Program Analyst

Job Description POSITION SUMMARY The Program Analyst plays a critical role in evaluating and improving the operational, financial, and compliance performance of the LevelUp program. This position supports strategic decision-making through data analysis, performance monitoring, internal purchasing oversight, and process optimization. The analyst collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure program integrity, HUD compliance, and alignment with CHA goals. Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills are essential. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Review enrollment packets and determine eligibility for enrollment in the LevelUp program. Create new participant records of LevelUp participants into the TAAG case management system. Design and update training materials for LevelUp staff. Examine current processes, reports, and tracking systems to ensure alignment with HUD and CHA guidelines and procedures. Facilitate onboarding, ongoing technical assistance and training sessions for LevelUp staff to support consistent program delivery and compliance. Coordinate and track key LevelUp program milestones including enrollments, extensions, interims, and exits. Train and support new LevelUp coaches while serving as a liaison to HCV staff to ensure consistent guidance, support, and adherence to program guidelines and procedures. Review participant packets for compliance and process them in Yardi or forward to HCV contractor as required. Reconcile annual progress addendums and collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., IT, HCV, Property Management) to ensure HUD compliance. Conduct regular audits of LevelUp savings accounts to verify pay point submissions and support documentation for compliance with program requirements; prepare and distribute annual LevelUp savings statements. Analyze program data and trends to identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement with the existing enrollment process. Develop and maintain dashboards and program reports to track pay points, KPIs, and participant outcomes. Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of LevelUp participant activity and goal achievement. Support the development of annual program budgets and forecasts in collaboration with department leadership. Review and process interim and grant requests; maintain accurate financial and audit documentation. Track and reconcile grant funds and interim withdrawals; ensure alignment with program budgets. Conduct quality control reviews and internal audits. Manage caseload assignments, data corrections, and deletions in TAAG. Monitor and maintain the corrections log; resolve issues identified during packet reviews and audits. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to improve data quality, systems (e.g. Yardi, TAAG) and reporting accuracy. Lead business process reviews and recommend optimization strategies. Prepare and submit quarterly reports (e.g., VMS, pay points, narrative reports). Maintain accurate SharePoint records for exits over-income removals, End of Participations, and related program changes. Develop and maintain an annual process to notify participants of their escrow balance to meet HUD standards. Support LevelUp Coaches in creating linkages between the Program Coordinating Committee and other community resources Stay abreast of new FSS innovations and HUD program requirements and regulations. Provide telephone and email support to LevelUp coaches and program participants. Analyze on-going program effectiveness and make recommendations for modification of policies and procedures to achieve greater program efficiency. Research relevant public and social service agencies and private businesses offering services for LevelUp participants. Travel off-site for training, events, and meetings. Represent the LevelUp program in internal and external meetings, presentations, and audits. Review and update internal and external processes and procedures Perform other duties as needed to support departmental operations and strategic goals. This position requires working hours outside of CHA's established hours of 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, including evenings or weekends as needed This position is eligible for teleworking up to two days per week following successful completion of the 90-day probationary period. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is preferred, with a minimum of five years of related work experience in data analysis, quality control and compliance, finance, or auditing. A combination of education and related work experience will be considered. Experience with budget tracking and internal procurement processes preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas), Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint with proven ability to master new software. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus. Knowledge of HUD regulations, Family Self-Sufficiency programs, and housing systems (e.g., Yardi). This position requires advanced communication skills, analytical, and organizational skills. Demonstrate ability to train and support staff, facilitate meetings, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision. BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE • Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package • Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance • Long-Term Care Insurance • Pet Insurance • Parking Transit • Prepaid Legal Services • Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan • Identity Theft Protection • Hospital Indemnity Insurance • Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance • Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match • Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago • Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA's established policies and procedures. "Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received." Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 Grade: S7 FLSA: Exempt Union: None