City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Public Health Social Services Funding Specialist

Under general supervision, this position ensures City of Austin Social Services investments and initiatives achieve the desired impact based on community need, research, and contract requirements.  

1. Prepares scope of work and other solicitation related documentation for assigned contracts within the APH Social Services funding program.
2. Prepares and processes RFP/RFA documents and grant subcontracts, negotiates work-statements/budgets, and executes assigned contracts.
3. Participates in evaluating and negotiating agreements for successful applicants.
4. Reviews and approves reimbursement request for assigned contracts.
5. Develops and maintains good relationships with stakeholders, community leaders, public and private sector partners, and the general public.
6. Provides leadership, technical advice, subject matter expertise, and general assistance to community members, external consultants, internal department staff, and City management.
7. Develops and conducts training and technical assistance through a variety of methods.
8. Collects program feedback on an ongoing basis, prepares responsive revisions to program guidelines, and conducts ongoing evaluation and revision of program policies, processes, and procedures in consultation with stakeholders.
9. Represents the Social Services Program, as appropriate, at professional meetings of various scopes including work groups related to funded services.
10. Ensures that all records and databases are maintained and administered in accordance with applicable laws and City policies; and fields inquiries from City management, the public, and media regarding the Social Services Program.
11. Creates and submits required reports.
12. Provides technical assistance to funded agencies to ensure compliance with terms and conditions
13. Monitors contractor and subcontractor performance for compliance to contract terms and conditions by reviewing contractor performance, compiling contractor performance evaluation information, resolving minor contract issues, and reporting major contract problems to supervisor.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of contracting and contract administration.
• Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices regulations, policies, and techniques.
• Knowledge of contract language, terms, conditions etc.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
• Skill in high-level communication and in navigating and facilitating productive discussions with a wide variety of participants.
• Skill in using computers and related software, including digital databases for contract monitoring, data reporting, and supporting business needs.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in effective project management and customer service, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and effectively manage workflow to meet deadlines.
• Skill in navigating organizational, community, and team dynamics.
• Ability to evaluate contractor performance.
• Ability to develop technical and program requirements and specific terms or conditions for contracts.
• Ability to resolve non-complex contractual problems.
• Ability to cultivate diverse relationships with internal and external stakeholders and create space for continual inquiry and dialogue.
• Ability to remain flexible in order to handle interruptions and shift priorities when organizational demands require.
• Ability to take initiative and develop solutions quickly and effectively.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical assistance to a variety of audiences, including public presentations.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, or another relevant field, plus two (2) years of experience in developing and implementing social services programs, grant monitoring, community engagement, nonprofit development, or related experience.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.