Housing Programs Specialist

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time position located in Augusta, ME, and allows for partial telework with management approval. This position requires occasional in-state travel to monitor contracts, conduct site visits, and attend stakeholder meetings. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within DHHS is responsible for providing leadership and active partnership in Maine’s comprehensive system of support to communities and individuals with substance use and mental health conditions through a network of community providers.

Requirements

An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in Mental Health, Substance Use, Public Health, Healthcare, Housing, or Homelessness programs to include at least one (1) year of related housing/rental assistance program or grant program management experience.
A demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships, such as with state/federal officials and stakeholder groups.
Experience working with federal and state rental assistance or outreach programs and regulations. Please be specific in describing any programs you managed, job title, experience, etc.
Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests

Nice To Haves

Three (3) or more years of professional experience in housing or homelessness services.

Responsibilities

Oversight and management of the Rental Subsidy Program and Florence House Program contracts to ensure accountability and compliance with regulations.
Assist the Housing Program Manager with the management and oversight of Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), Continuum of Care - Permanent Supportive Housing rental assistance program (PSHP), and Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH).
Providing technical assistance and guidance to community-based providers contracted with OBH homelessness and housing 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)
Review and approve monthly billing submitted by contracted providers for allowability and accuracy.
Review and issue decisions on Reasonable Accommodation requests and appeals filed with contracted agencies
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

Benefits

13 paid holidays
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
12 days of sick leave per year
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value) , depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – up to $40 per month.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Living Resources Program – employee assistance program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – MaineSaves 457(b) account.