TDA - Famp;N Grant Specialist

Food Nutrition Grant Specialist. Salary: $5,250.00 – $5,750.00 per month.

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 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.

The Grant Specialist performs complex/highly complex grant eligibility and administration work for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition (FN) division. You will be involved in determining and verifying the eligibility of contracting entities 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 States 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.

• Analyze and process a high volume of program contracts applications, renewals and updates based on established FN 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 determine 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; provide 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 of FN 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 and work plans.

• For a Grant Specialist II (B19):
  Bachelor’s Degree (or one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college). Three (3) years of 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.
• For a Grant Specialist III (B21):
  Bachelor’s Degree (or one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college). Four (4) years of 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.
• Preferred 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 of laws and regulations pertaining to grants…