CoC POLICY SPECIALIST

Under administrative direction of a higher classified employee, responsible for Continuum of Care (CoC) policies and funding with a specific emphasis on and expertise in US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Grant programs (CoC and Emergency Solutions Grant). Provides technical assistance to community partners and administrative support to CoC Committees.

Essential Duties:

CoC Policy and Funding Management

Oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing management of Continuum of Care (CoC) policies and procedures in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations.

Ensure compliance with US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) grant requirements, including the CoC and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.

Grant Monitoring and Reporting

Assist with the preparation and submission of required CoC and ESG grant reports to HUD and MSHDA, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.

Monitor grant performance and outcomes, ensuring that funded programs meet established objectives and deliverables.

Supporting Duties

Provide administrative support to CoC Committees, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting meeting minutes.

Assist with coordination and communication between CoC Committees and other stakeholders, ensuring smooth operations and effective collaboration.

Provide technical assistance to community partners, including local agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders, regarding CoC policies, procedures, and grant requirements.

Develop and deliver training materials and sessions to ensure community partners understand and comply with HUD and MSHDA guidelines.

Stay current on best practices, policies, and trends related to affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs at the federal, state, and local levels.

Conduct research and provide recommendations to enhance or update CoC policies and procedures in response to new HUD or MSHDA guidelines.

Manage special projects related to CoC policy and funding, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives to address gaps in the local Continuum of Care system.

Provide support to higher-level staff in the preparation of presentations, reports, and other materials related to CoC and HUD/MSHDA grant activities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Understanding of the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) grant programs, specifically Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG).

Proven experience in managing, monitoring, and reporting on federal and state housing grants, ensuring compliance with all funding guidelines and requirements.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with community partners, stakeholders, and CoC Committees, as well as to prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and correspondence.

Ability to provide technical assistance and training to community partners and stakeholders, helping them understand complex grant policies and procedures.

Strong organizational skills and experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budgets.

In-depth knowledge of homelessness prevention, affordable housing programs, and the Continuum of Care (CoC) system, including best practices for service delivery and program implementation.

Ability to carefully monitor and review financial documents, reports, and data to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with grant requirements.

Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders.

Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and funding opportunities related to homelessness, affordable housing, and community development.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer monitor, hearing, and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Equivalent to possession of a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, or closely related field of study. Possession of a master's degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, or closely related field of study preferred.

A minimum of three (3) years of progressively more responsible experience in policy development and managing community initiatives in the housing and homelessness sector. Strong preference will be given to those with work experience in local, state, or federal government.

This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.