Block Grant Underwriter

Salary : $59,415.00 - $69,900.00 Annually
Location : Great Falls, MT
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 23-00140
Department: Finance Services
Division: Accounting
Opening Date: 12/14/2023
Closing Date: 1/7/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
Union Classification: Non-Union
Nature of Work
Lead administrator of the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME), and Revolving Loan Fund programs. This position reports to and performs work under the supervision of the City Grant and Project Administrator and the general direction of the Finance Director.
Essential Functions of Work

• Accepts, reviews, and approves applications for grant and program funds to ensure that funding requests meet the necessary program criteria for eligibility.
• Prepares payments for sub-recipients and vendors, prepares required financial reports to HUD, and helps maintain and reconcile internal financial records. Monitors internal accounting systems to maintain accurate fiscal records.
• Monitors all grant and loan client program activities to ensure reasonable progress and compliance with State and Federal regulations, such as Davis-Bacon Labor requirements, Section 3 requirements, and Lead-Based Paint requirements.
• Serves as the primary contact for CDBG and HOME grant and loan recipients.
• Assists the Grant and Project Administrator in establishing new and maintaining existing partnerships with community organizations in order to develop new projects and build long-range plans such as the Annual Action and Consolidated Plans.
• Guides applicants for program funding as specified by each grant or loan request. Monitors the execution of each project from origination through project closeout.
• In conjunction with the Grant and Project Administrator, assists in the development and implementation of training programs for current and potential fund recipients.
• Performs Environmental Reviews, prepares and maintains program documents such as the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) and other program duties as directed.
• Maintains policies and procedures for administering grant and loan programs.
• Prepares reports and summaries of program activities to document program effectiveness.
• Generates various Federal reports, such as Environmental Reports in the federal HEROS online system.
• Provides local government officials and the public with information regarding the availability of CDBG and HOME Program funding, eligibility requirements and the application process.
• Provides technical assistance to clients, the public, and City staff.
• Attends and provides information to Grant and Loan Committees, assisting applicants when needed.
• Assists with public outreach to Neighborhood Councils, community stakeholders, and City officials to develop annual CDBG funding priorities.
• Assists with preparing City Commission agenda reports, public notices and funding agreements related to recommended grant contracts.
• Enters project data, requests drawdowns for federal funds, and generates reports in the federal IDIS online program.

Education and Experience

• Three years of experience in grant and loan administration accounting, housing administration, real estate, construction management or related fields.
• A Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or related field is preferred.
• Previous Grant Management preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid Montana driver's license.

Requirements of Work

• Knowledge of residential loan processing.
• Substantial knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Substantial knowledge of construction and contracting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of budgeting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, supervisors, local and federal government officials, community groups and the general public.
• Skills in MS Office software (specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), and Adobe products, are desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Confidentiality
• Ethical Conduct Attention to Detail

• Effective time management and organizational skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work will be conducted in an office setting and in surroundings where undesirable physical conditions and hazards are minor and controllable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform light physical work and to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a personal computer, office equipment and a motor vehicle; the ability to talkand hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
The work week is Sunday through Saturday with a 40-hour work schedule. There may be occasional periods where work demand requires work beyond the regular Monday through Friday work schedule. This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime. Approval for overtime must be granted in advance.
TRAVEL
Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.
Full-time Employee Benefits
The City of Great Falls offers a complete benefits package to our full-time employee including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement/pensions, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. The City offers life and long term disability insurance to all full-time non-union employees. Union employees receive longevity pay. Optional plans are available for employees that include AFLAC, flexible spending account, and 457 deferred compensation accounts.
To learn more details, visit our