Infectious Disease Grant Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Under the direction of the Infectious Disease Prevention (IDP) Business Operations Director, the Grant Specialist V plays a critical role in securing and managing funding that supports public health initiatives across Texas. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health by ensuring critical programs receive the funding they need to succeed. As part of a collaborative and mission-driven team, you will play a vital role in securing and managing grants that directly support infectious disease prevention efforts. This position offers opportunities for professional growth, financial oversight experience, and policy development while providing work-life balance and job stability. This senior-level position works closely with DSHS programs to develop, coordinate, and oversee grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, optimizing financial management, and driving impactful health programs. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in grant administration, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across multiple teams to ensure funding is effectively utilized to improve public health. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(30%) Overseeing the coordination, research, and identification of grant opportunities, the Grant Specialist V leads efforts to secure funding that supports infectious disease prevention programs. This position works closely with internal DSHS programs to develop grant applications, ensuring all submissions include strong objectives, detailed work plans, and well-structured budgets. The Grant Specialist V provides consultative services and technical assistance to internal teams, guiding them through budget planning, compliance requirements, and approval processes. Additionally, this position reviews grant applications to ensure they meet eligibility criteria and submission requirements. By developing programmatic language for contracts and requests for proposals, the Grant Specialist V ensures alignment with IDP’s mission while supporting the ongoing improvement of contracting processes.

(25%) In addition to securing and developing grants, this position oversees budget planning and financial oversight for grant-funded initiatives. Working closely with the Funds Coordination, Management Branch, and the Budget Office, the Grant Specialist V reviews and monitors expenditures, including personnel costs, contract allocations, and grant-related financial adjustments. This position ensures funds are used effectively and in compliance with grant guidelines, while also preparing financial reports for leadership to support data-driven decision-making. The Grant Specialist V helps refine financial policies and procedures, making recommendations for improvements in fiscal oversight and accountability. The position maintains thorough documentation of grant activities and contractor files to ensure transparency and accountability in all funding processes.

(15%) Oversees the development and implementation of effective techniques for monitoring and evaluating grants and cooperative agreements for IDP Division. Oversees the preparation, completion, and submission of administrative, financial, and performance reports on grant projects and finances. Monitors and tracks the progress and completion of grant-funded projects and activities. Works with contractors, Contract Management Section, program staff, and IDP Division subject matter experts to resolve programmatic audit findings and develop corrective action plans.

(15%) Serving as a liaison between the IDP Division and DSHS programs, this position plays a vital role in supporting grant-funded projects by attending meetings, responding to information requests, and providing expert guidance on grant and contract related matters. The Grant Specialist V facilitates routine coordination meetings, ensuring all action items and follow-ups are addressed in a timely manner. This position helps drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement in grant-funded initiatives.

(10%) In addition to grant management, this position is responsible for developing and reviewing IDP Division memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and affiliation agreements with internal and external partners. The Grant Specialist V works with the Contract Management Section and other stakeholders to coordinate the approval process for these agreements, ensuring compliance with agency policies and strategic objectives. The position also assists the Manager with special projects and assignments as needed.

(5%) As part of the agency’s commitment to public health emergency preparedness, the Grant Specialist V may be called upon to support disaster response and recovery efforts. This may include adjusting work schedules, assignments, or locations as needed to ensure the agency’s operations continue effectively during emergencies.

REGISTRTION, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS: 

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) issued by the Texas Comptroller's Office preferred or must be obtained within the first 6-months of employment.  

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and contract administration.
• Knowledge of contracting, contract monitoring, and accouting procedures.
• Knowledge of research and budget processes.
• Knowledge of business administration principles and practices, including financial management and accounting.
• Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
• Knowledge of budget processes and of program management processes and techniques.

• Skill in grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring.
• Skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
• Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise grant documents.
• Skill in report writing.
• Skill in reviewing contract applications.
• Skill in budget development and monitoring.
• Skill in communication, including effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, including MS Word, Excel, and project management software.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate contracts.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies, and procedures related to contracts.
• Ability to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; to communicate effectively.
• Ability to evaluate and assess contractor performance, identify contractor problems, and develop corrective action plans.
• Ability to manage projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.
• Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze input from multiple programs.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret procedures related to cooperative agreement/grant applications, reporting, and evaluation.
• Ability to train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others. 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: None

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and Education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience in the grant administration, development, coordination, and monitoring.
• Experience with contract management
• Experience working with federal budgets.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form