June 1, 2016
Grant Programs Officer Staff Report May 2016
AmeriCorps:
- Attended the AmeriCorps Atlantic Region Conference in Springfield Massachusetts. Met with CNCS upper management and participated in a number of workshops related to data collection and data quality. Also represented the Commission at ASC pre and post conference worksessions for discussion topics of importance to states and planning feedback to CNCS on the recent grant competition the clarification process and the performance measures appropriate for state support grants.
- While at the conference, convened the Maine AmeriCorps Programs and facilitated the monthly Technical Assistance meeting. Topics covered were the transition to the new tech system intended to replace eGrants, OIG prohibited activities in light of the NACHC findings, the president’s budget proposal and a long ”best practice” session on recruitment strategies. Programs also continued the Evaluation curriculum, focusing this month on interviews as a data collection strategy.
- Processed submitted continuation applications for AmeriCorps formula programs, compiled the materials and posted them to the Hub for review as well as reviewed the materials in advance of developing continuation summaries for Grants Task Force review. Included in this process was the training of P. Fitzpatrick in the process
- Led a Volunteer Reception Center training for 65 Maine Conservation Corps members and staff, 8 Bangor AmeriCorps Opportunity Collaborative members and staff and one member of the Take2 Opportunity Youth program.
- Continued to file program report materials, financial reports and processed reimbursement requests.
- Participated in regular CNCS Program Director Technical Assistance calls
- Provided ongoing technical assistance to subgrantees on various topics.
Emergency Management:
- Updated Volunteer reception Center training materials as well as updating the VRC Ready kit in advance of the VRC Training
Other Initiatives and other National Service:
- Began co-proctoring the spring session for the Certificate in Volunteer Management online course, overseeing the submissions of 12 registered students from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont (of the 23 total)
- Participated in the ongoing Service Enterprise Trainer cohort meetings and meet with the key members of the MCCS Training team to plan for developing a group of trainee organizations in the fall of 2016
Other:
- Continued to assist in processing background check results and providing technical support to national service programs using the CHRC system.
- Attended monthly Commission meeting
- Hosted Grants Task Force teleconference meeting.
- Participated in a training on the use of the state’s Advantage financial management system and continued with biweekly Procurement Card coding and processing of various invoices.