Program Specialist VI
The Program Specialist VI performs advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to grants, including the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of Adult Mental Health Program Services in the Behavioral Health Services Section.

Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of grant programs including serving as the primary programmatic point of contact for grantees. Monitors grantee progress related to meeting programmatic performance metrics and outcomes. Assists in developing systems, processes, procedures, and forms related to grant administration. Assists in developing and coordinating informational documents related to grant program. Provides technical assistance to grantees and identifies opportunities for training. Coordinates with internal agency and external representatives as needed.

Strong writing skills and attention to detail required.

Disclaimer: Salary typically falls in the medium range of posting.

**This position has the ability to work remotely.

Essential Job Functions:
Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of grants including the Community Mental Health Grant Program. Responsible for day-to-day management of grant projects and monitoring projects’ progress toward meeting performance outcomes, and for oversight of grantee progress related to project expenditures on an ongoing and consistent basis. Tracks, collects, and analyzes monthly and quarterly expenditure and performance data and information submitted by grantee organizations to determine progress.

Participates in the development and implementation of program systems, processes, procedures, and forms to ensure success of grant projects and improvement. Coordinates with internal and external representatives to develop and implement quality assurance processes; identifies program areas needing change and makes recommendations for improvement. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding grant program, policies, procedures, and best practices related to grant administration.

Routinely provides timely and accurate technical assistance and appropriate troubleshooting to internal and external representatives. Consults with grant recipients to provide assistance related to grant management, project implementation, budget development, invoices, and supporting documentation. Consults with grantees to identify opportunities for relevant grantee training. Oversees development and implementation of trainings.

Coordinates and represents the grant program the development of procurement and contracting activities related to grants, including the Community Mental Health Grant Program including solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals and Request for Applications and solicitation development, planning meetings, and timelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, and agency policy and procedures.

Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to the grant program including legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives. Represents program at meetings as directed, attends conferences, and briefs leadership.

Coordinates with appropriate program and agency staff to conduct grant program and grant project compliance and risk assessment activities and to implement correction action or recommendations. Consults with internal agency representatives to ensure program compliance with applicable requirements, regulations, policies and procedures. Escalates issues in a timely manner to Unit Manager.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
KNOWLEDGE OF:

Knowledge of Texas Health and Human Service Commission's policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the Texas Resilience Recovery model in Texas, Utilization Management Guidelines, and evidence-based practices.

Knowledge of the Medicaid system in Texas.

Knowledge of state and federal grant administration practices and regulations including Uniform Grant Management Standards and 2 CFR Part 200.

Knowledge of office equipment, computers, Windows Operating System, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet.

Knowledge of accounting procedures and methods, and the ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions.

SKILLS IN:

Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.

Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.

Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

ABILITY TO:

Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.

Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.

Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.

Ability to prepare financial and accounting records.

Ability to analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data.

Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.

Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.

Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.

Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.

Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred

Initial Selection Criteria:
Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, public affairs or a related field. Master's Degree in a human resources related field is preferred.

Experience with behavioral health rules and the development of contract language, experience managing large systems change initiatives preferred.

Experience in the direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services.

Additional Information:

MOS Code:
N/A

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