HEAP Program Officer

Description

Primary Purpose of Position: The HEAP Program Officer is responsible for providing technical assistance to consumers and partners for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP, Energy Self-Sufficiency and Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) programs.

Core Functions:

Vendor Training and Monitoring

o Annual Consumption Report (ACR) training

o ACR report preparation and reconciliation

o Annual Vendor Training

o Maintain Vendor Handbook

o Maintaining Vendor Forms

o Regular monitoring of vendors for compliance 

o Vendor Closeouts 

Process and prepare payments for HEAP client benefits

o Coordinate the payment process in the HEAP System of Record and QuickBooks 

o Review HEAP benefits for compliance

o Prepare and submit drawdown request to the Finance Department

o Prepare weekly benefit payment report

Process benefit returns

o Review transaction histories to monitor appropriate use of HEAP funds

Post all benefit returns in QuickBooks and update benefit return journal
 

LIAP 

o Provide eligibility information and guidance to consumers and partners

o Respond to inquiries from electrical vendors

Provide direction, interpretation, and technical assistance of program guidelines to consumers and partners 

o Research and resolve CAA, vendor, and consumer issues

o Respond to inquiries from the public and/or partners via phone and e-mail

Application Updates

o Confirm and process all application changes

o Review all update forms for impact on benefits issued

Compliance and Monitoring

o Review requests to ensure compliance with program guidelines

o Work with CAA to resolve any discrepancies

o Reopen applications in HEAP System of Record

o Monthly review of Quality Assurance and Conflict of Interest Logs

o Review all fraud referrals

o Prepare for and participate in Fair Hearings

o Review and respond to requests for Informal Reviews

o Maintain and update HEAP forms and Program Handbook and monitor sub-grantees to ensure compliance with their workplans for HEAP, ECIP, and ESS

Other Duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience: Education and three years of program administration or a combination of six years of experience, training and independent study preferred. 

Skills and Knowledge:

· Knowledge and experience in interpreting governmental regulations and contract compliance

· Strong computer and analytical skills

· Excellent communications skills 

· Ability to work independently

· Accuracy and attention to detail

· Excellent organizational skills

· Ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks

· Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions

· Ability to proofread, edit, and make grammatical corrections

Working Conditions: Fast paced environment with multiple priorities, interruptions & deadlines. Work hours may include some nights, weekends, and travel in and out of state. MaineHousing office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. A hybrid schedule may be considered, if appropriate, after 6 months employment.

Reports To: Manager of HEAP                                                             Supervises: no one

The salary range for this position is $50,037 - $72,648.  All new employees will start at an hourly rate of $24.0562 ($50,037 annually), unless otherwise agreed to by MaineHousing.  MaineHousing also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including, but not limited to, health, dental and vision, retirement options with employer match, life insurance, short and long-term disability, employee assistance, generous earned time and all major federal holidays. Employment is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.