About the Department The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing and improve community infrastructure. (You can learn more about ushere.) About this Position Montana Housing strengthens our vibrant communities by supporting access to safe, affordable and sustainable homes for Montanans whose housing needs are not met by the market. Montana Housing assists with buying a home, down payment assistance, mortgage servicing, Reverse Annuity Mortgages, rental housing assistance, and multifamily rental development. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance to over 3,000 families across Montana. This position is responsible for managing contracts with local agencies, typically encompassing two Field Agent areas with a caseload of 500 families and 300 landlords with the Housing Choice Voucher program. This position encourages compliance with HUD and State regulations to provide technical assistance to property owners, tenants, prospective tenants, and Field Agency staff. This position must apply knowledge and solutions to local area agencies to assist with addressing local housing needs, enforcing required policies on independent local contractors administering contracts for HUD including quality control reviews on all submitted actions, annual reexaminations, annual rent increases, approving and processing payment vouchers, approving, completing and processing contract renewals, responding to emergent housing issues facing clients throughout the state, checking compliance for fair housing and waiting lists, conducting on-site property/document reviews, and follow-up to physical inspections, reviewing management decisions, and providing technical assistance to owners/agents. This position is open until filled; with a first review date of October 24th, 2024. What are we looking for?__ Education and Experience: // · A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field · Two years of experience including contract management and regulatory program work · Customer engagement and service background · Experience with eligibility determination is preferred · It would pique our interest if you had housing certifications from a nationally recognized trainer and Fair Housing certification/experience · Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis Competencies: /Knowledge of:/ · Principles and practices of governmental accounting and contract administration · Complex eligibility requirements, HUD housing standards, program guidelines and regulations · Budgeting, auditing, reconciliation, and system testing methods and practices · Technical writing · Contract management · Financial systems · State and federal rights laws · Project management /Ability to:/ · Project plan and monitor · Demonstrate attention to detail · Apply independent judgement · Negotiate and mediate · Develop effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and agencies · Develop approaches to sensitive issues significantly impacting property owners · Operate personal computers with advanced skill, including word processing, spreadsheet, database programs, internet, and shared files · Apply research and analysis practices How to apply Apply online by submitting yourresume/(Please Note: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)/ Benefits · Lookhereto see the additional benefits! They include: o Work/life Balance o Health Coverage o Retirement plans o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays o And more… · Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) –Employmentwith the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Lookhereto learn more and see if you may qualify! * * Other important information to be aware of · This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check. · Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.* · If you fail to upload the requested application documents and/or preference documents, we will notify you via email. Failure to upload these documents after notification will result in your application being removed from consideration.* · This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the State of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New Employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin. *Title: *Federal Rental Assistance Program Officer Location: Helena Requisition ID: 24142777