PROGRAM COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

This position performs duties related to expanding procurement and training opportunities for Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Local Business Enterprises (LBEs); performs administrative work to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, standards and policies of the City of Columbia and programs administered by the Office of Business Opportunities (OBO) in coordination with Columbia Water, and other City Departments. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered sedentary and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: mental acuity, talking, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

• Coordinates and implements monitoring strategies for program compliance of federal, state and local agencies;
• Ensures that Program Management is in compliance with all applicable program guidelines, laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards;
• Implements written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct for compliance;
• Develops effective lines of communication by enforcing standards through guidelines, develops policies and conducts periodic risk assessments and response plans;
• Conducts internal and sub-recipient monitoring and site reviews; responding promptly to offenses, developing written corrective actions, and reporting findings to established protocol;
• Develops contract agreements and assists with performance measures for sub-grantees;
• Provides training and technical assistance annually and as needed to ensure effective program management.; 
• Coordinates all other related federal laws as required by HUD including, Federal Labor Standards, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Environmental Review Records, Federal Labor Standards and Fair Housing initiatives;
• Assists in preparing and monitoring program budgets; prepares related reports; assists in administering grant funding from federal, state and local agencies;
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations;
• Participates in an ongoing public awareness program designed to promote department programs and services;
• Coordinates, attends and/or facilitates community outreach meetings to discuss related programs and projects; and gather public input or support for  such projects;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports; performs duties as required, including correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing spreadsheets, reviewing, conducting and attending meetings, etc.;
• Attends training, conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., to maintain job knowledge and skills;
• Monitors compliance of performance measures for sub-grant recipients and business participants;
• Establishes and manages record keeping systems and procedures for tracking and reporting; monitoring strategy to streamline processes where applicable; and

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, social work, public administration or closely related field; or
• Five (5) years of related work experience;
• Work experience preferably in federal grant programs and/or government procurement to include experience in program management and/or administering grant funding from federal, state and local agencies; and/or neighborhood grants experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office, utilizing Outlook, word processing, presentation, database and spreadsheet software programs;

• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style; 
• Ability to perform high level of specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; 
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing with excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

Salary : $53,449 - $68,148