CDBG GRANT SPECIALIST

Salary Information: $5,050.00/MO. – B21

State Classification: Grant Specialist III – 1921

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 24-57576-1R

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Business Development division is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in rural Texas through its community and economic development programs. Division staff work with small rural hospitals, rural communities, Texas businesses, and various organizations and associations throughout the state.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Perform complex grant administration and technical assistance work associated with the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) program and other community and economic development programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Responsible for administering projects awarded through grants including approving payments, reviewing progress reports, evaluating project amendments and ensuring compliance with guidelines. May serve as a subject matter expert providing direction to others. Work under limited supervision with considerate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain grant administration procedures for infrastructure projects from award to completion, evaluate grant performance to determine compliance with requirements and standards.

Serve as liaison between the Grant Recipient and TDA. Provide technical assistance to rural communities in implementing effective grant projects through direct communication with the Grant Recipient and/or its consultant.

Analyze project costs for awarded grants, review and approve payment requests and evaluate requests for budget revisions as appropriate.

Review requests for grant agreement revisions; recommend approval of the revisions as appropriate based on established criteria.

Serve as a subject matter expert and/or assist the subject matter expert with one or more specialized compliance areas, such as federal labor standards, competitive procurement, or environmental review, as assigned.

Assist in updating the TxCDBG Project Implementation Manual, standard operating procedures, and external or internal training opportunities, as assigned.

Remain apprised of changes and updates to CDBG policies, rules and regulations. Conduct research as assigned to contribute to the division’s understanding of federal, state, and program requirements.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

One (1) year experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist/coordinator, contract specialist/coordinator, project management or community program administration.

Educational Substitutions: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or related field may substitute for required work experience.

PREFERRED

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field, preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of CDBG program and its policies, rules, or regulations; CDBG programs application development and/or contract administration and accounting methods and systems and generally accepted auditing standards and procedures.

Skill in public speaking and making presentations to groups; providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers; operating a computer with applicable software.

Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions; process information in a logical manner and to assess validity; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; interpret and accurately apply the regulations of applicable federal and state programs; understand and interpret program policies and procedures; evaluate new legislation and procedures and be able to implement the policies and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 5%*), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include: