Grants Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Grants Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BH-Adult Mental Health Svcs 
Posting Number: 7963 
Closing Date: 08/25/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Program Specialist VI (PSVI) performs advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to behavioral health grant programs. Responsible for assisting with the administration of the Healthy Community Collaborative (HCC) Grant Program including serving as the primary programmatic point of contact for grantees. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Mental Health Grant Programs (MHGP) Director in the Adult, Crisis, & Forensic (ACF) Mental Health Services unit.

The PSVI monitors grantee progress related to meeting programmatic performance metrics and outcomes, assists in developing systems, processes, procedures, and forms related to HCC grant administration.

Note: Salary typically falls within mid-range. This position is telework eligible. Please note, all HHSC positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need. 

Essential Job Functions

Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of behavioral health grants, including the Healthy Community Collaborative Grant Program. Responsible for day-to-day management of grant projects and monitoring projects’ progress toward meeting performance outcomes. Tracks, collects, and analyzes monthly and quarterly expenditure and performance data and information submitted by grantee organizations to determine progress. (20%)

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. (20%)

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. (20%)

Coordinates and represents the grant program in development of procurement and contracting activities related to behavioral health grants, including the Healthy Community Collaborative Grant Program. Participates in solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals and Request for Applications. Ensures grant programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, and agency policy and procedures. (15%)

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. (15%)

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. (10%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

None.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Texas Health and Human Service Commission's policies and procedures.
• Behavioral health programming.
• The Housing First approach and evidence-based approaches needed to better serve people experiencing homelessness.
• State and federal grant administration practices and regulations including Uniform Grant Management Standards and 2 CFR Part 200.
• Office equipment, computers, Windows Operating System, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet.
• Project management including prioritization, planning, estimating, controlling, reporting, communication and implementing.
• Process improvement practices and applications.
• Performance measure development and program evaluation.
• Contracting and procurement regulations.
• Accounting principles and practices.

Skills in:

• Communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
• Analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and comprehensively and accurately evaluating different types of administrative reports.
• Completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

Ability to:  

• Analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
• Evaluate and monitor grantee performance and provide recommendations.
• Deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.
• Work as part of a team.
• Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to grants.
• Evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.
• Make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.

Initial Screening Criteria

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Professional experience related to grant program coordination.

Preferred:

• Behavioral Health program design and/or implementation.
• Evidence-based approaches needed to better serve people experiencing homelessness.
• Project management and process improvement experience.

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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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.