Project and Grants Manager

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

4d•$5,798 - $9,508•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Project and Grants Manager plays a critical role in turning unit and project team’s goals into concrete success. The Project and Grants 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. 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.

Requirements

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 (3) years of project or grant management experience managing prevention, behavioral health, and public health programs required.
Must hold a certification as a Prevention Specialist or obtain within 24 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in public administration, health services, public health, social work, business administration, or related areas, or equivalent post master’s degree training preferred.
At least two (2) years of prior government (local, state, federal, university, etc.) experience is highly preferred.
At least one (1) year of previous work experience in suicide prevention, intervention, postvention or substance use prevention, intervention program(s), highly preferred.
Project Management (PMP) certification or Certified Texas Contract Manager preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Assists in the strategic organization of the PBHP Unit by managing and streamlining the comprehensive contractor documentation (invoices, performance measures, deliverables. contract and budget amendments, and closeout) in adherence with PBHP, BHS, and HHSC policies and procedures, in coordination with other units as appropriate.
Interfaces with PBHP subject matter experts to ensure timely and accurate deliverables across all funded programs.
Coordinates with other agency staff, including Quality Management and Contract Management, in order to ensure contractor adherence to statements of work and other contract requirements.
Enhances and streamlines the provider experience with PBHP including monitoring the prevention email inbox and coordinateds appropriate timely responses to inquiries, manages access and content on provider facing SharePoint sites, forums, websites and identified process improvement solutions.
Works collaboratively across PBHP to assist in the scheduling of annual site visits and maintenance of an annual programmatic calendar, including but not limited to events, trainings, projects and site visits.
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.
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 inquiries 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.
Assists 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.
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.
Monitors standards and literature related to behavioral health promotion and emerging best practices.
Provides technical assistance and consultative services to PBHP training contractor.
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.
Actively participates and/or serves 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.
May require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.