Section 3 Compliance Coordinator

GENERAL SUMMARY

Performs duties related to the creation and implementation of an agency-wide Section 3 Workforce Development Program that promotes economic self-sufficiency through training, employment and entrepreneurship. Reports to Assistant Director, Economic Initiatives.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement an agency-wide employment bank to facilitate the direct employment and contracting of eligible Section 3 participants.
• Link Section 3 participants to employment and/or contracting opportunities with a priority placed on individuals served in the Houston Housing Authority housing programs (public housing & HCV).
• Ensure all departments responsible for Section 3 related-activities are in compliance. 
• Prepare Section 3 reports for timely submission to HUD and other entities approved by the Houston Housing Authority.  
• Design and implement a job readiness program to prepare and engage eligible participants for Section 3 job sites and/or employment opportunities.
• Create and maintain guidelines for Houston Housing Authority’s Workforce Development Training Fund supported by funds collected from contractors.
• Monitor and evaluate Section 3 participants and contractors to ensure adequate activity, progress and compliance requirements are achieved. 
• Attend community events and meetings to promote Houston Housing Authority and its’ Section 3 Program, along with attending resident council meetings to obtain residents’ input.
• Develop and maintain a network of public and private partners who will train, employ and assist with business development opportunities for Section 3 participants.
• Monitor and track program information and statistical data for all Section 3 related activities.
• Coordinate special projects to inform and increase awareness of Houston Housing Authority’s Section 3 Program and related components.
• Drive to various work sites to monitor/evaluate Section 3 participants, contractors and partners.
• Ensure Houston Housing Authority’s Section 3 policies and practices are compliant with federal, state and local regulations and make revisions as needed for Houston Housing Authority’s approval.
• Research, prepare and coordinate written responses to independent audits and external inquiries/complaints related to Section 3. 
• Attend technical workshops, professional development opportunities and local meetings to stay abreast of current trends and issues impacting Section 3 Programs.
• Create and maintain an operational plan to ensure internal coordination of Houston Housing Authority Section 3 policies.
• Coordinate Section 3 activities with other agency-supported economic self-sufficiency initiatives hosted by Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs (Family Self-Sufficiency, ROSS, Neighborhood Network, VASS, Mod-Rehab, etc.).
• Conduct marketing and outreach activities to engage eligible participants (residents and non-residents) in Section 3 Program. 
• Assist Section 3 participants in eliminating barriers impacting job acceptance and retention by providing referrals to local resources and services. 
• Establish and maintain current Section 3 databases to offer linkage between Section 3 stakeholders. The databases shall include but are not limited to: 1) Participants 2) Contractors 3) Businesses (small, minority, disadvantage & women-owned) and 4) Opportunities (training, employment & contracting). 
• Other duties as assigned.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the purpose, scope and objectives of the Section 3 Program requirements. 
• Knowledge of Federal regulations governing resident training and employment.
• Knowledge of and experience in the use of contracting procedures, cost contracts and monitoring and assessment.
• Knowledge of and experience in the construction industry
• Skilled in analysis and evaluation of internal controls and management procedures.
• Skilled and proficient in the use of personal computers and the application of required software i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
• Ability to design, implement and manage programs.
•  Ability to work independently and objectively, and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse groups and interests.
• Ability to evaluate data and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with situations that require tact and diplomacy, yet firmness.

GUIDELINES

• The employee performs routine duties by following established policies and procedures, traditional practices and reference material.  These guidelines cover most job-related situations and the employee occasionally is required to use independent judgment in making decisions. If guidelines do not cover a situation, the employee normally consults the supervisor.

COMPLEXITY / SCOPE OF WORK

• Most of the work performed by the employee is relatively routine; but varies from project to project.  
• The employee identifies work that needs to be done, prioritizes, coordinates efforts and performs the tasks. 
• Occasionally, the employee must make decisions regarding unusual or sensitive situations and must develop new solutions or consult the supervisor.
• The employee's work affects the total operation agency-wide. Successful accomplishment of duties by the employee enhances the ability of Houston Housing Authority employees to perform their tasks and provide adequate housing to low-income families and comply with HUD, state and local regulations.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• The employee does not have direct supervisory responsibility.
• The employee receives assignments and instructions from the Director of Client Services. Course of action, deadlines, and priorities may be established by procedure, the supervisor, or the employee, depending on the assignment.  
• The employee initiates routine activities without supervisory direction.  
• Problems or situations not covered by instructions are normally referred to the supervisor for resolution. 
• The employee's work is reviewed for accuracy, completion, and compliance with policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• Personal contacts are with other Houston Housing Authority employees, outside agencies, and government officials. The purpose of such contacts is to obtain and provide information and verify, document and record information submitted by applicants, residents, and other Houston Housing Authority activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The demands of this job are generally stress-related, but may involve some physical exertion, such as kneeling and crouching to obtain files, eye strain from working with computers and other office equipment.        
• Work involves the normal risks or discomforts associated with an office environment, but are usually in an area that is adequately cooled, heated, lighted and ventilated. 
• From time to time it may be necessary for the employee to work outside in inclement weather conditions while visiting the construction sites.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·         Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or related field required.  

·         A minimum of two (2) years of related contract compliance work experience comparable to the duties as described above.  

·         A minimum of five (5) years experience in program development, implementation and management is required.   

·         Bondable.

·         Valid Texas driver’s license or obtain such within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

·         Eligibility for coverage under Houston Housing Authority fleet auto insurance.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.