DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The Texas Veterans Commission Program Manager is a grant-funded temporary full-time position and is responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the City of Harlingen's awarded General Assistance Program and Housing for Texas Heroes Program. The General Assistance Program is a grant-funded program made possible by the Texas Veterans Commission that offers limited emergency assistance and financial relief to eligible Harlingen Veterans, their Dependents, and Surviving Spouses who demonstrate financial need. Assistance is available for basic and essential needs, including mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. The Housing for Texas Heroes Program offers necessary home modification, repair, and weatherization projects to improve accessibility, correct dangerous housing conditions, and correct elements from entering the home for eligible Veteran and Surviving Spouse homeowners who are classified as Low-Income.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
- Administers the daily operation of the General Assistance Program and Housing for Texas Heroes Program.
- Monitors/tracks the status of the grant through its program life.
- Develops and implements procedures and policies in alignment with the City of Harlingen and Texas Veterans Commission.
- Serves as City's liaison and advocate.
- Ensures grant compliance of General Assistance and Housing for Texas Heroes projects and programs
- Works closely with city employees, inter- and intra-government divisions, public and private agencies, and the public to coordinate services and resources for eligible individuals.
- Provides oversight of program budget ensuring realization of program goals and objectives and compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
- Researches, prepares, and maintains program contracts and agreements following federal, state, and local requirements and ordinances.
- Conducts applicant intake and determines applicant eligibility for both grant programs.
- Performs data collection and development of all performance reports as required by TVC and the City of Harlingen.
- Prepares and submits reimbursement reports in a timely manner.
- Develops a grant program marketing plan to ensure compliance with the Affirmatively Fair Housing Act.
- Performs site visits as required.
- Conducts home assessments and/or inspections as needed.
- Prepares inspection reports and scopes of work for procurement of contractors and service providers.
- Procures contractors, subcontractors, professional service agencies and other service providers in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work.
- Performs after work hours as required (nights and weekends).
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Additional Requirements:
- Some positions require the use of City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely and possess a valid driver's license.
- Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED
- General supervision is received from the Community Development Director.
- This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Knowledge of:
- Experience with project contracts and grant management.
- Program monitoring and evaluation methods and techniques.
- Effective negotiation strategies and techniques.
- Considerable knowledge of home construction and local code compliance.
- Community based organizations and their functions.
- Planning methods and practices.
- Considerable knowledge of the relevant geographic, political, and socioeconomic conditions in the City of Harlingen and the surrounding Consortium area including the Rio Grande Valley.
- Public relations methods and techniques.
- Local, state, and federal operations, rules, and regulations.
- Grant preparation and monitoring.
- Reconciling and reimbursement requests with state and federal agencies.
Ability to:
- Work with computer software related to job specific duties.
- Interact effectively with individuals of various social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
- Interpret and implement complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Effectively apply general principles to specific situations.
- Plan, organize, coordinate, and administer City-wide programs.
- Establish effective working relationships with volunteers, city employees, inter- and intra-government divisions, public and private agencies, and the public.
- Prepare comprehensive reports.
- Operate a variety of standard office equipment.
- Act independently.
Education & Experience:
- A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Business, Construction, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration or General Studies and/or three to five (3-5) years related experience and/or training.
Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:
- Valid Texas Driver's License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly performing home inspections that require physical ability to move freely. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee is occasionally exposed to moving vehicle traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to uncomfortable temperature and possible unsanitary situations when performing home inspections.
SAFETY SENSITIVITY
This position is not classified as a safety-sensitive position.