Planning and Implementing a Successful Lead Program

There are four key areas that need attention when planning and implementing a successful lead program.

1. Staffing

2. Understanding lead hazard control

3. Marketing, intake, and qualification of applicants

4. Model production process: lead evaluation, remediation, and clearance

5. Getting paid - HESWAP and SAGE

 

Staffing

One of the most crucial decisions as a new agency is determining your staffing for the lead program.  There is a balance that needs to be struck between what you need to successfully operate the project and how much staff your grant can afford. Thinking this through prior to submitting grant applications is important. 

 

There are 3 types of staff that you need.  Management, Field and Administrative.  At a very minimum, you will need a Lead Manager, a Lead Construction Manager/Lead Supervisor and an administrative staff tasked with outreach and intake. Ideally, you should also have a Project Coordinator. There are some shared responsibilities between the administrative staff and the project coordinator, potentially.

 

Lead Manager:

In a nutshell, the Lead Manager will be responsible for making sure the program runs according to DCA guidelines and that your agency gets paid.  The lead manager is responsible for overall project direction, management of lead staff, reporting and fiscal oversight of all lead activities. This could be a part-time position, if you hire a Project Coordinator.

 

Project Coordinator: 

Responsible for coordination of all lead activities (outreach, intake, customer service, contractor pool, production, etc.), managing outreach and marketing, approval of all customer applications for services, and supporting of inputting data into HESWAP and/or SAGE.

 

Intake/Administrative:

Responsible for managing intake of project applications, meeting with and gathering needed documents to qualify applicants. Duties include collection of all application information required, tracking application process, preparation and organization of paperwork, scheduling, etc.

 

Lead Field Supervisor/Lead Construction Manager:

Coordinates lead and healthy homes assessment and education, performs home inspection and creates scope of work, manages risk assessment, staging of contractors and project completion/closeouts. Must have experience in home remodeling/home repair field and training in lead safe work practices.  Required training: EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (EPA certification).  Recommended training: Lead Work and Lead Supervisor (both are NJDOH credentials)

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