Job Description

PRIOR APPROVAL COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

Salary Information: B19, $5,000.00 -$5,300.00/MO.

State Classification: Program Specialist III - 1572

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Posting Number: 24-57757-1R

Location: Austin, Houston, Ft. Worth, El Paso, Waco and San Antonio, TX

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online at 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 (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 Prior Approval Compliance Specialist will work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment reviewing the quality and consistency of various processes for the Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) Food & Nutrition (F&N) Division. You will assist in developing processes and procedures to ensure the quality and consistency of all aspects and functions of the F&N's required activities including administrative reviews, application processing, training and other federal and state mandated operations. You will be responsible for the timely and thorough completion of Visit Prior to Approval (VPAs), assigned compliance reviews, and related technical assistance. Administrative review work involves examining, assessing, and reviewing records to reach conclusions supported by data and facts. You will utilize reports, financial statements, procurement documents and management practices to ensure legal compliance with federal and state statutes and internal regulations to ensure program integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. You will work under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform all aspects of verified prior to approval reviews in the TDA F&N-administered child nutrition programs.

Evaluate the sponsor's financial and procurement performance for compliance with applicable state and federal management standards, including (but not limited to) the review of management operations, internal control systems, and accounting records/systems, utilizing standard compliance audit/review standards, tools, procedures, and processes in an efficient, accurate and timely manner.

Responsible for visits prior to program application approval to ensure the organization meets federal and state guidelines for viability, capability, and accountability (VCA) and make recommendations for application approval, denial, or withdrawal.

Serve as the subject matter expert of the VPA-related processes and procedures including, but not limited to, VPA risk assessment, proper procurement of goods and services, Health & Safety records, and licensing.

Confirm identities of all responsible principal and/or individuals (RPIs) for the sponsor. Verify applicants' eligibility for participation against the National Disqualified List (NDL).

Prepare correspondence to make recommendations of findings/concerns based on VPA results; provide technical assistance for complying with program rules, and regulations, and recommendations for corrective action, as appropriate.

Assist review staff with assigned administrative reviews (ARs) and compliance follow-up reviews including Meal Counting & Claiming, and Eligibility and Enrollment.

Serve as an expert witness and prepare documentation as requested for all appeals and hearings resulting from an application denial associated with a VPA, and any appeals resulting from assigned ARs and/or Complaints follow-up reviews.

Identify best practices and procedure changes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of VPA operations and provide input on the development of VPA training curriculum, materials, and processes.

Maintain thorough data collection and recordkeeping for materials, including correspondence, forms and documents related to assigned VPAs, ARs, and compliance reviews in accordance with the section's applicable processes and TDA Records Management Policy.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

Bachelor's Degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).

Three (3) years' work experience in auditing, quality assurance and/or control, contract management of federal programs including experience with the implementation of corrective action programs.

Work experience in determining applicant eligibility for participation in a program.

Work experience in preparing, and/or analyzing business related financial documents.

Work experience preparing concise reports and interpreting rules and regulations.

Valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record*.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience with Child Nutrition programs; or compliance reviews for federal grants, and/or audit.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; and office practices and administrative procedures.

Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; the use of a computer and applicable software; and effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills.

Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people; effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; multi-task in a fast-paced environment; to prepare reports; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and 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. 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, occasionally overnight (up to 30%).

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 Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

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

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 accommodation, 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 Program Management MOS Codes.