Project and Grants Manager

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Functional Title: Project and Grants Manager 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: SUD Prevention Program 
Posting Number: 7555 
Closing Date: 08/11/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Program Specialist VII, functionally known as the Project and Grants Manager, will report directly to the Deputy Associate Commissioner (Director III) of the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion Unit in the Substance Use Programs Area of Behavioral Health Services.

The Project and Grants Manager is a non-supervisory role that performs highly advanced project management and special project tasks, consultative services, and technical assistance work for Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion (PBHP) unit to ensure the successful implementation several multi-million-dollar projects and grants. PBHP oversees the development and expansion of Texas’ comprehensive prevention system, which includes both substance use and suicide prevention programs and services. This role will create, plan, prioritize, implement, and undertake projects to support the programmatic operations and strategic growth of PBHP. The position may work independently or work collaboratively in planning projects and will serve as the unit lead on projects. The Grants and Project Manager plays a critical role in turning unit and project team’s goals into concrete success. The Grants and Project Manager must be a highly organized, detail oriented, systematic thinker, with exceptional project management and communication skills. Responsible for the successful management and execution of key PBHP projects designed to advance the Texas Prevention System and PBHP's strategic direction through competitive procurements, grant applications, legislative activities, training development and other strategic and special projects. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative, independent judgment, and critical thinking.  

This position will involve planning and developing complex agency projects and initiatives related to substance use programs, which may include collaboration with other Behavioral Health Service programs, community organizations, and stakeholders. The position will initiate, monitor, assess risk, and communicate with key stakeholders and relevant agencies on federal and state projects undertaken by PBHP and BHS. This position will create processes, systems, and projects aimed at improving and building efficiencies for PBHP. This position will oversee more than one project simultaneously, which will include multiple highly complex projects, while remaining in constant communication with the unit director to ensure project are in alignment with unit goals. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

[ESJ1] Project Management: Assists in the strategic organization of the PBHP Unit by managing and streamlining the comprehensive contractorThis position will also interface with PBHP subject matter experts to ensure timely and accurate deliverables across all funded programs. Works cross functionally within SUP and BHS often representing PBHP within internal workgroups or committees, including policy committees, quality management, fiscal collaboration. Oversees and coordinates internal and external unit program projects and complicated processes by developing project timelines and assigned roles and responsibilities. Supports a cohesive team effort to accomplish goals, milestones and metrics. Coordinates effective stakeholder meetings with project officers and contractors. Establishes strong relationships with internal and external partners to achieve project goals and to increase the likelihood of sustainability of the project. Adheres to internal policies and reporting requirements established by HHSC, BHS Program Sections. (35%)

[ESJ 2] Prevention Strategy: Assists in the strategic growth and direction of the prevention system by initiating and leading the development and execution of competitive procurements and funding proposals (including grant applications and needs and capacity assessments), completion of legislative inquires and activities, including but not limited to developing issue briefs, bill analysis, responding to legislative requests, legislative budget board measure reports, exceptional item requests, and Texas Administrative Code reviews and updates. Participates in development and organization of strategic planning and goal setting for PBHP. Monitors PBHP performance measure review process and manages project quality to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications. Completes prevention block grant reports and other federal grants, as applicable, and all necessary reviews in accordance with SUP and BHS policies. Assist leadership in identifying opportunities for collaboration and growth throughout PBHP teams, within BHS, and amongst internal and external statewide partners. Spearheads and participates in the evidence-based programs process and review workgroup. Works with appropriate staff to evaluate data requests and collect success stories to share with internal and external stakeholders. Participates in grant writing and application development; management and development and execution of new contracts or programs. Collaborates with PBHP leadership to conduct risk assessments of unit projects and responsibilities and informs PBHP DAC with suggestions to mitigate risks, track and monitor prevention activities and responses to improve processes and internal efficiencies. (35%)

[ESJ 3] Prevention Training and Development: Performs advanced policy and administration work related to behavioral health services and substance use prevention training services. Oversees training program implementation, reviews external trainings, assesses training needs, and provides guidance to staff and external partners including contracted partners on training regarding substance use prevention, other primary prevention, public health promotion and behavioral health promotion. Provides advanced consultation by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, relating to HHSC training policies and procedures. Also monitors standards and literature related to behavioral health promotion and emerging best practices. Provides technical assistance and consultive services to PBHP training contractor. Participates in grant writing and application development; management and development and execution of new contracts or programs. Collaborates with PBHP leadership to conduct risk assessments of unit projects and responsibilities and informs PBHP DAC with suggestions to mitigate risks, track and monitor prevention activities and responses to improve processes and internal efficiencies.  Collaborates with PBHP leadership to develop internal controls, operating procedures, and reference materials to support and enhance training and technical assistance delivery. Makes presentations to stakeholders about project challenges and successes. Regularly attends workgroups and other meetings as assigned. (20%)

[ESJ4] Performs other duties as assigned: Other duties may include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for public health initiatives related or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, serving on planning committees, or additional workgroups. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Prevention and behavioral health promotion, suicide prevention best practices, CLAS Standards, Non-Medical Drivers of Health, Trauma-informed Care, Social Ecological Model, and the Strategic Prevention Framework;
• Rules, guidelines, and laws applicable to confidentiality and the management of protected client information;
• Best-practice/evidence-based program implementation including information about how to track and monitor fidelity;
• Local, state, and federal laws/rules related to the provision of substance use prevention services, suicide prevention, public health and behavioral health;
• Effective strategic planning processes and planning tools, including logic model development, SWOT analysis, and needs assessments; and
• The grant lifecycle management, including application/proposal development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

Skill in:             

• Effective verbal and written communication and public speaking;
• Effective project management; successfully taking a project from conceptualization through completion;
• Ability to address changes in scope or timing of large-scale projects;
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy, program and implementation issues;
• Facilitation of large workgroups;
• Computer software, including Microsoft Office suite programs (including PowerPoint and Excel), Office35/SharePoint, website development and web-based communication platforms such as Teams and Zoom, and project management and data collection software;
• Quick comprehension of complex issues and ability to prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; effective organization, planning and management of projects; and
• Skills in researching and identifying grants and funding opportunities.

Ability to:

• Work both independently and collaboratively under limited supervision;
• Exercise sound judgement in accordance with all HHS policies in making critical decisions;
• Lead training, technical assistance, and cross-functional workgroups;
• Support the development and oversight of contracts;
• Think strategically and manage multiple projects, competitive priorities, and complete deliverables by deadline;
• Be solution-focused and work well in a team environment; 
• Build and maintain strong interpersonal and interdisciplinary relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders;
• Develop complex, detailed implementation plans and reports for a variety of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders;
• Communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing; and
• Apply time management strategies and principles to maximize work productivity.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must hold a certification as a Prevention Specialist or obtain within 18 months of employment. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Certified Texas Contract Manager preferred but not required.   

Initial Screening Criteria:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in prevention science, public health, social work, health education, business administration, project management, or other related field from an accredited college or university is required.

A minimum of three years of project or grant management experience is required; with at least one year managing prevention, behavioral health, and public health programs required. 

At least one year of prior state or government experience is highly preferred.

Advanced Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in public administration, health services, social work, business administration, human services, or related areas, or equivalent post master’s degree training preferred.

Additional Information:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. 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 need.

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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.