Grants Specialist III (SR-22)

Serves as a staff specialist and primary liaison with other organizations, departments, and agencies in an assigned functional area; participates in the development and evaluation of projects funded by grants; and performs other related duties as required. 

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This Grants Specialist III class differs from the Grants Specialist II class in that the Grants Specialist III class is responsible for serving as a staff specialist and primary liaison with other organizations, departments, and agencies in an assigned functional area, whereas the Grants Specialist II class performs a wide variety of tasks in developing and managing a grants program for one or more departmental programs.The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position and are consistent with the class concept.

• Serves as a staff specialist in an assigned functional area;
• Independently identifies, researches, evaluates, prepares, and submits grant applications for programs and/or projects which support and enhance departmental and countywide goals;
• Conducts special studies and develops new or improved programs in an assigned functional area;
• Reviews program and/or project activities to ensure that goals and objectives are met and in order to make recommendations for changes as necessary;
• Conducts program and financial monitoring of grant recipients, including the detailed or general verification, examination and appraisal of accounts and related files;
• Examines for adherence to the requirements of the grant agreement and the laws, ordinances and regulations governing grants management and financial transactions;
• Reviews the adequacy of financial and program and/or project accounting systems used to reflect effectiveness of programs and/or projects as well as actual financial status and activity;
• Prepares detailed audit reports, including recommendation for new or revised program goals, procedures or accounting methods to correct deficiencies;
• Reviews grant applications, reimbursement and/or cash advance requests and quarterly financial and narrative reports for accuracy and completeness, and determines and conducts necessary follow-up investigations;
• Executes grant agreements and contracts;
• Assists in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports to the Director and County Council;
• Reviews and prepares for payment for all reimbursement and cash advance requests;
• Prepares and maintains grant agreement files;
• May supervise subordinate specialists and other employees;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Training and Experience:  A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public or business administration, political science, sociology, or a related field, and three (3) years of professional administrative or analytical work experience which shall have involved monitoring, evaluating, and/or administering grants.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license (equivalent to State of Hawaii Type 3).

Knowledge of: Principles, methods and techniques that apply to grants proposal writing, applications, and administration; Federal, State and county laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing grant programs and/or projects; interviewing techniques and principles; basic government organization and functions; sources of information concerning the granting of public funds; community resources and their utilization; statutory, regulatory, and participatory requirements associated with grants; report writing; public relations; research methods; and use of standard office machines and equipment, including personal computers, peripheral equipment, and software applications. 

Ability to: Coordinate the activities of a grant program; collect, evaluate and interpret facts; read, comprehend, interpret, and apply complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures; perform accurate, detailed analysis of records; secure the confidence and cooperation of others; understand the principles, methods and techniques of programs within the County of Maui; express ideas logically, both orally and in writing; deal tactfully and effectively with other employees, operating officials, program participants, and the general public; supervise others; and operate a personal computer using a variety of software applications. 

Health and Physical Condition:

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping:  Light