STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Grants And Contracts Specialist

Hybrid

Recruitment #260325-4191AR-001

Introduction



Are you a current State of Connecticut employee with experiecne experience in planning, implementation and/or management of grant programs? Are you looking to tackle a new opportunity? then look no further than this chance to join our team as a Grants And Contracts Specialist!

At the Department of Children and Families (DCF), we are looking to fill one role as a Grants And Contracts Specialist in our Department’s Division of Fiscal Services - Grants and Contracts Unit located at Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT.  

Position Highlights:
  • This position is full-time, following a first shift schedule, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Based in our Central Office, 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT, with occasional statewide travel for meetings, training, and other activities
  • After successful completion of the working test period, the role may offer a hybrid telework schedule, providing greater work flexibility
The Role:
The Grants and Contracts Unit oversee Purchase of Service (POS) and Personal Service Agreement (PSA)  Contracts, Federal State and Private Grants, and Youth Service Bureaus. The Grants and Contracts Specialist reports directly to the Fiscal/Administrative Supervisor supporting the Grants and Contracts unit.

What’s In It For You:
  • Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
  • Professional growth and development opportunities.
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
  • The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.  Click here for more information.

Why Join Us?
We are an ambitious team dedicated to making a difference, engaging in meaningful work that positively impacts children and families. Together, we collaborate with a diverse group of professionals and community partners, encouraging connections that drive success. We benefit from professional growth opportunities and a nurturing work environment that supports our development. As a forward-thinking organization, we value innovation and excellence, striving to make a lasting impact in everything we do.

At DCF our mission is to partner with communities and empower families to raise resilient children who thrive. We are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce, who strive daily to meet the needs of those we encounter. We comprise of a Central Office, fourteen area offices, two facilities, and the Wilderness School.

We hope you take this opportunity to join our team and continue serving your state!

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: 

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources?  Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY: 

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting. 
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY: 

  • Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.  
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: 

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Ethan Ives at Ethan.Ives@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in planning, implementation, management and evaluation of a large complex grant program or group of programs in one field where responsibilities are assumed for program development, liaison and coordination with federal, state and community agencies and organizations, program implementation and administration, program monitoring and assessment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs specialized related duties in the area of grants management; 
  • Performs research to support the application for or the disbursement of grants including needs analysis, literature review and regulations critique to identify problems and determine priorities; 
  • Develops alternatives; 
  • Gathers information related to program area; 
  • Develops goals and objectives, evaluation standards, timetables, other program components and department policy for program area and individual projects; 
  • Prepares grant proposals; 
  • Monitors use of grant monies awarded to agency to ensure adherence to all terms and conditions; 
  • Facilitates direct grant process; 
  • Provides technical assistance and acts as resource person to grantees; 
  • Evaluates program proposals and applications for conformance with regulations and state goals; 
  • Recommends funding; prepares contracts and agreements related to grant activities; 
  • Monitors and assesses ongoing programs for conformance to reporting requirements, general budget and timetable guidelines and program effectiveness; 
  • Prepares quarterly and annual reports and statewide annual plan or section of plan related to program local area; 
  • Attends meetings of appropriate state, local and regional organizations and performs other liaison functions to coordinate efforts in program area; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • grant preparation and administration; 
    • program evaluation and monitoring functions; 
  • Knowledge of
    • research methods and techniques; 
    • budget preparation and monitoring; 
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to utilize computer software; 
  • Supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) years of experience in planning, implementation and/or management of grant programs on a community, state or federal level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience preparing and administering contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contract language and scopes of service, as well as familiarity with RFP/RFQ development and procurement requirements.
  • Experience interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures at the state or federal level.
  • Analytical and technical skills, including experience with Microsoft (advanced formulas and functions), Microsoft Office Suite Teams; Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and financial or reporting systems such as the Statewide Analytical Reporting System (STARS).
  • Experience with fiscal processes such as budgeting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Experience managing workloads, including prioritizing assignments, delegating tasks, and identifying and resolving issues in environments with shifting priorities.
  • Experience working independently and as part of a team in an environment with changing work priorities.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility. 


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.