Description
CDBG GRANT PROGRAM SPECIALIST
(Contract Specialist/Coordinator, Project Management or Community Program Administration)
(Internal Posting – Open to Current TDA Employees Only – 5 Day Posting)
Salary Information: B19, $4,200 - $4,410.00; B21, $5,050.00 - $5,300.00/MO.
State Classification: Grant Specialist II/III – 1920/1921
FLSA Status: Nonexempt/Exempt
Posting Number: 24-58289-1
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online 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
The CDBG Grant Specialist will perform complex/highly 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). You will be responsible for completing various complex/ highly complex federal planning, program design and reporting requirements for approved grant applications. Work under general/limited supervision with moderate/considerate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
In addition, the following apply to the Grant Specialist III position:
The Grants Specialist III may serve as a subject matter expert providing direction to others.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Review and evaluate complex grant applications submitted for funding assistance to determine eligibility, completeness, scoring, and compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to TDA programs. Develop funding recommendations and draft grant agreements for projects to be awarded.
Provide technical assistance to rural communities, governmental agencies, community organizations, small businesses and the general public to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in CDBG programs and services and to secure support for rural areas. Serve on task forces, panels or teams as assigned.
Participate in planning, developing and evaluating the effectiveness of programs or projects to assist rural Texas with community development, economic development, planning and housing needs.
Assist/Serve as the subject matter expert with one or more specialized compliance areas, such as federal labor standards, competitive procurement, or environmental review, as assigned. Assist with record retention activities and Public Information Requests related to the CDBG program.
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.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS FOR A GRANT SPECIALIST II - B19, $4,200 - $4,410.00/MO.
Bachelor’s degree (one year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).
Work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist/coordinator, contract specialist/coordinator, project management or community program administration.
Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or related field may substitute for required work experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR GRANT SPECIALIST III - B21, $5,050.00 - $5,300.00/MO.
Bachelor’s degree (one year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college).
One (1) year work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grants specialist/coordinator, contract specialist/coordinator, project management or community program administration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field.
Work experience with CDBG programs.
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
This position will work in a 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 15%*), occasionally overnight.
TELEWORK & WORK HOURS
TDA has a telework policy that will allow eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.
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:
ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees
ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance
ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance
ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance
ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.
- A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.
TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.
Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.
Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Accounting, Auditing & Finance MOS Codes.