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 Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Grant Specialist works in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment performing grant eligibility and administration work for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food & Nutrition (F&N) division. Work involves performing pre-eligibility verification of documents submitted by organizations and individuals expecting to participate in nutrition programs; ensuring that applications and grant contracts are compliant with federal and state policies, procedures, rules, and regulations; and providing routine technical assistance to potential and current TDA Contracting Entities and the community related to program eligibility. Work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze and process documents to allow potential Contracting Entities (CEs) access to web-based application system to apply for Food and Nutrition programs based on established F&N policies and procedures.

Analyze and process program grant applications, renewals and amendments ensuring compliance with state and federal program policies, procedures, and regulations.

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

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

Perform pre-eligibility verification of documents submitted by organizations and individuals expecting to participate in programs        administered by the Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division of the Texas Department of Agriculture. Ensure pre-eligibility documents follow federal and state statutes, policies, and procedures, including that the individual or organization is in good standing with State and federal statutes.

Serve as a liaison between the agency, the state, and grant funding sources by attending meetings, responding to information requests, and resolving issues between parties involved.

Log, track, process, and store permanent agreements by obtaining proper signatures, ensuring proper retention and storage of agreements, and distributing copies to appropriate people and organizations.

Prepare and send grant application renewal reminder letters and broadcast emails.

Develop, coordinate, and maintain record keeping and filing system for application materials, including correspondence, forms, and documents, in accordance with TDA’s Records Management Policy.

Update program tracking systems and databases by processing and storing incoming documents of potential and existing Contracting Entities (CEs) including faxes, email, and delivered mail, in accordance with policies and procedures, including timeframes.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

Work experience in preparing and/or reviewing contracts/grants or work experience in determining applicant eligibility for participation in a program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience interpreting and providing technical assistance for government program rules and regulations.

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

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. Involves repetitive hand/wrist/finger motions while using the computer. 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:

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

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 military 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 Property Management and Procurement MOS Codes.