Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Grants Administration Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Grant Specialist that performs advanced (senior level) grant management and technical assistance work. Work includes planning, developing, and evaluating grant programs; overseeing the statewide administration of the State Automated Victim Notification System (SAVNS) Program, developing, and implementing rules, and providing consultative services and technical assistance to the programmatic division and the vendor; providing crime victim grant related information and assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, non-profit entities, community organizations and the general public; and provides instruction and guidance to others.

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the State's law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Manages a caseload of victim assistance grants including higher risk grants; completes work as assigned and ensures the work is consistent with the guidelines and standards as set in Agency and Division Policies and Procedures; ensures work is conducted accurately and timely; identifies and develops innovative approaches to improve the
  
  management of the Division's grant programs by developing and recommending policies and procedures for effective grant management; works daily with grantees to serve as their point of contact for assigned caseload of grants.
• Provides technical assistance to SAVNS entities that receive funding through the Office of the Attorney General; interprets and clarifies standards, policies and procedures for programs to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations; assists in developing policies and procedures; and conducts training for SAVNS grantees. Provides technical assistance to local and statewide programs that receive funding through the OAG by interpreting and clarifying standards, policies, and procedures for programs to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations;
  
  may conduct site visits, assists with monitoring programs and prepares materials to respond to requests for information; provides conference training and materials to grantees
• Provides verification of program compliance regarding the SAVNS program within the Grants Administration Division; tests and recommends upgrades and changes to the vendor website (VINE Watch and VINE Link) to produce a more streamlined and user-friendly product; works closely with the vendor in order to ensure SAVNS grantees are receiving the maximum level of service; works closely with the Crime Victim Services Division to manage and further develop the SAVNS program.
• Reviews and processes budget adjustments and grant requests and ensures they are in compliance with the grant application kits and grant contracts; reviews invoices and requests for funds, performance reports and other documents submitted by funded programs to determine compliance with regulations, policies and procedures, and contract requirements; evaluates program effectiveness and makes recommendations regarding funding or sanctions; provides excellent customer service to grantees on a daily basis; works closely with Grants Financial Section to process invoices and budget adjustments.
• Verifies accuracy and timeliness of grant documents, forms, spreadsheets, and other tools for managing victim assistance grants and SAVNS grant contracts; assists in preparing administrative reports, studies, and specialized projects; and summarizes data into concise memos and reports as needed; works closely with the Lead Grant Manager and Production Manager to complete grant management duties; works in a team environment with other Grant Managers to ensure consistency in grant management practices.
• Ensures practices comply with state and federal grant guidelines, effectively utilizes available funding sources, and incorporates the latest trends in grant/contract administration; may work with other organizations, professional groups and state agencies to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in grant programs and the effective administration of grant funds.
• Assists the Lead Grant Manager with tracking of required reports and other documentation submitted by grantees to the Grants Administration Division.
• Participates in program planning, development, and implementation of grant programs within the Grants Administration Division; develops grant documents, forms, and other tools for managing grants; works with program staff in determining trends and resolving problems; recommends activities to produce a more effective program.
• Maintains grant data; verifies data integrity, and summarizes data into memos and reports; updates data and information related to grants in the division's database or other electronic files; assists in maintaining filing systems consistent with division's record retention plan.
• Performs related work as assigned
• Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
• Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis: criminal justice, grant management, contract management, business administration, public administration, victim services, customer or client related services, or human services, administration of web-based software
• Experience: Seven years full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: criminal justice, grant management, contract management, business administration, public administration, victim services, customer or client related services, or human services, administration of web-based software; Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience
• Knowledge of the criminal justice process, victim's rights and resources, child support and family initiatives, non-profit administration, and volunteer management practices
• Must obtain Certified Texas Contracting Manager certification within one year of employment with the OAG
• Skill in administering an online technical format.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
• Skill in using Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other database software
• Skill in effective oral and written communication
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG work space within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave)
• Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
• Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
• Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 10%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Public Administration, Government/Political Science, Social Work or related field
• Experience: Seven years full-time experience working in victim services, human services, or working for a state agency in a related field
• Knowledge of state and federal guidelines for administering grants, including Uniform Grant Management Standards

TO APPLY

To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PropertyManagementandProcurement.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER