HUD Project Assistant

Position Description

Under general supervision of the HUD Grant Administrator, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Project Assistant supports the planning and development department to implement projects, programs and policies related to HUD fund distribution. This position provides project administration for activities that are funded through federal and grant funds. The HUD Project Assistant performs analytical work through the collection and interpretation of data and research used to prepare plans, reports, maps, tables and charts. The position also supports and leads community engagement activities or community volunteer board work supporting the broader work of the Planning and Development Department.

Scope of Responsibility:
The incumbent assists in monitoring and implementing numerous programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining consistency with City goals and objectives.

Primary Responsiblities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Supports the HUD Grant Administrator and HUD Program Manager with the tactical and logistical planning for drafting and implementing five-year consolidated plans, annual action plans, citizen participation plans, various reports, and associated policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 
   1. Supports the development of work plans including prioritizing, scheduling, and coordinating efforts with program recipients and department members.
   2. Documents, communicates, and records operating procedures and programs within the department in order to accomplish goals and objectives.
   3. Communicates with grant award subrecipients, including other city departments and agencies.
   4. Supports implementation of operational procedural changes or improvements based on regulation monitoring and best management practices;
   5. Supports Department/City policies, procedures, and regulation as it relates to HUD goals.
   6. Documents and records project changes and resulting policy and procedure updates and plan amendments.
   7. Schedules and performs ongoing compliance and monitoring functions, as well as program and activity monitoring.
   8. Responsible for identifying, collecting, and interpreting complex data and information used to prepare plans and reports.
   9. Creates and writes staff reports or technical communications on projects, studies, and proposals.
       
2. Supports the division with project/program management of approved community development and housing projects and programs for compliance. These programs may include but are not limited to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME).
   1. Participates in team reviews of applications for community development programs, verifies information, disseminates information as researched, processes notifications to eligible applicants and completes necessary paperwork.
   2. Works with community partners to enhance the quality of life in Fargo by cooperatively planning to improve organizational capacity, collaboration, the physical environment, and the economic health of the City.
       
3. Communicates effectively, professionally, and courteously and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Facilitates communications and associated agenda packets and activities with appointed boards and commissions or working task groups
   2. Regularly interacts with the public to exchange basic fact information pertaining to department policies, procedures and protocols; refers to others as appropriate and follows up to ensure inquiries are resolved satisfactorily;  
   3. Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work- related needs.
   4. Prepares clear and concise written reports and presentations for citizens.
       
4. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and City rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
       
5. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business, Urban Planning, or Public Administration or similar; at least one (1) year of municipal planning or community development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.

Knowledge, skills, and ability include:

• Knowledge of project management tools and techniques;
• Knowledge of software for word processing and data management.
• Knowledge of local government procedures;
• Ability to prepare PowerPoint presentations.
• Knowledge of public administration; 
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping;
• Skill in organization and statistics;
• Skill in developing and interpreting data;
• Skill in interpreting federal, state and local regulations;
• Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebraic functions;
• Skill in communication and interpersonal skills as applies to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, volunteers, the general public and others, sufficient to exchange or convey information, resolve disputes and receive work direction.