Grants Specialist 1

Prepares or consults on the preparation of grant proposals. Administers ongoing grant programs and related funds. Research service needs and compatible funding sources, and prepares or assists with preparation of requests for proposals. Administers and/or awards funds on behalf of agency or other grantors. Analyzes existing projects or programs to determine effectiveness. Audits expenditures of grant funds to ensure that funds are spent according to stipulation, and deadlines are met. Compiles and prepares reports. Maintain and revise grant and contract files, databases, ledgers, and records. Maintains financial accountability and compliance of grant programs through comprehensive audits, financial records, review of expenditures, and documented program outcomes. Monitors compliance with grants stipulations and program progress through on-site evaluations and reviews of plans and reports. Prepares documentation/reports according to required format of grantors. Processes claims, payments, or provider reimbursements. Provides information concerning program and explains the application process. Provides technical assistance to recipients. Research needs and eligibility for grants through surveys, statistics, accounting, and planning methods. Reviews and evaluates less complex grant applications or proposals.

Duties & Responsibilities: The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities.

This Grants Specialist exercises independent judgment and initiative to perform a variety of detailed grants management functions. She/he assists local governments to obtain, manage, and close -out federal disasters for the Public Assistance and Recovery Division, monitors compliance with grant policies and procedures, and assists in preparation of grant proposals and progress reports. She/he advises local governments on eligibility criteria, collects required financial and programmatic documents; reviews grantees' expenditure of grant funds to ensure that funds are spent according to regulations, and reviews final grant documentation to ensure all information is included in the required format.

Specific duties will include:

• Managing and administering Public Assistance Program grant funds on behalf of GEMA involving multiple state, local, and private non-profit entities
• Advising on and monitoring compliance with grant programs policies and procedures.
• Preparing or consulting on preparation of grant proposals.
• Researching agency or local government funding needs, potential grant sources and eligibility for grant funding.
• Compiling and maintaining timely and detailed documents and information needed to generate reports, process payments, and complete projects.
• Accurately responding to customer questions and concerns, and developing recommendations for resolving them.
• Extensively interacting with sub grantees to monitor their work towards grant completion and closeout, and thoroughly documenting and reporting on project progress.
• Keeping management informed of successes, project progress, and potential issues with assigned projects
• Working as an action officer in the State Operations Center during periods of activation (12 hour shifts - may be day or overnight and can include weekends)
• Working in the GEMA/FEMA Joint Field Office (JFO) as needed following federally declared emergencies

The successful candidate will possess a high level of competency in the following areas:

• Arithmetic and mathematical reasoning
• Goal and task management
• Verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
• Application of technology to tasks
• Customer service
• Attention to detail
• Analysis and problem solving

All GEMA Staff are subject to 24/7 call in without notice in emergency situations and during disaster activations may be assigned duties outside the scope of those they usually perform. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Grants Management experience
• Significant (i.e. three or more years) experience in federal grants administration
• Experience managing emergency management grant funds
• Experience providing technical assistance to sub grantees
• An intermediate level of proficiency using MS Word, Excel, and Access (preferably 2010) and Lotus Notes computer application software

Additional Information: 

The selected candidate will be required to pass a background investigation as a condition of employment. Items that may be examined in a background check include but are not limited to: credit records, criminal records, education records, past employers, military records, state licensing/certification records, and driving records.

Please include in your profile or attachments a list of the computer applications you know how to use and your level of skill in each program. Please also provide any other job-related information you wish us to consider in evaluating your qualifications for this position.