CDBG Technical Assistance Coordinator

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position

CDBG Technical Assistance Coordinator

Community Solutions Division – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

Department of Economic Development

Harry S Truman Building – 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO

ANNUAL SALARY: $42,000 – $54,000 (based upon credentials)

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate.  If the individual selected is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck.  A pay differential does not raise your base pay. 

REPORTS TO: Chief Finance Officer

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administers approximately $23 million in federal funding each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to serve primarily non-entitlement communities in a manner that meets the CDBG program National Objectives:

·         Benefit to low- and moderate- income (LMI) persons;

·         Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and

·         Meet a need having a particular urgency (referred to as urgent need)

This position will facilitate and track training and technical assistance efforts for internal staff and external stakeholders in order to attain a high level of competency in state policy and federal regulation related to the CDBG program.

What You’ll Do:

The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) administers over $100 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to serve communities, targeting three national objectives:

·         Benefit to low- to moderate- income (LMI) persons;

·         Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and

·         Meet an urgent need

This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. It will develop significant levels of subject matter expertise in CDBG, develop program policies, and provide compliance and implementation guidance to local grant administrators and community subrecipients. 

Responsibilities - What you’ll do

Training & Technical Assistance

·      In collaboration with Department management, determine required and optional training programs for staff that is consistent with HUD regulations and program best practices.

·      In collaboration with Department management, determine required and optional training programs for subrecipients and administrators to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

·      Develop a thorough tracking mechanism for internal staff and subrecipients for required and optional training on a yearly basis. This includes working with CDBG Officers and Program Manager to identify required and optional training programs by role or function.

·      Coordinate (including content gathering, and/or developing), and presenting (as needed), internal and external trainings and engagements on topics related to programs, plans, and compliance functions for the State CDBG Program, including, but may not be limited to:

o   Comprehensive Plans

o   Action Plans (General, DR, MIT, CV, other)

o   Action Plan Amendments

o   Implementation Plans

o   State and Federal Policies and Regulations

o   Compliance Specialty areas (i.e. Contract Management, Labor Standards, etc.)

o   Others, as identified and/or assigned

·      From an existing training platform, build a training program that assesses competency in key policy areas, in partnership with subject matter experts on the CDBG team.  This may include a test component for future implementation.

·      Trainings may be provided to the following stakeholders (but not limited to):

o   Department of Economic Development staff

o   Regional Planning Commissions / Council of Governments 

o   County leadership representatives

o   City leadership representatives

o   Others, as identified and/or assigned

·      Exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities.

·      Perform other related work as assigned.

Files and Data Management

·         Maintenance of cross-cutting data and files and documents management, including easily accessible document repository, document routing, creation of office and department forms for process improvements, elimination of document redundancy, version management, archiving, and managing retention schedules.

·         Create and maintain spreadsheets for ongoing project tracking

·         Maintain a very high level of discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information

·         Provide record management support functions or services for CDBG staff as well as program leads.

·         Enter project financial and payment data into internal databases, including CMS

Administrative Support Services

·         Manage incoming communications to the program, including:

• Answer incoming telephone calls
• Open, examine, and distribute correspondence to the appropriate party for processing
• Manage general program email inboxes, as well as own

·         Support external communications from the program, including:

• Utilize MailMerge to prepare program letters from templates for CDBG manager signature and send out to appropriate applicants
• Ensure forms, letters, and other templates are up to date and readily accessible
• Lead on setting up virtual events and meetings
• Support the Community Engagement & Planning team as needed in the development of content for external emails
• Support the Financial, Compliance, and Community Engagement & Planning teams as needed in coordinating website content revisions

·         Complete special assignments from CDBG program manager, CDBG officers, and/or Division Director as requested

·         Provide rotating coverage for the DED front desk reception area

Qualifications - All you need for success

·      Four or more years of experience with demonstrated knowledge in the business practices and principles of Economic Development. This can be obtained through education or work experience in Public Speaking, Communication, Planning, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Business Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, or a closely related field.

·      Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.

·      Excellent verbal and written communications skills

·      Understanding or willingness to learn in detail about applicable Federal and State regulations and policies.

·      Attention to detail and ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders during concurrent processes.

·      Capacity for analyzing and interpreting data for use in planning and decision-making.

·      Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 including Microsoft Teams.

·      Proficiency and passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.  Familiarity with and experience implementing Lean/Six Sigma concepts strongly preferred.  Ideal candidate would be open to further developing these skills.

·      Ability to demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:

[email protected]

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.