General Summary

As a Program Specialist, incumbents conduct professional administrative work with primary responsibility for program management of grant funded transportation programs such as Statewide Transportation Improvement Funded (STIF) projects. Incumbent manages grant funded transportation services and implements transportation projects initiated by the Planning team. Among other qualities, this position requires professionalism, organization, attention to detail, initiative, critical thinking, analytical ability, and strong communication skills. This position is responsible for grant development, evaluation, and compliance, including research, technical writing, and adherence to grant guidelines. The following information details the key functions and requirements of the position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Maintain and oversee the systems, contracts, and relationships required to sustain the daily operations of assigned grant-funded and pilot transportation programs, including but not limited to:
  • Rural On-Demand Services
  • Downtown and Riverfront Circulator
  • Bethel ATTAIN services
• Provide contract program oversight and evaluation to ensure high service quality and clear communication of LTD's expectations for the above services, including regular meetings with contractors.
• Oversee assigned grant programs, including service changes to best suit local needs, coordinating the development of new schedules, and contributing to development of service brochures, website updates, social media promotion, and launch events.
• Coordinate contracting efforts as assigned for Mobility Services, including contract evaluations, developing Scopes of Work, assisting with development of RFPs and contracts, and serving on evaluation committees.
• Complete grant and associated reporting for assigned programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with interested parties in service areas.
• Promote the goals of grant recipients and keep all interested parties informed through public awareness activities such as prepared group speaking engagements and outreach programs. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure communication is clear and consistent.
• Investigate and manage grievances, incidents, accidents, and audits associated with assigned programs. Provide timely written follow up as required and submit reports as required.
• Draft materials for LTD Board of Directors meetings as required.
• Develops and maintains a grant management system for funded grants that includes report due dates, budget adherence, impact of grants, and any other grant requirements.
• Ensure compliance with guidelines of grants.
• Ensure program and contract compliance
• Develop both internal (LTD) and external (Contractor) procedures relating to grant funded programs.
• Coordinate the billing, payment, and fiscal reporting of grant funded services.
• Performs complex planning, research, consultative, technical and program administration.
• Serve as a champion for accessible public transportation services. Connect older adults, low income households, students, and people with disabilities to transportation services.
• Complete interviews with LTD riders to determine eligibility for half-fare passes and service animal endorsements. Conduct presentations for older adults and people with disabilities and participate in in service training for LTD staff.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests from LTD customers for Reasonable Modifications of LTD policies.
• Interpret state and federal policy and regulation for the provision of grant funded transportation services.
• Represent LTD by attending or facilitating meetings and trainings. Work with state and local agencies and community partners to identify needs for public transportation services. Communicate LTD's role and interest in the coordination of quality public transit programs, products, and services
• Maintain files and correspondence according to state, federal, and internal regulations. Prepare reports that are timely and accurate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Crosstrain and support Mobility Services team members.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Fiscal Responsibility

• This position adheres to procurement policies and procedures including managing contract compliance.
• Ensures that LTD is compliant with Federal Transportation Administration and Oregon Department of Transportation procurement policies and procedures in regards to grant funded programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Education and course work can substitute for years of experience. Typical qualifications would be:

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in Public Planning, Policy and Management, Human Services, or a related field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant experience in areas such as accessibility, contract or grant development, writing, and management, or program management.

Preferred:

• Direct experience working with accessible transportation.
• Knowledge of grant writing, research, and management.
• Direct program management.
• Interpreting complex rules and regulations.
• Evidence of a successful funding track record or grant management.
• Post-secondary course work in relevant areas such as disability or legal studies.
• Knowledge of Federal Transportation Administration and Oregon Department of Transportation grant and program regulations.

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• Record keeping, including PHI and HIPAA compliance
• Policies, guidelines, and requirements required by the federal government and for LTD.
• Access and inclusion of people with disabilities

Ability to:

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Interact directly and independently with LTD's senior management as well as senior management of external organizations and government officials
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Develop and produce written reports
• Work independently, as well as in a team setting
• Manage multi-phase projects from inception to completion
• Maintain strong organizational and problem solving skills

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• Will sometimes be required to work and/or attend meetings or events in public and at all LTD locations.
• Monday through Friday 8am until 5pm
• Occasional abnormal hours are expected and required for specific events and to reach all employees.

Travel

• Travel within the metropolitan area may be required.
• Occasional travel outside of the region may be required.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• May work in a normal office environment and/or remote office as approved.
• After completion of probation, position is eligible for remote work per the Remote Work Policy and Guidelines and subject to a Remote Work Agreement.

Human Collaboration & Job Impact

• Communications and discussions result in decisions regarding policy development and implementation. Interaction with others outside the organization requires exercising participative management skills that support team efforts and quality processes. The impact the job has on LTD is significant in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

EEO Statement

• LTD is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.