, and maintain a current State of Illinois Class D Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), particularly for home repair projects, HOME Investment Partnership, Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), and professional work with social service agencies.

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.

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