FOOD & NUTRITION GRANT SPECIALIST

Salary Information: $5,250.00 - $5,750.00/MO – B19/B21

State Classification: Grant Specialist II/III – 1920/1921

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/Exempt

Posting Number: 26-56891-1

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.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually used to fund the programs for the State of Texas. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Grant Specialist performs complex/highly complex grant eligibility and administration work for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food & Nutrition (F&N) division. You will be involved in determining and verifying the eligibility of contracting entities (CEs) as based on the review of all Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and School Nutrition Program (SNP) and United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods grant applications, renewals, and amendments; and ensuring that applications and contract updates are compliant with federal and state policies and procedures. You will work under general/limited supervision with moderate/considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

Analyze and process a high volume of program contracts applications, renewals and updates based on established F&N policies and procedures.

Ensure grantee’s compliance with conditions of grants by monitoring and analyzing agreements, contracts, expenses, activities, and federal and state regulations.

Prepare work plans and timelines to ensure submission of state or federal grant applications and program reports in a timely manner.

Assess the viability, capability, and accountability of contracting entities' operations through analysis of budget documentation, management plans, and other applicable data. Recommend the termination and/or denial of contracts based on viability, capability, and accountability assessment.

Review submitted grant applications and determined the applicant’s eligibility for award based on established criteria.

Validate the contracting entities' current year budget to historical earnings for appropriateness and accuracy. Review budgets to ensure costs are reasonable, allowable, and necessary.

Interpret policies, rules, or regulations; provides guidance to staff and the community regarding grant administration, compliance, policies, and procedures; and resolve related issues and concerns.

Provide input in the development and implementation/Develop and implement of F&N policies and procedures related to program eligibility and application materials.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition to the Primary Responsibilities listed above, the following apply to the Grant Specialist III position:

Serve as a subject matter expert for financial analysis and evaluation and provide extensive, highly complex technical assistance to potential and current contracting entities.

May provide assistance in leading, training, and coordinating other grant specialists’ work plans.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR A GRANT SPECIALIST II – B19

(The application must state how each of the following qualifications are met - resumes do not take the place of the required state of Texas application which must be completed in CAPPS or WIT.)

Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Three (3) years’ experience in application, finance, grant or contract evaluation, administration, management, monitoring, or development.

Substitution: A Certified Contract Manager Certification (CTCM) may substitute for two years of work experience.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR A GRANT SPECIALIST III – B21

Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Four (4) years’ experience in application, finance, grant or contract evaluation, administration, management, monitoring, or development.

Substitution: A Certified Contract Manager Certification (CTCM) may substitute for two years of work experience.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in business administration or a related field.

Work experience with Child Nutrition programs associated with and administered by TDA Food and Nutrition.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and/or contract administration, business administration principles and practices; and research and budgeting processes.

Skills in grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring; report writing, budget development; in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

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 to 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.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work.

The agency’s core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes.

• 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

Background Checks: A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423. Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

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.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Property Management and Procurement MOS Codes.