SOS Temporary LIHWAP Program Coordinator
State of Nebraska

Description

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Children and Family Services, Economic Assistance unit is looking for a a passionate, human services professional for the position of Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Program Coordinator. The successful candidate will participate in a culture where employees are highly motivated, energetic, excited and enthusiastic working for DHHS and serving our fellow Nebraskans.

This position may be located at any local office across the state area subject to office space availability.

DHHS State of Nebraska values our employees as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Examples of Work
• Performs program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of program activities to manage the day-to-day operational and technical functions of the Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
• Works with water providers.
• Monitors overall program budget and allocation of funds through the ongoing review of accounting documents, review of audits from contracted programs, and evaluation reviews.
• Provides liaison between and confers with various federal and state authorities, policy review staff, community agencies, water providers, and community leaders.
• Prepares and presents informational presentations to agency staff, clients, and service providers to explain the types of services, benefits available, and the requirements.
• Explains, clarifies, and interprets operational practices, policies, procedures, federal and state regulations, contract requirements and activities related to assigned program(s) to agency staff, community organizations, members of the general public and contractors/service providers.
• Serves on committees, boards, councils and/or advisory groups concerned with functions and activities of the assigned program(s).

Researches, reviews, analyzes, and interprets federal regulations, federal laws, state laws and their administrative requirements to formulate appropriate policies, procedures and interpretations for LIHWAP. Implements policy, procedure and program regulations related to LIHWAP, and ensures staff and service providers are working with uniform guidelines by evaluating and coordinating program policies and regulations.

Researches, reviews, analyzes, and reports on federal regulations, state laws and administrative requirements that may affect LIHWAP for intent and meaning and to formulate appropriate changes in State policies and procedures.

Writes reports, position papers, impact statements and other documents to formulate policy material to cover specific areas of LIHWAP by conducting research and meeting with other department staff, representatives of other agencies and health and/or human service providers.

Develops and prepares for submission required federal and state plans, reporting documents, and related forms. Reviews and prepares written and oral summaries on state and federal legislation. Drafts legal contracts, evaluates proposals, negotiates contracts and recommends approval. Responds to information requests from the public, federal and state agencies.

Writes program policy and procedures consistent with state or federal guidelines. Develops informational releases concerning program activities including memos, administrative bulletins, and informational pamphlets for distribution to agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations, and/or members of the general public to create awareness of program services, enrollment procedures, and policies.

Assesses program effectiveness, identifies training needs/requirements, and develops and presents educational skills-based training to agency staff and service providers to enhance program services.

Develops quality assurance processes, program improvement plans and processes for performance accountability; coordinates and leads desk audits and on-site reviews of service providers and collects necessary data to evaluate, analyze and prepare written reports and recommendations.

Monitors, assesses, and evaluates service provider activities for compliance with policies, procedures, and legal mandates; ensures all contractual requirements are met and in compliance with program standards. Reviews and monitors service provider and client historical data to ensure improper utilization of services has been avoided through comparison of established standards to actual services delivered and payments received.
Qualifications / Requirements
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, social/behavioral sciences, health sciences, public health, education, law or related field OR experience in the development of operational policies and procedures, performing quality assurance analysis/evaluation of programs; grant writing, contract management, or leading community based health/social care groups. Related coursework, training and/or education may substitute for the Bachelor's degree on a year-for year basis.

PREFERED: Two years of experience working with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Two years of experience using N-FOCUS.

OTHER: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: the regulations governing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); the procedures utilized to administer LIHEAP; N-FOCUS; the principles and practices of public administration; procedure and policy development; methods and techniques of program planning; federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human services programs; public funds and budgeting methods.

The principles and techniques of adult learning; quality assurance mechanisms; principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems; basic accounting and business administration; social work and management theory; the structure of organizations; state, local and federal laws and programs relating to social service programs; available funding sources; human dynamics; learning/teaching techniques.

Skill in: interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups; persuading others to adopt programs; presenting information to groups or individuals in oral or written form; problem solving; prioritizing; goal setting; conflict resolution.

Ability to: plan, organize and direct a major program; work collaboratively in a team setting; analyze, develop and organize materials; establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations and clients; communicate electronically, on paper or in person to promote, explain, discuss, advise and interact with interested groups on various program issues and problems.

Prepare and review technical documents such as summaries of state and federal regulations, action plans, reports, contracts and grants; understand, interpret and apply instructions, laws, rules, policies and procedures pertinent to the program; exercise independent critical thinking skills.

Maintain liaison with community representatives and other governmental agencies; relate well with a diverse number of individuals or organizations; analyze community's present needs and recommend programs to achieve desired results; work with people in a variety of roles (leadership, cooperation, education, networking).