HEAP Program Officer

Mainehousing; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Public Service Loan ForgivenessProgram

Job summary

MaineHousing seeks a HEAP Program Officer to deliver technical assistance for the Home Energy Assistance Program and related LIAP efforts. You will coordinate payments, monitor vendor compliance, and guide consumers with eligibility and updates.

Responsibilities include training vendors, reconciling reports, handling inquiries, and supporting fair hearings while ensuring strict adherence to program guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Education and three years of program administration or a combination of six years of experience, training and independent study preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in interpreting governmental regulations and contract compliance.
• Strong computer and analytical skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks.
• Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to proofread, edit, and make grammatical corrections.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to consumers and partners for HEAP, LIAP and related programs.
• Coordinate payment processes in HEAP System of Record and QuickBooks.
• Review HEAP benefits for compliance and prepare drawdown requests.
• Monitor vendor compliance and maintain vendor forms/handbooks.
• Respond to inquiries via phone and email and support application updates.

Skills

Regulations interpretation

Computer skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Prioritize tasks

Follow instructions

Proofreading/editing

Education

Education and three years of program administration or six years experience

Job description

Description

Primary Purpose of Position

The HEAP Program Officer is responsible for providing technical assistance to consumers and partners for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP, Energy Self-Sufficiency and Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) programs.

Core Functions

Vendor Training and Monitoring

• Annual Consumption Report (ACR) training
• ACR report preparation and reconciliation
• Annual Vendor Training
• Maintain Vendor Handbook
• Maintaining Vendor Forms
• Regular monitoring of vendors for compliance
• Vendor Closeouts

Process and prepare payments for HEAP client benefits

• Coordinate the payment process in the HEAP System of Record and QuickBooks
• Review HEAP benefits for compliance
• Prepare and submit drawdown request to the Finance Department
• Prepare weekly benefit payment report

Process benefit returns

• Review transaction histories to monitor appropriate use of HEAP funds

Post all benefit returns in QuickBooks and update benefit return journal

LIAP

• Provide eligibility information and guidance to consumers and partners
• Respond to inquiries from electrical vendors

Provide direction, interpretation, and technical assistance of program guidelines to consumers and partners

• Research and resolve CAA, vendor, and consumer issues
• Respond to inquiries from the public and/or partners via phone and e-mail

Application Updates

• Confirm and process all application changes
• Review all update forms for impact on benefits issued

Compliance and Monitoring

• Review requests to ensure compliance with program guidelines
• Work with CAA to resolve any discrepancies
• Reopen applications in HEAP System of Record
• Monthly review of Quality Assurance and Conflict of Interest Logs
• Review all fraud referrals
• Prepare for and participate in Fair Hearings
• Review and respond to requests for Informal Reviews
• Maintain and update HEAP forms and Program Handbook and monitor sub-grantees to ensure compliance with their workplans for HEAP, ECIP, and ESS

Other Duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience

Education and three years of program administration or a combination of six years of experience, training and independent study preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience in interpreting governmental regulations and contract compliance
• Strong computer and analytical skills
• Excellent communications skills
• Ability to work independently
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks
• Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions
• Ability to proofread, edit, and make grammatical corrections

Working Conditions

Fast paced environment with multiple priorities, interruptions & deadlines. Work hours may include some nights, weekends, and travel in and out of state. MaineHousing office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. A hybrid schedule may be considered, if appropriate, after 6 months employment.

Reports To

Manager of HEAP

Supervises

no one

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $50,037 - $72,648. All new employees will start at an hourly rate of $24.0562 ($50,037 annually), unless otherwise agreed to by MaineHousing. MaineHousing also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including, but not limited to, health, dental and vision, retirement options with employer match, life insurance, short and long-term disability, employee assistance, generous earned time and all major federal holidays. Employment is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found