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
o Annual Consumption Report (ACR) training
o ACR report preparation and reconciliation
o Annual Vendor Training
o Maintain Vendor Handbook
o Maintaining Vendor Forms
o Regular monitoring of vendors for compliance
o Vendor Closeouts
Process and prepare payments for HEAP client benefits
o Coordinate the payment process in the HEAP System of Record and QuickBooks
o Review HEAP benefits for compliance
o Prepare and submit drawdown request to the Finance Department
o Prepare weekly benefit payment report
Process benefit returns
o Review transaction histories to monitor appropriate use of HEAP funds
Post all benefit returns in QuickBooks and update benefit return journal
LIAP
o Provide eligibility information and guidance to consumers and partners
o Respond to inquiries from electrical vendors
Provide direction, interpretation, and technical assistance of program guidelines to consumers and partners
o Research and resolve CAA, vendor, and consumer issues
o Respond to inquiries from the public and/or partners via phone and e-mail
Application Updates
o Confirm and process all application changes
o Review all update forms for impact on benefits issued
Compliance and Monitoring
o Review requests to ensure compliance with program guidelines
o Work with CAA to resolve any discrepancies
o Reopen applications in HEAP System of Record
o Monthly review of Quality Assurance and Conflict of Interest Logs
o Review all fraud referrals
o Prepare for and participate in Fair Hearings
o Review and respond to requests for Informal Reviews
o 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
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
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.