POSITION SUMMARY:

The CDBG/CDBG-CV Associate Planner I is a grant-funded position. The CDBG/CDBG-CV Associate Planner I is responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and implementation of projects funded under the Community Development Block Grant -CARES (CDBG-CV) Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as primary liaison between CDBG Program and CDBG-CV grant applicants, sub- grantees/subrecipients, and cognizant agencies.
• Review and evaluate CDBG-CV grant applications and make recommendations to CDBG Program Manager regarding selection of activities to be funded.
• Prepare project description summaries and provide other information as needed for public hearings and other meetings regarding the CDBG-CV Program in particular, and the Territory’s coronavirus response, in general.
• Assist with conducting public hearings and other meetings as required by the Citizen Participation Plan to obtain the input of stakeholders and the public in general relative to assessment of the needs of the Territory and the establishment of priorities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
• Prepare award letters, Subrecipient Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding, and Notices to Proceed for CDBG-CV projects as directed by the CDBG Program Manager.
• Provide technical support under the supervision of the CDBG Program Manager to sub- grantees/subrecipients in various areas to include CDBG-CV program regulations, program compliance, and administrative requirements.
• Review disbursement requests submitted by CDBG-CV sub-grantees/subrecipients and forward to Program Manager for approval.
• Review monthly reports submitted by CDBG-CV sub-grantees/subrecipients.
• Monitor CDBG-CV projects by employing methods such as site visits, staff interviews, review of project status reports, meetings with sub-grantees/subrecipients, project architects, contractors and regulatory agency staff, and other tools as may be appropriate for the type of project.
• Prepare monthly reports summarizing the status of on-going CDBG-CV
• Communicate findings of site visits and monitoring reviews to the CDBG Program Manager and, under the direction of the Manager, prepare letters outlining the results of the monitoring reviews for signature by the Federal Programs Director and/or Chief Financial Officer.
• Input and update IDIS with project information and accomplishment data. Utilize IDIS reports to track project disbursements and reconcile project accounts, as necessary.
• Assist with preparation of the Annual Plan, CAPER, and Consolidated Plan updates, as necessary
• Work closely with the CDBG Program Manager and TA-provider to develop competency around CDBG-CV program regulations, program compliance, and administrative requirements.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Education: Associates Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience working with CDBG, ESG or related federal programs or grant administration. An equivalent combination of education and experience Certifications and Licenses: Valid Virgin Islands Driver’s License
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: A working knowledge of regulations governing the CDBG and CDBG-CV. Demonstrates the ability to multi-task, work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and problem solve. Computer literate to include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Excellent oral and written communication skills and analytical Ability to be flexible and work under Ability to work harmoniously with other agency and Ability to maintain confidentiality in all.