Grants Compliance Specalist

Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for these children in court, school and other settings; with the goal of reuniting children with their families whenever safe and possible. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed with the goal of ensuring these children are kept safe and have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

In Texas, there are 73 local CASA volunteer advocacy programs with more than 11,000 volunteers serving nearly 30,000 children in 219 counties across the state. Texas CASA is the statewide organization that provides funding, resources, training and support to these local programs to ensure they can operate effectively and seek out the best possible volunteers who will advocate passionately for the children they serve.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Grants Compliance Specialist conducts desk reviews for local CASA programs and is responsible for the administration of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Advocate/Volunteer Travel, Pre-Service Volunteer Training (PSVT) Title IV-E, and License Plate grants. Administration duties include ensuring compliance with grant contract requirements and providing technical assistance to local CASA programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Compiles, reviews, and analyzes data to verify support documentation for grant expenditures billed to the Texas CASA pass-through grants for randomly selected month(s) during the desk review process.
• Verifies compliance with specific requirements by conducting desk reviews.
• Reviews local CASA programs' annual audited financials.
• Interprets policies, rules, or regulations; provides guidance to local CASA programs and the community regarding grant administration, compliance, policies, and procedures; and resolves related issues and concerns.
• Serves as the contact with outside funding agencies: Health and Human Services Commission (License Plate) and Department of Family and Protective Services (Title IV-E) concerning grant fund requests and reports.
• Manages monthly Requests for Reimbursements (RFRs) submitted by local CASA programs for assigned grant funds.
• Provides daily operational and technical assistance to the CASA network regarding grant-related issues (RFRs, applications, budget adjustments, etc.).
• Collaborates with the other Grants Department members for the development and presentation of grant-related training to local CASA programs.
• Develops and prepares grant reports and spreadsheets as required or requested by funding agency or Grants Management Director.
• Assists local programs in working with the online data manager and Texas CASA website.
• Audits the annual grant internal control questionnaires for local CASA programs.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works with other Texas CASA departments to provide relevant administrative information to local programs.
• Analyzes current processes and procedures and make recommendations to improve efficiencies and quality of services and programs.
• Provides high quality customer service when working with colleagues, the CASA network, and Texas CASA funders.
• Assists in preparing grant closeout materials as needed.
• Assists in reviewing grant applications as needed.
• Assists with the Texas CASA Annual Conference as needed.
• Performs all other duties and completes special projects as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: Required:

• College Degree and/or equivalent experience in accounting, finance, business administration or non-profit management.
• Three or more years of grants management experience including knowledge and understanding of grant regulations, in particular Uniform Guidance and TxGMS.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations.
• Must pass background check.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of accounting software such as QuickBooks for Non-Profits.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.
• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; as well as willingness and openness to learning, growing and having discussions around this arena.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work will primarily be performed remotely and/or in an office environment requiring ongoing computer use.
• Travel may be required up to 10% of the time. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions.
• This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Benefits

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION:Salary range from $58,500 to $60,000, depending on experience.

BENEFITS:Hybrid (partially remote and in person), Austin based working environment. In addition, the person

will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs, which include:

• Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability