Human Services Specialist II - Community Resources and Services, Office of Community Partnerships

Howard County Government•Md 21046, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Opioid & Cannabis Grants Manager works under the supervision of the Opioid & Cannabis Program Manager to support grantmaking and funding activities. This position contributes to funding opportunity notices, develops grant agreements and other grant-related documents, monitors and provides technical assistance to grantees, and engages with community members and partners to support two advisory boards. Responsibilities include supporting grants administration functions for multiple grant areas, grantees, and applicants throughout the grant life cycle—including pre-award, award, and post-award grants management process, performance monitoring, financial tracking, technical assistance, and year-end close-out. Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives; and providing a full range of counseling and referral services. Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws; and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs. This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and one (1) year related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and spreadsheet applications necessary.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing grants and/or contracts, working directly with grantees or contractors, and providing support and technical assistance to grantees or contractors.
Experience developing and/or supporting partners, grantees, or contractors in the development of performance measures and project/program evaluation strategies.
Working knowledge of grants management best practices and processes; ability to understand and communicate about technical, budgetary, and grants administration details.
Knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following areas: substance use or mental health continuum of care; social justice and equity principles; cannabis industry and drug policy landscape.
Experience and/or formal training on group facilitation and engagement methods.
Experience administering programs or managing projects related to physical or behavioral health, social justice and equity, or human services within a public sector, nonprofit, or community-based organization.
Strong attention to detail and ability to think critically and independently.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to exercise appropriate judgment about when to take initiative and when to seek support.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the Department, other departments of County Government, community partners and vendors.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse audiences and partners of various disciplines, affiliations, and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Makes recommendations and supports the Opioid & Cannabis Program Manager in developing, executing, and evaluating a strategic grant management plan.
Helps develop and maintain public-facing materials and reports to support transparency.
Conducts and compiles research as needed.
Provides support and thought leadership for the Opioid Restitution Fund Commission and Adult Use Cannabis Advisory Panel, including strategic direction, meeting content, and facilitation.
Contributes to and disseminates funding opportunity notices, applications, and guidance.
Provides technical assistance and guidance to applicants.
Conducts due diligence review and analyses of applications and budgets.
Supports the grant application review process.
Prepares and distributes award letters.
Receives, tracks, and maintains grantee documentation.
Develops grant agreements and oversees routing.
Prepares and maintains grant files.
Assembles information and prepares grant reports.
Supports monitoring activities, including reviewing grantee reports and conducting follow-up.
Reviews and approves reimbursement requests.
Tracks award balances and spending.
Processes modification requests and prepares grant amendments.
Manages and maintains grant documentation.
Reconciles grant spending.
Reviews projects for compliance and impact.
Develops or supports development of public-facing reports on grantee activities and outcomes.
Serves as day-to-day liaison between the Office of Community Partnerships and community partners/stakeholders.
Provides grant reports, analyses, and grant-related information upon request.
Maintains the integrity of the online grants management system by ensuring complete, accurate, and updated data.
Communicates with software vendors to troubleshoot issues.
Supports emergency management activities as requested, including work outside normal business hours.
Performs other duties as assigned.