Heather Rhoda
Summary
Experienced with in-depth knowledge of subject matter, ensuring accurate and effective guidance. Engaging fun and innovative trainer and technical assistance provider. Utilizes creative, innovative and critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges. Track record of developing long-lasting and trusted relationships through effective communication and collaboration in diverse team settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Subject Matter Expert/Program Area Manager
The Cloudburst Group
01.2014 - Current
- Develop, design and deliver remote and onsite technical assistance and consulting services to recipients and subrecipients receiving HUD Community Planning and Development funding
- Develop and deliver national webinars and office hours in collaboration with HUD program offices related to HUD Community Development and Planning programs
- Authored the contact for the Housing Opportunity for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) income and rent calculation curriculum located on the HUD Exchange website
- Conduct assessments and discussions with HUD recipients and subrecipients to identify barriers to program performance and provide recommendations for improvement, training, and/or technical assistance to address deficiencies
- Author written documents for technical assistance and training engagements including slide presentations, exercises, file checklists, guidebooks, case studies and programmatic policy and procedure manuals
- Maintain positive working relationships with recipient and subrecipient program staff and HUD headquarters and field office staff
- Program area lead point of contact for HUD's Office of HIV/AIDS Housing (OHH) and HUD Field Offices
- Conduct compliance and quality control reviews of HOPWA Annual Performance Reports (APRs) and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPERs) submitted by recipients
- Designed and conducted technical and specialized training to ensure accurate report completion
- Staff supervision and member of the Housing and Community Development management team
- Author and perform project management activities of HUD technical assistance work plans and budgets
- Senior reviewer on HOPWA Ask-A-Question desk on the HUD Exchange
- Accurately respond to questions both program policy and compliance questions
- Initiate business development and private contracting opportunities for the company
- Established best practices for knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Developed effective training materials for diverse audiences, resulting in improved skillsets and increased job satisfaction.
Housing Coordinator
Frannie Peabody Center
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Implemented and conducted daily operational management of activities funded under four competitively funded Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) grants
- Authored and submitted new and renewal competitive HOPWA grants, HOPWA Policies and Procedures Operations Manual and program forms
- Lead contact for the local HUD Field Office
- Forecasted TBRA expenditures and supervision of the Occupancy Specialist
- Conducted internal monitoring reviews to ensure compliance with HUD and cross-cutting regulations
- Conducted final application reviews to ensure compliance with program regulations and documentation requirements
- Developed the content for and conducted statewide HOPWA trainings to social service agencies/stakeholders
- Compiled, analyzed data and authored narrative for HUD Annual Performance Reports (APRs)
- Maine Continuum of Care co-chair and Scoring and Ranking Committee member
- Managed the application process, thoroughly reviewing documents for accurate income verification and eligibility determination.
- Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
Compliance Specialist
Spectrum Enterprises, Inc.
01.2008 - 12.2008
- Conducted onsite and desk file audits to identify LIHTC non-compliance issues
- Conducted accurate applicant pre-approval reviews to determine eligibility and identify potential LIHTC non-compliance issues prior to move-in resulting in either approval, pending approval or denial of household/unit eligibility
- Reduced instances of non-compliance through meticulous monitoring of internal controls and periodic audits.
- Stayed current with latest changes to applicable regulatory standards and company procedures.
- Created and maintained compliant work environment.
Program Officer
Westbrook Housing
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Conducted interviews with potential tenants to assess income and household composition to determine program eligibility
- Designed and conducted Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Briefings
- Accurately calculated annual income, total tenant rent and housing assistance payments and completed all HCV processes
- Worked collaboratively with landlords to ensure program compliance and mitigated tenant/unit issues
- Maintained organized and accurate participant files, monitored compliance with program rules and conducted interim and annual reexaminations to determine continued eligibility
- Addressed complaints from tenants or landlords about rent payments, unit conditions and other programmatic issues
- Remained up to date on HUD regulations and accurately applied regulations to individual scenarios
Housing Coordinator
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Coordinated, managed and provided regional oversight of Maine's Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) and Shelter Plus Care and assisted in authoring applicable program manuals/forms
- Worked collaboratively with Maine's Central and Local Administration Agents and ensured efficient subsidy administration and adherence to program rules, regulations and wait list management
- Conducted case conferences with case managers to mitigate termination of assistance, ensure program compliance and resolved landlord/tenant issues
- Member of the Balance of State and City of Portland Continuum of Care
- Reviewed and approved or denied BRAP waivers of eligibility
- Managed the application process, thoroughly reviewing documents for accurate income verification and eligibility determination.
- Developed and delivered training programs for new hires within the Central and Local Administrative agents and for social service providers, ensuring a consistent level of knowledge and expertise.
- Coordinated with local agencies to secure funding, ensuring the availability of affordable housing options.
Education
MBA -
Husson University
Portland, ME05-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME05-1998
Skills
- Training and mentoring
- Strong analytical skills
- Customer focus
- Creative solutions
- Innovative mindset
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
Certification
- HOME Specialist: National Center for Housing Management
- C3P: Spectrum Enterprises
- Blended Occupancy Specialist: Quadel Consulting
- Certified Occupancy Specialist: Nan McKay
- Certified Section 8 and HCV Rental and HCV Occupancy Specialist: Nan McKay
- NSPIRE Certified: Nan McKay
- Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certified: Nan McKay
- HOTMA Summit: Nan McKay
Timeline
Subject Matter Expert/Program Area Manager
The Cloudburst Group
01.2014 - Current
Housing Coordinator
Frannie Peabody Center
01.2008 - 01.2014
Compliance Specialist
Spectrum Enterprises, Inc.
01.2008 - 12.2008
Program Officer
Westbrook Housing
01.2006 - 01.2008
Housing Coordinator
State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services
01.2000 - 01.2006
MBA -
Husson University
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Southern Maine
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