HOUSING/GRANTS COMPLIANCE OFFICER

City of Gulfport, Mississippi

Job Description

HOUSING/GRANTS COMPLIANCE OFFICER (TSC)
Department: 146 – Grants Management
EEO Class: Professional	FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Overview

The Housing/Grants Compliance Officer monitors all applicable state and federal programs and special projects for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, policies and procedures. Provides technical assistance to clients, contractors, and sub-recipients in the areas of housing/capital projects. Performs field inspection activities and coordinates the work of others related to the City’s housing/capital project programs.

In accordance with sound business practice, and policies and procedures approved by the City of Gulfport and local, state and federal agencies, the Housing/ Grants Compliance Officer is responsible for the design and implementation of compliance systems as required by the execution of program activities of each grant contract.

Essential Job Functions
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Reviews and develops, when necessary, updates to the internal procedures to maintain good internal control systems to assure compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Maintains and monitors all Local / State / Federal grants for compliance.
• Reports grant expenditures to the various agencies and reviews/prepares drawdown/reimbursement requests according to procedure outlined by grantor.
• Prepares detailed and complex schedules and supporting data for Single Audit part of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit.
• Assists Grants Manager in developing and updating program policies and guidelines for all eligible projects.
• Provides technical assistance to internal grant recipients by answering inquiries and overseeing general project implementation for compliance with local, state, and federal policies and procedures related to grants management.
• Maintains documentation to support accounting records that permit the tracing of funds.
• Performs month-end and year-end closeout of the Community Development records.
• Develops and updates grants management documentation as necessary, including training staff and partners on relevant policies and procedures.
• Conducts periodic audits of program documentation for compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures (local, state, and federal).
• Monitors program performance including contracts management activities (activities may include but are not limited to ensuring that reports are completed on time, are reflective of contractual outcomes, and including all necessary data.)
• Utilizes of grant information system, providing grant tracing as part of on-line grants system and grants analysis.
• Participates in pre-bid conferences and pre-construction conferences; interview employees of contractors and subcontractors; monitor contractor compliance with all laws, guidelines and regulations imposed under grant contract to the City of Gulfport.
• Provides oversight and management of contracted services; ensuring that construction is initiated and completed in a timely manner.
• Prepares reports, completes forms and seeks wage decisions as required by grant terms and conditions for the various state/federal programs.
• Assists in processing funding applications as assigned.
• Keeps abreast of everchanging rules and regulations of current and proposed grants.
• Secures bids and provides information to accountant for submission of purchase orders.
• Conducts on-site auditing and monitoring of agencies as required.
• Analyzes and makes recommendations regarding proposed housing programs, considering factors such as program criteria, feasibility, cost and benefit.
• Oversees review and approval of Housing Rehabilitation and Emergency Repair Grant Programs.
• Performs inspections of residential properties to determine needed repairs; supervises work write-up and lead base paint technicians, and cost estimates for housing rehabilitation work. Identifies hazardous conditions and code violations.
• Works closely with applicants/contractors in preparing construction plans and work specifications; assist in obtaining bids from contractors, evaluates and prepares a written recommendation on bids to program clients; develops contract documents.
• Monitors construction work progress; inspects work completion and ensures compliance with work specifications and plans.
• Develops systems for housing program implementation.
• Makes presentations regarding programs and issues to citizen groups, committees, commission, boards and the City Council.
• Coordinates review and processing of loan/grant documents and loan payoffs.
• Assists and acts on behalf of the Grants Manager regarding compliance of programs, issues to citizens and citizen groups, committees, commissions, boards and the City Council.
• Uses electronic spreadsheets and other office tools such as calculator, word processing, etc.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, theory, and procedures; financial systems applications and methods, spreadsheet and word processing programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with citizens, vendors and staff from other city departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and elicit cooperation of others.
• Ability to prepare clear, comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports and correspondence; comprehend and make inferences from written material; interpret federal, state and local government laws and regulations regarding grant contracts and administration.
• Ability to review the work products of others to ensure conformance to standards.
• Strong writing skills, as it relates to grants, monthly reports, press releases, etc.
• Ability to review the work products of others to ensure conformance to standards

Education and Experience

Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting or equivalent graduate study preferred. Three to five years progressively responsible experience in grants administration/management. Knowledge of grants and grant administration systems, processes and budgeting.

Required Licenses or Certificates

Must possess a valid Mississippi driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands 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.

Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 10+ pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are primarily indoors.