Neighborhood Services Specialist - Grant Budget Specialist

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness?   Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities?  Then this might be the opportunity for you!

We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Neighborhood Services Specialist (Grant Budget Specialist) working with the City of Yuma Department of Community Development.  The ideal candidate will oversee, administer, and coordinate a variety of housing and neighborhood services grant programs under the Neighborhood & Economic Development Division work plan.

Under basic supervision, this job classification coordinates Federal entitlement programs for City residents; monitors program compliance standards and assures that appropriate services are provided to eligible participants through the City of Yuma Community Development Neighborhood & Economic Development Division (NED).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administers and coordinates housing and neighborhood services programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HOME Program and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); performs a variety of technical and administrative duties to provide eligible recipients and sub-recipients with grant funds that can be used to revitalize homes and neighborhoods and expand affordable housing and economic opportunities; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Oversees provision of grant-funded services by outside agencies and service providers; reviews payment requests for accuracy, completeness and consistency with program budgets; monitors activities of grant funded programs to assure the technical requirements are met; works independently, and makes appropriate decisions based on work experience.
• Monitors NED programs to assure compliance with Federal regulations, contracts, agreements, and NED standards, goals, and policies; maintains records of activities, and submits monthly, quarterly and annual reports to document services provided and meet funding agency requirements.
• Reviews grant expenditures and ensures compliance with grant program requirements; researches discrepancies; prepares and submits request for payment of grants.
• Researches financial issues and resolves problems within the scope of authority.
• Assists in the preparation of the division budget, including making projections, monitoring budgets, and recommending amendments as needed.
• Reviews sub-recipient payment requests, reconciles source documentation and determines eligibility for reimbursement from grant funds.
• Assists program participants and service providers with questions, problems and concerns, and responds within scope of authority; provides assistance to complete technical applications.
• Verifies program participants meet eligibility standards for compliance with Federal regulations and agreements; provides technical assistance and training to program participants and service providers.
• Coordinates and promotes housing and neighborhood services programs; conducts public meetings to promote programs and address program issues; represents the City and NED on community committees concerned with homelessness and fair housing services.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Yuma and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, or related field; AND two years’ experience with CDBG, HOME, federal grant programs, financial experience and community organizations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Federal, State and local rules and regulations governing community development, affordable housing, and neighborhood redevelopment, including HUD, HOME, and CDBG performance standards and procedures.
• HUD Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), Consolidated Plan processes.
• Grant-funded project management accounting systems and documentation standards.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
• Program development and administration practices, procedures and regulations.
• Neighborhood revitalization and outreach practices and principles.
• Public relations and customer service methods and techniques.
• Program, project, budget, and contract management techniques.

Skill in:

• Understanding and applying City, state and Federal statutes, ordinances, codes, and regulations.
• Researching and interpreting HUD, HOME, and CDBG documents and program regulations.
• Handling and prioritizing multiple funding sources, projects and programs, Federal, State, County and City laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.
• Reviewing interrelated financial and technical records, and identifying and reconciling errors.
• Reviewing financial and technical documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Preparing technical and financial reports and recommendations.
• Reviewing, updating and maintaining files, reports and documentation for grant programs.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with state and Federal agencies, public service organizations, stakeholders, and community leaders.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Arizona State Driver’s License is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in standard office environment; may be required to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects.