Grants Compliance Specialist

  • Full-time

Company Description

With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

What We Offer:

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.

Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?

Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

Benefits - We care about your well being.

 

Agency Description

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities.  CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

CEO’s Guiding Principles

·         We believe city government has the responsibility to provide opportunities to and promote the well-being of all citizens while representing their best interests.

·         We believe the people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, and full lives.

·         We believe people can offer meaningful insights into both their personal experiences and how the systems around them function.

·         We believe poverty is a systemic issue and city government can lead in dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities.

CEO’s Values

·         Dignity: How we treat the community we serve is reflective of how we treat each other.

·         Inclusivity: People at all levels of CEO are invited to participate in every way.

·         Persistence: When we get discouraged, we find ways to lift each other up and push forward.

·         Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.

Honesty: We create a safe space without judgment to have healthy and honest dialogue about systems, people and misconceptions.

 

 

 

 

Job Description

The Contracts and Data Monitor is a key staff position for the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) responsible for monitoring CEO’s government and private funds, including sub-agreements with community-based organizations and consultants to carry out organizational goals.

CEO currently manages an annual budget of  approximately $28 million, with funding from local, state, and federal government grants, as well as private foundation grants. The Contracts and Data Monitor is responsible for ensuring that these grants and contracts are administered properly, and in this capacity monitors compliance with grant regulations. This position will work closely with the Contracts and Data Manager,

The Contracts and Data Monitor will play a central role within the team and reports directly to the Contracts Unit Manager.  Key responsibilities include monitoring program and grantee performance; providing guidance and technical assistance; verifying delivery of services; and ensuring funding is used only for authorized purposes. As part of CEO’s success, the Contracts and Data Monitor will be subject to complete other duties as assigned.

Successful characteristics include but are not limited to close attention to detail, ability to create action plans, meeting deadlines, excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are all essential tactics in achieving success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Contract Monitoring and Management - Manage grantee performance, compliance, policies and procedures.

 

·         Serve as the primary liaison between CEO and grantees; build and maintain positive relationships with grantees in order to understand and respond to their needs

·         Participate in contract negotiations with nonprofit, for-profit partners and consultants. Develop contractual scopes of work, contract amendments and prepare budgets

·         Provide ongoing training and technical assistance to grantees to help them more effectively manage their contracts.

  • Monitor portfolio of subcontracts, including ensuring partners fulfill deliverables, key performance indicators, reporting requirements, invoicing and payment, quality control and evaluation.

·         Conduct remote and onsite monitoring of client and program records to verify eligibility, compliance and the effective delivery of services; review client records and program operations.

·         Use the Automated Contract Information System (ACIS) to track progress of contracts, administer contracts and prepare reports; ensure funds are allocated for payment of contracted services.

  • Complete monitoring reports that address corrective action measures. Recommend corrective action for deficient or problematic grantees; identify problem areas in the delivery of services, and areas that need improvement; recommend non-payment or termination of deficient contracted services.
  • Maintain tracking systems for grant and contract budgets and expenditures; work with accounting staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting on a regular basis.

 

Reporting and Data Management - Develop and prepare a variety of manual and electronic reports.

·         Collect and review performance measures from grantees for regular reporting.

·         Train and/or support training of end users, communicate work procedures and company policies to contractor related to agency database.

Professional Development – Engage in professional development activities/events to advance skill sets and increase knowledge base within area(s) of work.

·         Attend City’s conformance management trainings.

·         Plan, develop and implement or participate in assigned projects with program and/or institutional impacts.

·         Participate in staff meetings and professional development activities.

COMPETENCIES

·         Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing monitoring and evaluation as well as performance monitoring plans.

·         Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.

·         Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract development, management, and administration; budget preparation; award negotiations; subcontract management, monitoring, and dispute resolution.

·         Experience developing and refining data collection tools.

·         Experience with data quality assessments and oversight.

·         Ability to facilitate and serve as a project liaison for externally managed evaluations

 

 

Qualifications

  • Graduation from an accredited college with an associate’s degree in Human Services, Social Services, Business, Accounting or a related field and two (2) years’ experience in contract or grants writing and/or monitoring as appropriate to the job; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Must be a Philadelphia resident
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications, especially EXCEL and familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint and DocuSign software

OTHER SPECIALTIES, CERTIFICATIONS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, AND WORK CONDITIONS:

  • Regular, predictable attendance is required
  • This position operates in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
  • Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties
  • Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Additional Information

Did you know?

●        We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

●        25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

●        We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

●        Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

●        Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

●        Generous retirement savings options are available

 

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx