Housing Programs Specialist

maine; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Augusta, ME, is seeking a Social Services Program Specialist II to oversee rental subsidy contracts and related housing programs. The role is full-time with partial telework approval and occasional in-state travel.

Candidates should have a strong background in housing or homelessness services, with at least one year in program management and experience collaborating with state and federal partners to ensure compliance and funding renewals.

Qualifications

• Eight-year combination of education and/or professional experience in Mental Health, Substance Use, Public Health, Healthcare, Housing, or Homelessness programs, including at least one year of housing/rental assistance program or grant management experience.
• Preference for candidates with three or more years of professional experience in housing or homelessness services.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with state/federal officials and stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and urgent requests.

Responsibilities

• Oversight and management of the Rental Subsidy Program and Florence House Program contracts to ensure accountability and compliance with regulations.
• Assist the Housing Program Manager with BRAP, PSHP, and PATH program oversight.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to community-based providers contracted with OBH homelessness and housing programs.
• Support policy changes through collaboration with Statewide Homeless Council and other groups.
• Collaborate on HUD and CoC grant renewals according to NOFO.
• Review and approve monthly billing submitted by contracted providers for allowability and accuracy.
• Review and issue decisions on Reasonable Accommodation requests and appeals.
• Coordinate across OBH, other DHHS offices, MH Authority, and community organizations to solve problems and build resources for housing continuum.

Skills

Collaboration

Program management

Housing programs

Regulatory experience

Education

Experience in relevant government housing programs

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State's career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Social Services Program Specialist II

Opening Date: August 31, 2026

Closing Date: September 14, 2026

Job Class Code: 5093

Grade: 25 (Supervisory)

Salary: $58,552.00 - $82,700.80 per year*

*This is inclusive of a 2.00% recruitment and retention stipend

Position Number: 03200-2166

Location: Augusta

This is a full-time position located in Augusta, ME, and allows for partial telework with management approval. This position requires occasional in-state travel to monitor contracts, conduct site visits, and attend stakeholder meetings.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversight and management of the Rental Subsidy Program and Florence House Program contracts to ensure accountability and compliance with regulations.
• Assist the Housing Program Manager with the management and oversight of Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), Continuum of Care - Permanent Supportive Housing rental assistance program (PSHP), and Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH).
• Providing technical assistance and guidance to community-based providers contracted with OBH homelessness and housing programs.
• Support policy changes through active participation and collaboration with Statewide Homeless Council, Maine Continuum of Care, and other stakeholder groups.
• Collaborate on the development and submittal of HUD and CoC grant renewals according to federal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
• Review and approve monthly billing submitted by contracted providers for allowability and accuracy.
• Review and issue decisions on Reasonable Accommodation requests and appeals filed with contracted agencies.
• Work across teams of OBH, other DHHS Offices, Maine State Housing Authority, and community organizations to problem solve and collaborate, while developing resources to support a complete housing continuum of care.

Minimum Qualifications

An eight (8) year combination of education and/or professional experience in Mental Health, Substance Use, Public Health, Healthcare, Housing, or Homelessness programs to include at least one (1) year of related housing/rental assistance program or grant program management experience.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with three (3) or more years of professional experience in housing or homelessness services.

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

1. A demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships, such as with state/federal officials and stakeholder groups.
2. Experience working with federal and state rental assistance or outreach programs and regulations. Please be specific in describing any programs you managed, job title, experience, etc.
3. Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests.

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Agency information

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within DHHS is responsible for providing leadership and active partnership in Maine's comprehensive system of support to communities and individuals with substance use and mental health conditions through a network of community providers.

Application Information

For additional information about this position, please contact Taylor LaCroix, at [e-mail]

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