Community Development Block Grant (CDBG/HOME) Program Specialist - Project
Apply NowCompany: Dane County, WI
Location: Madison, WI 53711
Description:
Salary: $41.61 - $55.41 Hourly
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: Full Time Project Position (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2025-00160
Department: Human Services Department
Opening Date: 03/07/2025
Closing Date: 3/21/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 1871
Description
The Dane County Department of Human Services has a full time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG/HOME) Program Specialist - Project. This position is contingent on available funding, currently through 9/30/2029.
The Eligible List created from this posting may be used for future vacancies for the next six (6) months.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
Commitment to Equity AND Inclusion
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under the supervision of the HAA Human Services Manager (CDBG Unit), and in partnership with the HAA management team, this project position is primarily responsible for the compliance administration of multiple programs funded by the federal U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Wisconsin such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, and other sources of related funding sources such as HOME-ARP, CDBG-DR, CDBG Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (CDBG-PRO Housing) and Dane County general purpose revenue (GPR), to achieve program goals and objectives; assist with planning for the use of federal grant funds; monitor the progress of programs and subrecipients, and ensure compliance with funding rules; manage program administration to meet all required rules and guidelines; participate in and manage funding procurement/grant processes, maintain and develop stakeholder collaborations, and perform other duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assist with planning for the use of federal and state grant funds. Monitor the progress of programs and sub-recipients, and ensure compliance with funding rules. Manage program administration to meet all required rules and guidelines. Participate in and manage funding procurement/grant processes, maintain and develop stakeholder collaborations, and other duties as assigned.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or Real Estate Finance and two (2) years of professional experience working in any of the fields above. Demonstrated knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Act (URA) policies and administration of assistance is a plus but not required.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver's license or access to reliable personal transportation or equivalent. Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Dane County. Attendance at local community meetings, including some evenings and weekend meetings.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Ability to lift and move a variety of work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds (with/without assistance). Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules affecting community development; community development loan and grant program principles and processes (including grant writing, contract administration, and review of budgets); financial feasibility studies and pro-formas; and program planning and evaluation. Engagement in and knowledge of principles of social justice. Ability to produce written materials to promote programs or program outcomes. Possession of strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to develop constructive working relationships with stakeholders in the housing/community development arena. Ability to effectively mediate and resolve contract disputes and/or complaints. Ability to work within a team to achieve shared goals related to improving housing and economic stability-related outcomes. Ability to use standard Microsoft Office suite products.
Become a part of the Dane County Team!
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their workweek. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
Like our Facebook page:
Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page:
01
Do you have any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or Real Estate Finance?
02
Do you have two (2) years of professional experience working in Human Services field, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or Real Estate Finance?
03
Did you use artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content or tools in any part of this position's job application process?
04
If you used AI-generated content or tools, do you have an approved request from Dane County's ADA Coordinator to do so?
05
If you used AI-generated content or tools to complete any part of the job application process, please list in which sections of the application process you did so, including responses to graded questions.
06
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The CDBG Program Specialist is responsible for contract management, including strict adherence to the compliance administration of multiple programs funded by the federal U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Wisconsin. Activities will include monitoring and compliance processes; understanding and applying federal/state guidance and protocols related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, and other sources of related funding sources such as HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), CDBG Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), and CDBG Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (CDBG-PRO Housing); provision of technical assistance related to those programs, procurement, and contracting; pre-funding grant and procurement assessment; and program performance evaluation. Please describe your training, education, and work experience that has prepared you for the position of Community Development Block Grant Program Specialist (Project). Be specific as to dates, job titles, and duration of experience. Include any experience administering displacement and relocation assistance to residential and business tenants.
07
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. A key responsibility of this position is compliance administration of multiple programs operating under tight deadlines. Please describe the experience you have performing a variety of complex tasks under the pressure of tight deadlines and the experience you have with conducting public-facing interactions to provide services, or to respond to inquiries in your work (i.e., elected officials, advocates, vendors/grantees, or the general public in need of assistance). Please also include your philosophy and strategy for dealing with people who may be demanding or experiencing a high level of stress when they approach you for assistance.Be sure to describe any experience you have handling confidential information, including the type of confidential information you handled and the restrictions associated with the sharing of that information.
08
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The CDBG/HOME Program Specialist is responsible for actively engaging with grant fund recipients, their relevant project partners, and local stakeholders to build and maintain meaningful collaborations that create positive change and improve access to housing and economic opportunities for Dane County's residents. Please describe your experience working to create collaborative partnerships and facilitate communication among stakeholders to impact positive change, and any outcomes from this work. Also, describe your approach to building and working in these partnerships when stakeholders may have competing interests/opinions and/or complex relationships.
