Housing Programs Specialist

About the position

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking a Social Service Program Specialist II to assist with the management and oversight of various housing programs, including the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), Continuum of Care - Permanent Supportive Housing rental assistance program (PSHP), Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), and Rental Subsidy Programs. This full-time position is located in Augusta and allows for partial telework with management approval. The role involves collaboration with state and federal officials, stakeholder groups, and community organizations to ensure effective program management and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management and oversight of Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), Continuum of Care - Permanent Supportive Housing rental assistance program (PSHP), Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), and Rental Subsidy Programs.
• Support policy changes through active participation and collaboration with Statewide Homeless Council, Maine Continuum of Care, and other stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate on the development and submittal of HUD and CoC grant renewals according to federal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
• Allocate finances to meet client needs, as reported and assessed through monthly and quarterly reports from housing and outreach agencies pertaining to client utilization and urgent needs.
• Review and approve monthly billing.
• Monitor contracts to ensure accountability and compliance with regulations.
• Secure resources through HUD, State grant funds, Federal SAMHSA office, by providing detailed reports on needs and resource availability and assisting with grant applications.
• Work across teams of OBH, other DHHS Offices, Maine State Housing Authority, and community organizations to problem solve and collaborate, while developing resources to support a complete housing continuum of care.

Requirements

• An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in social services (mental health, substance use, Public Health, Healthcare, housing, or homelessness programs) to include one (1) year of related housing or grant program management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with state/federal officials and stakeholder groups.
• Experience working with rental assistance and housing programs.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums.
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees welcoming a child.