Grants Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description

Performs highly advanced program coordination work related to state-funded behavioral health grants within the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Reports to the Mental Health Grant Programs (MHGP) Director in the Adult, Crisis, & Forensic (ACF) Mental Health Services unit.

Provides oversight of implementation and management of state-funded grant programs within BHS. Works with BHS and other appropriate agency staff to develop policies, procedures, and standardized practices related to grant management activities. Ensures behavioral health grant programs are implemented in alignment with the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan. Guides the development of best practices, system capacity building, and program evaluation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Implements standards for the administration of state-funded, legislatively directed grant programs related to procurement, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes. Leads efforts to coordinate programmatic subject matter experts, contract staff, quality management staff, procurement and contracting staff, legal, finance, and government relations in implementing and administering grant programs through consistent, appropriate communication and establishment of roles and responsibilities. Provides guidance and assistance to other MHGP staff in the development of scopes of work, evaluation measures and criteria, and other efforts related to development and management of grant initiatives. (25%)

Works with MHGP staff and grantee organizations to fulfill reporting requirements to internal and external representatives, including the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council as required by legislation. Works with MHGP staff to establish effective and informative reporting processes. Plans, develops, holds events, and conducts activities with internal and external partners to report on the effectiveness of grant programs. (25%)

Promotes the implementation of best practices related to grant management, solicitation, contracting, and program sustainability. Works with MHGP staff to develop policies, procedures, and standard practices for pre-award and post-award grant management activities. Ensures programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, and HHS Procurement Contract Services policy and procedures. Identifies ongoing learning and professional development opportunities related to grant management and coordinates appropriate BHS staff participation. Assesses practices, processes, and systems and implements recommendations for improvement based on feedback and input from internal and external representatives. (25%)

Implements strategies for grant program and project sustainability, system capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, including enhancing external partnerships to encourage public-private partnerships. Coordinates and implements capacity building activities including learning communities to promote sustainability and organizational ability. Coordinates to ensure internal and external stakeholders’ feedback is included in grant selection and grant management processes. (15%)

Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to grant programs including legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding grant administration, policies, and procedures. Works with appropriate agency staff to produce materials such a maps, primers, crosswalks, reports to communicate the impact of grant programs, web content, press kits, and grant program branding. Represents unit at meetings as directed, attends conferences, and briefs executive leadership. Prepares briefing materials. (10%)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• Texas Health and Human Service Commission's policies and procedures.
• Contracting and procurement regulations, of negotiating contracts, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and procedures of contract management.
• Behavioral health programming.
• State and federal grant administration practices and regulations including Uniform Grant Management Standards and 2 CFR Part 200.
• Office equipment, computers, Windows Operating System, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet.
• Project management including prioritization, planning, estimating, controlling, reporting, communication and implementing.
• Process improvement practices and applications.
• Performance measure development, and program evaluation.

Skill in:

• Management principles and practices, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
• Analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and comprehensively and accurately evaluating different types of administrative reports.
• Providing leadership and managing diverse program and administrative personnel in a team environment; communicating on issues and coordinating oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.

Ability to:

• write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
• Evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.
• Deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.
• Lead or work as part of a team. Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, assignments and projects.
• Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.
• Evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.
• Make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.
• Plan, assign, and prioritize the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

None required.

Initial Screening Criteria

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Professional experience related to grant program coordination.

Preferred:

• Behavioral Health program design or implementation.
• Project management and process improvement experience.
• Performance measure management experience.
• Data collection and dashboard reporting experience.

Additional Information

This position is telework eligible. Please note that all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.

Disclaimer: Salary typically falls in the mid-range of posting.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.