Required Question
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: Full Time Project Position (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2025-00160
Department: Human Services Department
Opening Date: 03/07/2025
Closing Date: 3/21/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 1871
Description
The Dane County Department of Human Services has a full time (1.0 FTE) vacancy for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG/HOME) Program Specialist - Project. This position is contingent on available funding, currently through 9/30/2029.
The Eligible List created from this posting may be used for future vacancies for the next six (6) months.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
Commitment to Equity AND Inclusion
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under the supervision of the HAA Human Services Manager (CDBG Unit), and in partnership with the HAA management team, this project position is primarily responsible for the compliance administration of multiple programs funded by the federal U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Wisconsin such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, and other sources of related funding sources such as HOME-ARP, CDBG-DR, CDBG Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (CDBG-PRO Housing) and Dane County general purpose revenue (GPR), to achieve program goals and objectives; assist with planning for the use of federal grant funds; monitor the progress of programs and subrecipients, and ensure compliance with funding rules; manage program administration to meet all required rules and guidelines; participate in and manage funding procurement/grant processes, maintain and develop stakeholder collaborations, and perform other duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Assist with planning for the use of federal and state grant funds. Monitor the progress of programs and sub-recipients, and ensure compliance with funding rules. Manage program administration to meet all required rules and guidelines. Participate in and manage funding procurement/grant processes, maintain and develop stakeholder collaborations, and other duties as assigned.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or Real Estate Finance and two (2) years of professional experience working in any of the fields above. Demonstrated knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Act (URA) policies and administration of assistance is a plus but not required.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver's license or access to reliable personal transportation or equivalent. Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Dane County. Attendance at local community meetings, including some evenings and weekend meetings.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Ability to lift and move a variety of work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds (with/without assistance). Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules affecting community development; community development loan and grant program principles and processes (including grant writing, contract administration, and review of budgets); financial feasibility studies and pro-formas; and program planning and evaluation. Engagement in and knowledge of principles of social justice. Ability to produce written materials to promote programs or program outcomes. Possession of strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to develop constructive working relationships with stakeholders in the housing/community development arena. Ability to effectively mediate and resolve contract disputes and/or complaints. Ability to work within a team to achieve shared goals related to improving housing and economic stability-related outcomes. Ability to use standard Microsoft Office suite products.
Become a part of the Dane County Team!
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their workweek. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
Like our Facebook page:
Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page:
01
Do you have any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or Real Estate Finance?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have two (2) years of professional experience working in Human Services field, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or Real Estate Finance?
- Yes
- No
03
Did you use artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content or tools in any part of this position's job application process?
- Yes
- No
04
If you used AI-generated content or tools, do you have an approved request from Dane County's ADA Coordinator to do so?
- Yes
- No
05
If you used AI-generated content or tools to complete any part of the job application process, please list in which sections of the application process you did so, including responses to graded questions.
06
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The CDBG Program Specialist is responsible for contract management, including strict adherence to the compliance administration of multiple programs funded by the federal U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of Wisconsin. Activities will include monitoring and compliance processes; understanding and applying federal/state guidance and protocols related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, and other sources of related funding sources such as HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), CDBG Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR), and CDBG Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (CDBG-PRO Housing); provision of technical assistance related to those programs, procurement, and contracting; pre-funding grant and procurement assessment; and program performance evaluation. Please describe your training, education, and work experience that has prepared you for the position of Community Development Block Grant Program Specialist (Project). Be specific as to dates, job titles, and duration of experience. Include any experience administering displacement and relocation assistance to residential and business tenants.
07
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. A key responsibility of this position is compliance administration of multiple programs operating under tight deadlines. Please describe the experience you have performing a variety of complex tasks under the pressure of tight deadlines and the experience you have with conducting public-facing interactions to provide services, or to respond to inquiries in your work (i.e., elected officials, advocates, vendors/grantees, or the general public in need of assistance). Please also include your philosophy and strategy for dealing with people who may be demanding or experiencing a high level of stress when they approach you for assistance.Be sure to describe any experience you have handling confidential information, including the type of confidential information you handled and the restrictions associated with the sharing of that information.
08
THIS QUESTION IS GRADED. The CDBG/HOME Program Specialist is responsible for actively engaging with grant fund recipients, their relevant project partners, and local stakeholders to build and maintain meaningful collaborations that create positive change and improve access to housing and economic opportunities for Dane County's residents. Please describe your experience working to create collaborative partnerships and facilitate communication among stakeholders to impact positive change, and any outcomes from this work. Also, describe your approach to building and working in these partnerships when stakeholders may have competing interests/opinions and/or complex relationships.
Required Question